Dealing with a dry cough can really be a nuisance, especially when it messes with your sleep. I get where you’re coming from. In Ayurveda, a dry cough is often seen as an imbalance in the Vata and sometimes Pitta dosha. Let’s delve in on what you can try at home.
First off, honey with warm water and ginger juice is a solid choice. It not only soothes the throat but also helps when taken throughout the day. Have a teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water and a bit of fresh ginger juice maybe 3 times a day. It can be especially comforting before bed, as it coats the throat nicely.
Chewing on Mulethi or Tulsi leaves can work wonders too! Chewing Mulethi softens the throat and Tulsi boosts immunity. Combining this with herbal tea can be a solid combo, not an either/or thing. A tea made of Tulsi, with a bit of grated ginger and honey, can be sipped on a couple of times a day to ease symptoms.
On the steam inhalation idea - yes, it’s great. Adding a drop of either eucalyptus or peppermint oil in hot water and inhaling the steam can help in relieving throat dryness and opens up nasal passages. Do this twice daily but watch not to overdo it, essential oils can be strong.
Now, for external applications… mustard oil with garlic is an age-old remedy. Heating a bit of mustard oil with a couple cloves of garlic and applying it to the chest and back can be unexpectedly soothing. It’s good for calming cough, maybe once before bed might do the trick.
About food, go light on cold drinks and spicy stuff. They can be aggravating for a dry cough. Instead, warm soups, broths, and foods that are cooling but not physically cold, like cucumbers or melon, can be beneficial. Add a little turmeric to your soup for an added anti-inflammatory kick.
Give your body a mix of these to create your personal remedy. Ayurveda is about balance, so tune in to how your body reacts… What works best might slightly differ from one person to another. Hopefully these tips help you feel a bit more human at night.
