Pineapple juice can indeed be soothing for a cough, primarily because it contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help reduce inflammation and mucus in the throat. However, while bromelain has these properties, it’s not a guaranteed fix for all types of coughs. It’s more noticeable in coughs where mucus build-up is a factor. If your cough is due to dryness or irritation without much mucus, pineapple juice might not have the desired effect.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, a cough might stem from an imbalance in the kapha dosha, typically involving excess mucus production, or it could be related to vata dosha, particularly if there’s a dry cough present. For persistent coughs like yours, it’s vital to identify the underlying imbalance. Sipping warm herbal teas, such as ginger or licorice root tea, may provide relief by balancing these doshas. Ginger, in particular, is warming and can assist with kapha and vata balance.
As for your nighttime cough, you might find relief by taking a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of turmeric before bed. Honey has demulcent properties, soothing the throat, and turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits. However, avoid honey if you have difficulty with blood sugar control or if you’re giving it to a child under one year old.
In terms of your antibiotic prescription, sometimes allopathic doctors prescribe antibiotics to preempt any bacterial complications, but they are not useful for viruses or non-bacterial causes of cough. If your cough is not improving and especially if it intensifies or comes with additional symptoms like fever or breathlessness, I strongly advise a follow-up with a healthcare professional.
Overall, it’s prudent to observe how your body responds to these natural approaches and make adjustments as necessary. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking more medical advice to ensure no other condition is underlying might be crucial.
