For your persistent cough, Ayurveda views the condition as a result of an imbalance in Kapha and possibly Vata dosha. The dry cough during the day and phlegmy cough in the morning indicate Kapha accumulation, while the irritation and scratchiness in your throat suggest Vata imbalance, leading to dryness. An Ayurvedic remedy aims to restore dosha balance, clear the excess phlegm, and soothe the throat. Key herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Mulethi (Licorice), and Vasa (Adhatoda) are effective, and they can be used in combination for better results. You can make herbal teas or decoctions by simmering these herbs in water. For Tulsi, 2-3 leaves in hot water; for Mulethi, 1-2 small pieces in warm water; and for Vasa, boil 5-6 leaves in water, strain, and drink. These herbs can also be found in formulations like Sitopaladi Churna or Talisadi Churna, which are commonly used for cough.
In addition to herbal remedies, steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil or turmeric can help clear the chest congestion and ease breathing. Nasya therapy (oil application to the nasal passages) with sesame or eucalyptus oil can also help clear the sinuses and throat.
Your diet plays a crucial role—avoid spicy, fried, and cold foods, as these can aggravate the condition. Incorporate warm soups, herbal teas (like ginger, peppermint, and licorice tea), and foods that are easily digestible. Warm, soothing liquids like turmeric milk (with black pepper) can be beneficial to reduce throat irritation. Also, consider avoiding dairy as it can thicken mucus.
To improve your sleep, try gargling with warm salt water or medicated water (using Turmeric or Ginger), and consider taking Trikatu Churna (a combination of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger) before bed to clear excess mucus and balance the doshas.
Ayurveda’s approach is quite interesting as it aims at addressing the root cause of your symptoms rather than just suppressing them. Sounds like you might be dealing with a mix of Vata and Kapha imbalance. With the dry and night-time phlegmy cough, the irritated throat: it suggests Vata is causing dryness, while Kapha could be the reason for that morning chest heaviness.
Let’s start with those herbs you mentioned - Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil), Mulethi (Licorice), and Vasa (Adhatoda Vasica) are great choices. Tulsi can soothe your throat and act as an anti-inflammatory, while Mulethi helps with throat irritation and is pretty good for that dry cough. Vasa can help in managing phlegm, breaking it up. You could make a decoction by boiling these herbs together; a teaspoon each in about two cups of water until it reduces to one cup. Strain and drink warm, twice a day. Adds a touch of honey (natural expectorant) when it’s lukewarm, never hot! Just, be moderate with Mulethi if you have high blood pressure.
Steaming sounds like a smart move, really. Use eucalyptus oil or camphor, as they can clear up the congestion without over-drying your airways. Simply add a few drops to hot water and inhale the steam. Do it in the evening for about 10 minutes but don’t overdo it, once daily should be enuf.
About your diet, yeah, try cutting back on spicy and fried stuff, as they can increase Pitta and irritate your throat more. Focus on warming, cooked foods that are easier on your digestion. Warm soups, broths, and herbal teas can soothe your throat quite a bit. Drink warm water throughout the day, maybe with a slice of ginger to pacify Vata. Include turmeric in your meals too, for its anti-inflammatory properties.
For sleep, a nice bedtime routine could help. Consider gargling with warm salt water before bed, twice a day, you can also try Triphala (an ayurvedic herb combo known for its balancing properties) in hot water with a pinch of honey to enhance immunity. And a cup of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric might just help you relax and ease the coughy nights.
Of course, consistency is key. If symptoms get worse or persist, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional. Ayurveda works best as part of a holistic approach, incorporating long-term lifestyle changes. So, give it a go, see how your body responds, and tweak it as necessary.
