Can we eat Amla during cold and cough, or does it make symptoms worse? - #12251

I have been dealing with cold and cough for the past few days, and I wanted to try natural remedies to recover faster. I know that Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is packed with Vitamin C and is great for boosting immunity, but I am unsure if it is safe to eat Amla during cold and cough. Some people say it helps, while others believe it might worsen symptoms due to its cooling nature. Since Amla is known to be a coolant, does consuming it during a cold lead to more mucus formation? I often experience a runny nose and congestion when I have a cold, and I am worried that eating Amla might increase this problem. Should Amla be avoided in such conditions, or does it actually help in clearing the respiratory system? I have also heard that Amla is effective in reducing throat irritation and cough. Some people suggest drinking Amla juice with honey, while others recommend eating fresh Amla or taking Amla powder with warm water. What is the best way to consume Amla during cold and cough to get its benefits without worsening symptoms? Another thing I am curious about is whether Amla should be consumed raw or cooked when dealing with cold and cough. Some say that raw Amla is too cooling, while others claim that boiled or dried Amla is easier to digest and does not aggravate mucus. Is it better to take Amla in the form of Chyawanprash or Amla Murabba instead of raw Amla during cold and cough? I also want to know if Amla works better for dry cough or wet cough. Since Amla is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, does it help in soothing throat irritation? Or does it increase Kapha (mucus) in the body, making wet cough worse? Apart from eating Amla, does applying Amla oil on the chest or massaging it onto the scalp help in reducing cold symptoms? I have read that Ayurveda recommends Amla-based oils to strengthen the respiratory system and promote hair health. Has anyone tried this for cold and congestion relief? Lastly, I want to be sure about any side effects of eating Amla when one is sick. Are there any specific conditions where Amla should be avoided during a cold? For example, should people with sinusitis or asthma stay away from Amla when they have a cough? If anyone has personally used Amla during cold and cough, I would love to hear about your experience. How did you take it, and did it help you recover faster? Also, is it more effective when combined with other Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi, Mulethi, or Ginger? Thanks in advance for sharing your insights!