Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine offers natural healing, holistic approach and natural remedies in treating cough and balancing the normal balance of the body without any side effects.
What is Cough According to Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda cough is referred to as kasa roga. It occurs when there is imbalance in the body's three doshas i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha contributes to a specific type of kasa.
- Vataj type kasa: this type of kasa is usually a dry, persistent cough that causes sore throat.
- Pittaj type kasa: this type of kasa is usually less common and includes symptoms like inflammation, burning sensation in chest with yellow phlegm.
- Kaphaj type kasa: it is characterised by mucus production, heavy feeling in the chest and white mucus with congestion.
Herbal Support for Kasa
- Vyoshadi Vatakam: it is also known as vyoshadi vati or Gutika, it helps in balancing vata and kapha dosha, it has main herb trikatu that helps in expelling mucus, soothes sore throat and helps in reducing mucus.
- Nirgundiyadi Gulika: it balances both vata and kapha dosha, and the main herb, nirgundi, supports respiratory health and nasal congestion.
- Talishpatradi Vatakam: it balances kapha dosha, the main herb talishpatra helps reduce ama and mucus from the stomach and also helps in improving breathlessness and hoarseness.
- Vasakyadi Arishtam: it helps in balancing both vata and kapha dosha, the main dosha vashaka helps lower the congestion in the chest and support cough and cold symptoms and also helps in supporting healthy lungs.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Cough Relief
In addition to herbal medicines many home remedies are also recommended for relief of cough.
Honey & Turmeric Paste
Honey acts as a natural cough suppressant and has antibacterial properties and turmeric has anti inflammatory properties making it together a powerful remedy for cough.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is highly effective in treating cough and a combination of ginger and honey helps in soothing the throat and expelling mucus while reducing inflammation.
Dietary Adjustments
Avoid cold, oily processed food that can worsen the kapha, should include warm soups, herbal teas, and light easily digestible food.
Steam Inhalation
Inhale steam with tulsi leaves or other to relieve nasal congestion or sore throat.
Gargling
Gargling with warm salt water or decoction made from turmeric or triphala for sore throat.
Adequate Hydration
Drink warm water and herbal teas throughout the day to keep your throat moist and expel mucus.
Yoga and Breathing Exercise
Practice pranayam (breathing exercises) like nadi shodhana and bastrika to improve lung capacity and clear airways.
Adequate Rest
Rest is crucial for recovery, especially with persistent cough, to ensure you get enough sleep instead of overexertion.
Conclusion
Ayurveda provides a natural, effective and holistic approach in the treatment of cough.
Ayurveda not only treats the disease from root cause but it also helps in balancing the imbalance doshas, these doshas provide lasting relief without any side effects. By combining ayurvedic principles with practical daily care you can achieve not just cough relief but also improve overall respiratory health.
