Ayurvedic Treatment for Cough and Cold: Natural Remedies to Soothe Your Symptoms

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 to help alleviate the symptoms of cough and cold. These remedies often utilise ingredients readily available in most kitchens or traditional herbal preparations. Here are seven effective 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 stimulates the production of antibodies, helping to control infections and support the body’s immune response.
• It possesses expectorant properties, aiding in the expulsion of sticky mucus and soothing the airways.

How to take it

• Chew 4-5 fresh tulsi leaves first thing in the morning to boost immunity.
• Prepare tulsi kadha by boiling tulsi leaves with ginger, garlic, and other herbs like 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 make it beneficial for soothing a sore throat and reducing cough.

How it works

• Honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe a sore throat and reduce cough.
• 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 to create a relieving concoction for coughs and colds.
• Mix honey with herbal teas like ginger tea or tulsi tea to enhance their soothing effects and make them more palatable.

3. Mulethi

Mulethi, or liquorice root, has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to manage various respiratory ailments, including cough and cold. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties make it beneficial for soothing throat irritation and managing infections.

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’s expectorant properties help loosen mucus, making it easier for the patient to cough it out and breathe freely.
• It provides relief from headaches and congestion associated with the common cold, reducing overall discomfort.

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 a staple ingredient in many Ayurvedic cough remedies. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in managing sore throat and cough.

How it works

• Sonth’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe sore throat and cough, providing relief from discomfort.
• It aids in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and reducing congestion.

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 is a warming spice with numerous health benefits in Ayurveda. Its warming properties make it particularly effective in reducing congestion.

How it works

• Cinnamon’s warming properties help ease congestion and soothe the throat, providing relief from discomfort.
• It aids in expelling mucus, making it easier to breathe and reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing.

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’s anti-inflammatory properties help ease frequent coughs and sore throats, providing relief from discomfort.
• As an immunomodulator, Giloy helps fight fever and infections, strengthening the body’s natural defence mechanisms.

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.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment for Cough

Ayurvedic treatments for cough provide a natural and holistic approach, targeting the root causes of the condition and offering several advantages over conventional methods:

• Helps restore  balance in the body’s doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha, addressing the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms
• Utilises herbs with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to control inflammation, soothe the throat, and manage infections
• Incorporates herbs with expectorant properties to help loosen and expel mucus, relieving congestion and cough
• Employs natural remedies, such as steam inhalation, mulethi and honey mixtures, and herbal teas, reducing the risk of side effects associated with pharmaceuticals
• Helps strengthen the immune system with immunomodulatory herbs like Giloy and Tulsi, helping to prevent future episodes of cough and cold

By addressing the root causes and promoting overall respiratory health, Ayurvedic treatments offer a comprehensive approach to managing cough.

Simple Tips to Stay Away from Cold and Cough

Preventing colds and coughs involves incorporating simple yet effective Ayurvedic principles into your daily life:

• Avoid consuming foods like curd, bananas, and cold fruit juices, as they can aggravate cough and cold symptoms
• Stay hydrated by consuming warm and nourishing foods and beverages to keep the mucous membranes moist and healthy
• Practice pranayama and deep breathing exercises, such as Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, and Anulom Vilom, regularly to improve lung function and reduce congestion.
• Use steam inhalation with herbs like peppermint, clove, or eucalyptus to help open up congested airways and loosen mucus.
• Maintain a balanced diet, focusing on warm and nourishing foods while avoiding heavy and processed items, to support overall respiratory health and immunity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurvedic treatments for cough and cold provide a natural and holistic approach to managing symptoms while promoting overall health and well-being. 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

• Bode, A. M., & Dong, Z. (2011). The amazing and mighty ginger. National Library of Medicine; CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
• Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. (2017). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9217567
• Goldman, R. D. (2014). Honey for treatment of cough in children. Canadian Family Physician, 60(12), 1107. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4264806/