7 Ayurvedic Treatments for Cough and Cold

Overview

Incorporating ayurvedic treatments for cough into one’s healthcare routine has become a choice for millions globally. These treatments, known for their natural and holistic qualities, provide relief not just for coughs but also for colds and related symptoms. Ayurveda’s popularity stems from its effectiveness and the gentle way it harmonizes with the body’s natural healing processes. In this blog we will explore the 7 popular Ayurvedic Treatments for Cough and Cold.

7 Ayurvedic treatments that can be carried out at home for the treatment of cold and cough

1. Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, effectively eliminates dry cough and stands as one of Ayurveda’s best cough treatments. Its numerous benefits have earned it the title of ‘Mother Medicine of Nature’ in Ayurveda, likely contributing to its worship in Hindu households across India.

When you consume Tulsi leaves, they boost antibody production in your body, aiding in fighting infections. You can safely consume Tulsi leaves in various ways:

● By chewing 5-6 leaves in the morning (After washing the leaves thoroughly) ● As tulsi tea ● By adding tulsi leaves to a kadha

2. Ginger

Ginger is another well-known Ayurvedic treatment for cough and cold. It can be consumed in fresh form or as dry ginger powder. When taken along with honey, it helps in treating cold and cough fast. Ginger honey tablets or toffees are also available in the market that help soothe an infected throat. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in the cure of sore throat. Also, it is an effective remedy for treating productive cough.

Ginger can be consumed in multiple ways, such as:

● As ginger tea – Ginger tea is among the fast Ayurvedic remedies for cold. To make it, add slices of ginger and tea to boiling water. Strain and pour it into a cup. Top it with honey and consume.

● Ginger and honey – Add grated ginger to a tablespoon of honey and swallow. Add black pepper for additional effect.

3. Honey

Honey makes for an excellent medicine for the treatment of cough in Ayurveda. It has antimicrobial properties, which helps in getting rid of cough or phlegm. Soft and smooth though it seems, honey greatly helps loosen mucus and provides relief from chest congestion. This is one reason why it is present in many non-alcohol-based cough syrups.

The good thing about using honey as a medicine is that while other Ayurvedic treatments for cough and cold may be bitter and hot in nature, honey is an absolute delight for the tongue and throat. This property makes it a popular choice of medicine among kids as well as elders.

Some ways to consume honey are:

● As it is – You can take a spoonful of honey twice a day to ease your cough. ● By mixing it with ginger juice ● By adding it to tea or kadha

4. Giloy

Recently, Giloy has become quite popular in India as an Ayurvedic treatment for colds. Specifically, it became a household name following the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Giloy, a plant with heart-shaped leaves, is also known as Guduchi or Amrita. Importantly, Giloy aids in treating colds caused by pollutants or allergens and is effective in managing tonsillitis. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties significantly help in boosting immunity.

Giloy can be consumed in the following ways:

● As a juice – You can buy readymade Giloy juice from the market or extract it at home and add it to water ● As tablets – Giloy tablets are easily available in medical shops ● By adding in a kadha

5. Mulethi

Mulethi or licorice is a bitter tasting herb that has seen old-age application in cold allergy treatment in Ayurveda. It has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help in thinning the mucus inside the airways. This helps in finding relief from cough and congestion.

You can have mulethi in the following ways:

● By adding mulethi powder to warm water ● By gargling with mulethi extract ● By adding it to tea or kadha

6. Pippali

Pippali or long pepper is among the best treatments of cough in Ayurveda. It is often present in the box of ‘garam masala’ at homes. Pippali is hot in nature and has expectorant property that helps loosen mucus and provides relief from congestion. It provides relief from headaches and other problems related to common cold.

Mentioned below are a few ways to consume pippali:

● Add pippali powder to a spoon of honey and swallow it ● Add it to kadha and drink it after straining

7. Garlic

The use of garlic for cold allergy treatment is not unknown in Ayurveda. Garlic has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that make it an excellent remedy for treating common cold.

If you think garlic is the right choice for you, here’s how you can use it:

● Chew one or two raw cloves ● Add it to soup or other dishes

Other Home Remedies for Cold and Cough

Apart from the consumption of the above-mentioned herbs, there are a few other ways to get rid of cold and cough naturally at home. Some of them are:

● Steam – Taking steam helps in clearing out mucus from the lungs. One can either use a vaporiser easily available in the market or boil water on a stove to take steam. Adding items such as salt, cloves, or Vicks to the water makes for a great Ayurvedic treatment for cold and running nose.

● Salt Water Gargle – Salt water gargle is a common household remedy for loosening phlegm deposited in the throat. Heat a glass of water and add 1/4th teaspoon of salt to it. Gargle 3 times a day for best results.

● Pranayam – Prayanam is an effective treatment of cough in Ayurveda. This technique clears the breathing passage and provides relief from nasal and chest congestion.

● Kadha – Kadha is a well-known remedy in Indian households for the treatment and prevention of cold and flu. Kadha is a water extract made by boiling herbs and spices such as black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, tulsi, etc. in water. This clears any infections in the respiratory tract and enhances immunity.

● Nasya – Nasya is a lesser-known but effective Ayurvedic treatment for cough and cold. In this technique, an Ayurvedic oil such as Neem, Ginger, or Eucalyptus essential oil is used as a nasal drop. This helps clear the mucus in the nasal tract.

● Vitamin C – Consumption of food rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, papaya, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. helps in fighting the cold.

● Avoid foods of cold nature – Food items of a cold nature such as curd, banana, cold juices, etc. should be avoided as they are known to aggravate cold.

Final Thoughts

We are blessed with numerous treatments of cough in Ayurveda. The items required for these remedies are cheap and are easily available in the local markets. Moreover, they come without side effects if used within a limit. However, even these basic treatments get difficult to manage by oneself as one gets old. This is why it is advised to seek the help of elder healthcare services easily available today. At Emoha, we are always there for our elders because for us, it is always #EldersFirst

Use home remedies with care

Warm fluids, ginger, tulsi, turmeric milk and rest are widely used and often soothing for a mild cold. They support comfort. They do not replace medical care. Some herbs and spices can interact with medicines, for example blood thinners and diabetes tablets, and too much of some remedies can upset the stomach or raise sugar. Tell your doctor what your parent is taking.

What to do next

• Drink warm fluids and rest, and keep the room warm and ventilated.
• Use steam carefully with a safe inhaler, and never let an older person lean over a hot pot; see steam inhalers.
• Avoid honey for diabetics in large amounts and check sugar if unwell; see diabetes at home after 60.
• Check temperature and oxygen if symptoms are worse than a simple cold; see pulse oximeter guide.
• See a doctor if the cough lasts more than two to three weeks, or comes with fever, breathlessness, chest pain, blood in sputum or weight loss.

When to ask a professional

Older adults, and people with heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes, should have a doctor review a cough that does not settle quickly.