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.

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.

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