FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Question #6903
231 days ago
205

Ayurvedic Remedy For Cough - #6903

Natalie

For the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing a persistent cough that started after a mild cold. It’s mostly dry, though occasionally I feel a slight congestion in my chest. I’m looking for an Ayurvedic remedy for cough that can treat the root cause and not just suppress the symptoms. I’ve tried some home remedies like ginger tea and honey, but the relief is temporary. Does Ayurvedic remedy for cough offer a long-term solution, and are there specific herbs or formulations I should look for? I’ve heard that Tulsi, Mulethi, and Vasaka are commonly used—how effective are they, and in what forms should they be consumed? Another thing I want to understand is the role of diet. Does Ayurvedic remedy for cough involve avoiding certain foods, like cold drinks and spicy items, that could worsen the condition? Lastly, does Ayurveda recommend any lifestyle practices, such as steam inhalation or specific breathing exercises, as part of an Ayurvedic remedy for cough? How important are these in managing chronic coughs, and how long do they take to show results?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
231 days ago
4.83
In Ayurveda, a persistent cough, especially after a cold, is often seen as a result of an imbalance in the respiratory system, particularly an aggravated vata and kapha dosha. Ayurvedic remedies aim to treat both the symptoms and the root cause, focusing on soothing the throat, clearing congestion, and balancing the doshas. Herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Mulethi (Licorice), and Vasaka (Adhatoda) are highly effective for dry coughs and congestion. Tulsi helps to boost immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties, Mulethi soothes the throat and acts as an expectorant, while Vasaka helps clear excess mucus from the chest and calms bronchial irritation. These can be consumed as teas, powders, or in capsule form, depending on your preference and convenience. Diet plays a crucial role in managing a cough. Cold drinks, dairy, and spicy or fried foods can aggravate the condition, especially by increasing mucus or irritating the throat. It's recommended to stick to warm, easily digestible foods and avoid anything that could further dry out or irritate the throat. Lifestyle practices such as steam inhalation, using essential oils like eucalyptus, and pranayama (breathing exercises) are also recommended in Ayurveda to relieve congestion and promote deep, healing breaths. Regular practice of pranayama can help strengthen the respiratory system over time and aid in clearing the airways. While results from herbal remedies and lifestyle changes may take a few weeks to manifest, consistent practice and dietary adjustments should gradually bring relief to a chronic cough.
13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
In Ayurveda, a persistent dry cough is typically treated by addressing the imbalance in the doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. Ayurvedic remedies aim to treat the root cause by soothing inflammation, clearing excess mucus, and strengthening the respiratory system. Effective Herbs for Cough: Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi has antibacterial, antiviral, and expectorant properties, making it excellent for respiratory health. It can be consumed as a tea, or fresh leaves can be chewed. Mulethi (Licorice): Mulethi is soothing for the throat and helps reduce irritation and inflammation. It can be consumed as a decoction or powder (¼ tsp with honey) or in herbal tea. Vasaka (Malabar Nut): Vasaka is known to help in clearing mucus from the chest and is effective in treating both dry and productive coughs. It is available as a powder or can be used in a decoction. Ginger: Ginger is another powerful herb for treating cough, as it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Fresh ginger tea or ginger with honey is beneficial for soothing the throat. Forms of Consumption: These herbs can be consumed as teas, powders, or decoctions. A common Ayurvedic formulation includes mixing these herbs in honey or ghee for added benefits. Tulsi and Mulethi can be steeped in hot water to create teas, while Vasaka can be boiled with water and strained before drinking. Dietary Considerations: Avoid cold drinks, spicy foods, and fried foods, as they can irritate the throat and aggravate the cough. Warm, soothing foods such as soups, broths, and cooked vegetables are recommended. Honey and ghee are considered beneficial for easing throat irritation. Stay hydrated with warm water, herbal teas, and soups to keep the throat moist and prevent further irritation. Lifestyle Practices: Steam inhalation with herbs like eucalyptus or peppermint can help clear mucus and soothe the respiratory tract. Breathing exercises like pranayama (deep breathing) help improve lung function and reduce irritation in the chest. Adequate rest and avoiding environmental triggers like dust, smoke, and cold air are also important. Timeframe: Ayurvedic remedies generally show results within 1-2 weeks, but consistency is key. It may take 3-4 weeks for more chronic coughs to fully resolve. By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause, Ayurveda offers long-term relief by promoting healing and balancing the respiratory system.
11913 answered questions
78% best answers

0 replies
So, it sounds like you’ve got a bit of a pesky cough situation goin' on after that cold. Let’s see if Ayurveda can lend a hand! Your observation about Tulsi, Mulethi (licorice), and Vasaka is spot-on—these are like the superheroes in the Ayurvedic pharmacy for respiratory issues. They work by tackling the root cause rather than just masking symptoms. Tulsi (holy basil) acts like an expectorant, helping clear out the chest congestion you're sometimes feeling. Mulethi soothes your throat, reducing irritation, and Vasaka is excellent for reducing congestion. You could make a herbal tea with these. Take a few Tulsi leaves, a bit of Mulethi root (or powder), and Vasaka leaves if available. Boil them in water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sip slowly, maybe add a teaspoon of honey, but not when it's piping hot, as honey's healing properties are lost in high heat. Food-wise, you're thinking along the right lines. Avoid cold, heavy, and excessively spicy foods—they can aggravate Vata and Kapha doshas, which could be at play here. Stick to warm, easily digestable foods like soups or cooked veggies. You might find that reducing dairy helps, as it can increase mucus for some folks. Lifestyle tweaks are crucial too. Steam inhalation definitely helps; a simple bowl of hot water with a towel over your head can loosen any stubborn mucus. Do it once or twice a day. Breathing exercises? Yes, things like Pranayama (specifically Anulom Vilom and Kapalbhati) can help improve lung capacity and function, but ease into it, and if coughing worsens, skip it. Results? Well, everyone’s different, but with regular practice, a week or two should show some changes. Stick with the routine for a while—even after the cough clears up—to strengthen your respiratory system. If symptoms persist or worsen, do check in with a healthcare professional, just to be safe. Keep it simple, be consistent and you'll be on track!
26385 answered questions
18% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions