Ayurvedic Treatment for Cough and Cold

Cough and cold are among the most common discomforts that affect us, especially during seasonal changes. In Ayurveda, these are viewed not just as symptoms but as signs of imbalance in the body’s natural energies, known as doshas. Instead of just suppressing the symptoms, Ayurvedic care takes a gentle and holistic approach, focusing on natural herbs, mindful eating, and simple daily habits that may help bring the body back into balance. Whether it’s sipping on warm herbal teas, inhaling soothing steam, or adjusting your diet and routine, Ayurveda offers time-tested ways that may support your body’s recovery and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore how Ayurvedic treatments can help ease symptoms and support recovery from cough and cold.  

7 Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Cough and Cold Relief

Ayurveda offers a range of natural remedies that may help manage the symptoms of cough and cold. These remedies often utilise ingredients readily available in most kitchens or traditional herbal preparations. Here are seven Ayurvedic home remedies that can help ease cough and cold symptoms.

1. Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a revered herb in Ayurveda, often referred to as the “Queen of Herbs”. It is traditionally used as a go-to formula for cough and cold, thanks to its immune-boosting and cough-relieving properties.

How it works

• Tulsi, a revered herb in Ayurveda, is believed to help support the body’s natural immune function and may aid in maintaining overall health and wellness.
• It is traditionally believed to support respiratory health by helping to maintain clear airways and promote natural mucus clearance.

How to take it

• Chewing fresh tulsi leaves in the morning is traditionally believed to support overall wellness and may help maintain a healthy immune system.
• Prepare Tulsi kadha by boiling tulsi leaves with ginger, garlic, and other herbs, such as carom seeds and fenugreek seeds, in water. Drink this concoction twice a day for optimal results.

2. Honey

Honey has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to manage various ailments, including coughs and colds. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are traditionally believed to support throat health and may help alleviate discomfort during a cough.

How it works

• Honey is traditionally used for its soothing properties and may help support throat comfort and respiratory health.
• It acts as a natural expectorant, aiding in the expulsion of mucus and providing relief from congestion.

How to take it

• Combine honey with fresh ginger juice, turmeric, and black pepper is a traditional remedy often used to support throat comfort and general wellness during a cough or cold.
• Mixing honey with herbal teas like ginger tea or tulsi tea is a traditional practice to help enhance flavor and support overall comfort.

3. Mulethi

Mulethi, or liquorice root, has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to manage various respiratory ailments, including cough and cold. It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may help soothe throat discomfort and support overall wellness.

How it works

• Mulethi’s anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties help soothe throat irritation and fight infections.
• It aids in soothing the throat and managing cough, making it easier to breathe and reducing discomfort.

How to take it

• Prepare Mulethi tea by boiling a small piece of Mulethi root in water with grated ginger. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then add honey to the cooled tea and drink twice a day.
• Create a Mulethi kadha by mixing mulethi powder with cinnamon, black pepper, and tulsi leaves in boiling water. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add honey and drink twice a day.

4. Pippali

Pippali, also known as long pepper, is a potent Ayurvedic herb renowned for its expectorant properties.

How it works

• Pippali, an herb in Ayurveda, is traditionally believed to support respiratory health and ease discomfort by promoting the natural flow of airways.
• It is traditionally believed to support comfort during the common cold by soothing symptoms like headaches and congestion..

How to take it

• Swallow a pinch of pippali churna (powder) with 1 teaspoon of honey 1-2 times a day, until the cold and cough subside.
• Alternatively, you can take pippali in the form of tablets or capsules, following the recommended dosage on the product label.

5. Sonth

Sonth, or dry ginger, is commonly used in Ayurvedic remedies for throat discomfort and cough. It is traditionally believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may support overall respiratory health.

How it works

• Sonth is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which are traditionally believed to help soothe throat discomfort and support respiratory health.
• It is traditionally believed to support respiratory health by helping to clear the airways and promote natural mucus elimination.

How to take it

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of sonth with 1 teaspoon of honey and take it twice a day for at least 3 days to alleviate cough and cold symptoms.
• Prepare sonth goli by mixing sonth with cinnamon powder and honey. Take this mixture twice a day for at least 3 days for optimal results.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon, a warming spice in Ayurveda, is traditionally believed to support overall well-being. Its natural properties are often used in Ayurveda to balance the body’s energies and promote comfort.

How it works

• Cinnamon is traditionally believed to have warming properties, which may help support throat comfort and promote overall respiratory health.
• It is traditionally believed to help clear mucus and support breathing comfort..

How to take it

• Combine cinnamon powder with sonth and honey to create a soothing remedy for coughs and colds. Take this mixture twice a day for optimal results.
• Add cinnamon to herbal teas like tulsi tea or ginger tea to enhance their therapeutic effects and make them more palatable.

7. Giloy

Giloy, also known as Guduchi, is a highly revered herb in Ayurveda, known for its immunomodulatory properties.

How it works

• Giloy is traditionally believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help support throat comfort and respiratory health.
• Giloy, an Ayurvedic herb, is traditionally used to support immune health and help the body manage infections and fever.

How to take it

• Take two teaspoons of Giloy juice with warm water on an empty stomach in the morning for optimal results.
• Alternatively, you can take one Giloy tablet with warm water in the morning, following the recommended dosage on the product label.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurvedic remedies for cough and cold focus on supporting the body’s natural balance and promoting overall wellness. These remedies, deeply rooted in the ancient wisdom of Indian medicine, focus on restoring balance to the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and eliminating toxins that can contribute to illness. By integrating these Ayurvedic home remedies and lifestyle adjustments into your routine, you can effectively alleviate cough and cold symptoms while strengthening your immune system and promoting overall wellness.

Expert Quote

“Simple home remedies may help when dealing with cough and cold, as these natural methods can provide comfort and support the body’s natural recovery process. Warm herbal teas, steam inhalation with eucalyptus or mint oil, and using common kitchen ingredients like ginger, tulsi, and honey can help deal with these discomforts by soothing the throat, supporting easier breathing, and providing a sense of relief during mild respiratory discomforts.  However, it’s important to seek medical advice if the discomfort persists or worsens to ensure safe and appropriate care.”

– Dr Anubha Karol

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are on medication.

References

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