Ah, dry cough! That can be such a pesky issue, especially with seasonal changes, right? In Ayurveda, we often see dry coughs linked with an imbalance in Vata dosha. This dosha gets aggravated with cold and dry conditions, which might explain why the air conditioning at your office doesn’t help the situation. You’re onto something with the fried and spicy foods – these add heat to your system, something Ayurveda often equates with “Pitta” imbalance. So perhaps try moderating them for a while and see how it goes.
About the AC – yup, cold air can definitely dry things out more and exacerbate dry coughs. You might not be able to change the office climate, but how about keeping a scarf around your neck? Might sound simple, but a little warmth can do wonders. Also keep hydrating. Warm water helps, yes, but for something more robust, try making a simple kadha at home. Boil water with ginger, a pinch of black pepper, and a small piece of cinnamon - it’s soothing, warming, and might actually calm that urge to cough.
Steam inhalation? Absolutely! It’s great for both dry and wet coughs, but leaning more towards wet. However, for preventing a dry cough, I’d say try using it a few times a week, maybe add some eucalyptus oil, which kinda helps in keeping the respiratory pathways moist and clear.
And hey, prevention is also about routine. Incorporate some morning activities that are gentle but invigorating, like yoga or pranayama to strengthen your respiratory system. Rubbing a little bit of sesame oil on your chest and throat before showering is an old Ayurveda trick, said to help with Vata balance.
Experiment and observe how your system reacts to different things over time. It’s about finding what clicks for you, and sometimes it’s those little things you don’t expect that make a difference. And remember, while these things help, if the cough gets persistent or comes with fever – don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Stay balanced!


