According to Ayurveda, cough is caused by an imbalance of the three doshas, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The dosha imbalance can be caused by various factors, such as poor diet, weak digestion, stress, and environmental pollution. When the doshas are imbalanced, it can lead to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract and lead to coughing.
Home Remedies for Cough
Ayurveda for cough focuses on balancing the doshas and eliminating toxins from the body. This may include herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
Some commonly used Ayurvedic remedies for cough include:
- Tulsi (holy basil): Tulsi leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
- Ginger: Ginger is a natural expectorant and can help break up mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up. Ayurveda for cough strongly recommends ginger honey lemon tea for cough and cold.
- Honey: Honey is a natural cough suppressant and can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and alleviate coughing.
- Sitopaladi Churna: Ayurveda for Cough suggests Sitopaladi Churna is an Ayurvedic herbal powder that is commonly used to treat cough and respiratory disorders. It contains ingredients such as cinnamon, cardamom, and bamboo manna, which help balance the doshas and eliminate toxins from the body.
According to Ayurveda, cough is known as “Kaasa” and is considered to be a symptom of an underlying imbalance in the body. Ayurveda classifies cough into five types based on the dosha involvement:
- Vataj Kaasa: This kind of cough is caused by the imbalance of Vata dosha and is usually dry, hacking, and associated with wheezing.
- Pittaj Kaasa: This type of cough is caused by the imbalance of Pitta dosha and is usually accompanied by a burning sensation in the throat and chest.
- Kaphaj Kaasa: This type of cough is caused by the imbalance of Kapha dosha and is usually accompanied by the production of thick, white, or yellowish mucus.
- Sannipataj Kaasa: This type of cough is caused by the imbalance of all three doshas and can have varying symptoms depending on the predominant dosha.
- Kshayaj Kaasa: This type of cough is caused by a weak immune system and can be chronic in nature.
Ayurveda considers cough to be a protective mechanism of the body to expel the accumulated toxins (ama) from the respiratory system. Therefore, treatment in Ayurveda for cough focuses on eliminating toxins and balancing doshas through various remedies, such as herbal formulations, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
Tips to Relieve Congestion
Ayurveda offers various natural remedies to treat kaasa roga or cough, which include:
- Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help relieve cough. Drinking ginger tea two to three times a day can help reduce cough symptoms.
- Honey and turmeric: A mixture of honey and turmeric can help relieve congestion symptoms as per Ayurveda for cough treatment. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of honey and consume it twice a day.
- Tulsi leaves: Tulsi leaves have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve cough. Chew a few tulsi leaves two to three times a day or boil them in water and consume the tea.
- Licorice root: Licorice root has demulcent and expectorant properties that can help soothe the throat and reduce cough. Boil 1 tablespoon of licorice root in a cup of water and consume it twice a day.
- Black pepper and honey: Ayurveda for cough recommends that a mixture of black pepper and honey can help relieve cough symptoms. Crush 5-6 black pepper seeds and mix them with 1 tablespoon of honey. Consume it twice a day.
- Gargling with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the throat and reduce cough symptoms. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it twice a day.
Ayurveda offers several herbs and their preparations for cough and cold relief. Here are some popular Ayurveda for cough herbs and their preparations for cough and cold:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is a potent herb with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It is commonly used in Ayurveda to treat cough and cold. To use it for cough relief, take 4-5 leaves of fresh tulsi, boil them in water, and consume it twice a day.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help relieve cough and congestion. You can consume ginger tea by boiling a few slices of ginger in water and adding honey or jaggery for sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper has warming properties and helps in clearing mucus from the respiratory tract. You can consume it by adding it to your food or making a decoction by boiling 5-6 peppercorns in water.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help relieve cough and cold. You can consume turmeric by adding it to your food or making a decoction by boiling a teaspoon of turmeric powder in water.
- Licorice root: Licorice root has demulcent and expectorant properties that can help soothe the throat and reduce cough. You can consume it by boiling licorice root in water and adding honey or jaggery for sweetness.
- Trikatu churna: Trikatu churna is a herbal preparation made from three herbs- black pepper, ginger, and long pepper. It has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help relieve cough and congestion as per Ayurveda for cough treatment. You can consume it by adding it to your food or making a decoction by boiling it in water.
Ayurveda for cough emphasizes the importance to understand your Prakriti before using these herbs and their preparations as they may have side effects or interactions with other medications. It allows us to understand the appropriate dosage and formulation based on your individual needs and dosha imbalance.