Ayurvedic remedies for a cough

A cough is a reflex action to clear the airways. Often, a cough will clear up on its own within two to four weeks and while there's usually no need to seek medical intervention, it can be uncomfortable and annoying.

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In general, there are two types of cough:

  1. Dry cough - a dry cough is caused when a foreign particle irritates the throat and it is felt like a tickle.
  2. Productive cough - a productive cough is caused when the phlegm causes irritation in your chest. This type of cough typically occurs as a secondary cause of respiratory infection, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

From an Ayurvedic perspective, a cough is caused by excess Kapha and Pitta accumulation in your chest cavity or bronchial tree. And as a result of the congestion, irritation occurs.


Ayurvedic home remedies for a cough

Remedies for a dry cough

Talisadi churna

  • Eat a teaspoon of honey or drink honey and lemon water. Honey is considered a universal remedy for soothing the irritation caused by cough.
  • Eat a ripe banana with one teaspoon of honey and two pinches of ground black pepper. Eat 2-3 times a day.
  • Try chewing ¼ teaspoon of ajwain with natural organic sugar.
  • Boil one cup of milk with ½ teaspoon of turmeric and ¼ teaspoon ginger, drink this milk at night to relieve the irritation and congestion.

Remedies for a productive cough

Sitopaladi churna

  • Ghee and black pepper. The simplest home remedy for a productive cough is black pepper. Eat ¼ black pepper powder mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey or ghee (this is especially recommended if you have a hoarse voice).
  • Ginger and cinnamon tea. Prepare the tea by adding ½ teaspoon of ginger powder, plus a pinch of clove and a pinch of cinnamon powder to boiled water.
  • Mix ½ ground mustard powder with ½ teaspoon of ground ginger into a teaspoon of honey and eat slowly. Eat 2-3 times a day.
  • Mix one teaspoon of honey with a pinch of clove powder. Eat 2-3 times a day.

Home remedy for a cough in children

*Honey is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.

For children with a cough, mix ½ cup pomegranate juice with a pinch of ginger powder and a pinch of pippali powder.

If a cough continues longer than four weeks, please consult your doctor.

If you'd like to learn more about ayurveda, you can connect with a professional on Therapy Directory.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Therapy Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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