Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Question #4252
15 days ago
7

Does Ghee Cause Cough - #4252

Anonymously

I’ve always heard that ghee is super healthy and good for digestion, but recently I started wondering, does ghee cause cough? I usually add a spoonful of ghee to my meals daily, but last week I caught a cold, and my cough seems to get worse after eating foods with ghee. Could it be the ghee that’s triggering this, or is it just a coincidence? I know ghee is considered a cooling food in Ayurveda, but could that mean it’s not suitable during cold or cough conditions? If ghee does cause cough in some cases, does it depend on how it’s consumed—like whether it’s eaten raw, cooked, or with certain spices? I usually add ghee to rice or dal without any spices. Should I be using something like black pepper or ginger with it to avoid these issues? Another thing I’ve noticed is that my throat feels a little heavy after having ghee sometimes. Does Ayurveda say anything about ghee increasing kapha? I’m not sure about my dosha type, but I tend to get a lot of mucus and congestion when I’m unwell. Could this be why ghee might make my cough worse? Or is it actually supposed to soothe a cough if used the right way? I also want to know if the quality of ghee matters. I usually buy store-bought ghee, but could this be causing issues compared to homemade ghee? Does Ayurveda recommend a specific type of ghee for people prone to colds and coughs? And if ghee does cause cough, are there alternative fats I should be using, like coconut oil or sesame oil? Lastly, how do I know if I should avoid ghee completely while coughing or just reduce the amount? Are there specific Ayurvedic remedies using ghee to help with cough instead of making it worse? I’ve heard of people mixing ghee with turmeric or honey for colds—does that actually work, or could it backfire?

Does ghee cause cough
Ayurveda and ghee
Ghee and cold remedies
Kapha diet tips
Ayurvedic fat alternatives

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Doctors’ responses

Dr Sujal Patil
Experience of 14 years in clinical and research field of Ayurveda. I am a Science based evidence based Ayurveda practitioner and incorporate accurate diet regimen and minimal medication in my practice with faster results sans no side effects.
14 days ago
5
Ghee is generally considered beneficial in Ayurveda, but its effect on cough depends on your body type (dosha) and how it is consumed. Here are the key points: Does Ghee Cause Cough? Ghee does not directly cause cough but can aggravate kapha dosha, which governs mucus and congestion. If you're prone to kapha imbalances (e.g., excessive mucus or heaviness in the chest), ghee might worsen symptoms if consumed excessively or without balancing spices. Consumption Method Matters Raw Ghee: May increase kapha and mucus, potentially worsening a cough. Cooked Ghee with Spices: Adding warming spices like black pepper, ginger, or turmeric can counter kapha effects and make ghee more suitable during cold and cough conditions. Dosha and Symptoms If you have a kapha constitution or are experiencing mucus and congestion, ghee can aggravate symptoms. If your cough is dry (associated with vata dosha), ghee mixed with warm milk and turmeric can be soothing. Quality of Ghee Ayurveda emphasizes the use of pure, homemade, or organic cow’s ghee over store-bought versions, as adulterated ghee may not have the same therapeutic effects and could irritate your system. Remedies Using Ghee For Dry Cough: Mix a teaspoon of warm ghee with turmeric or ginger powder to lubricate the throat and reduce irritation. For Productive Cough: Use sparingly and combine with warming herbs to help break down mucus. Alternative Fats If ghee is causing issues, you can switch to warming alternatives like sesame oil, which is lighter and reduces kapha. Coconut oil is cooling and not ideal during cough unless used for throat soothing in small amounts. How to Adjust Reduce the amount of ghee temporarily if your cough is associated with kapha symptoms (mucus, congestion). Opt for spiced ghee or use it in cooking rather than raw. Ayurvedic Practices Turmeric-Ghee Paste: Mix equal parts ghee and turmeric for a soothing remedy for dry cough. Ghee with Honey: Effective for cough, but never mix honey and ghee in equal proportions as Ayurveda advises against it. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance based on your dosha and health condition.

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