Colds and coughs are common during the changing of the seasons. While medications are available to treat and manage the condition, many people prefer to use
home remedies
such as steam and gargle. Ayurveda claims that certain foods can help prevent and recover from colds and coughs faster. If you want to try some ayurvedic remedies for cold and cough, read this article to learn more from our Ayurvedic experts at Birla Ayurveda.
Manage cold and cough at home with these Ayurvedic remedies
An imbalance in any of the three Doshas, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, can cause illness, according to Ayurveda. An excess of Pitta and Kapha in the body causes nasal congestion and cough in this case.
To tackle this, here are some Ayurvedic remedies for cold and cough:
Tulsi
Tulsi is known as “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs” in Ayurveda. Tulsi leaves help to improve an individual’s ability to fight off common colds and coughs. Tulsi stimulates the production of antibodies, which prevents the onset of infections. Tulsi has anti-coughing properties. It soothes the airways by allowing you to cough up the sticky mucus. First thing in the morning, chew on 4-5 Tulsi leaves. You can continue to take Tulsi leaves to strengthen your immune system.
Honey
Honey’s antimicrobial properties not only make it delicious, but it also helps soothe a sore throat. It works well as a cough suppressant. Honey relieves chest congestion by loosening thick mucus and allowing you to cough it up. This aids in the reduction of wet cough. To alleviate the severity of the cough, take a teaspoon of honey before going to bed.
Mulethi
Mulethi or Licorice, also known as “Sweetwood,” is an Ayurvedic cough remedy. Mulethi powder can help with sore throats, coughs, and excessive mucus production in the airway. Mulethi has an expectorant effect which helps to thin and loosen the mucus in the respiratory tract. This relieves coughing and reduces congestion. Take 1 teaspoon Mulethi powder added to 1 glass of warm water twice a day.
Sonth
Dry ginger, also known as Sonth, Sukku, or Soonth, is a common ingredient in herbal cough syrups. When taken with honey, Sonth acts as a cough and cold remedy. Certain molecules in Sonth have anti-inflammatory properties. This relieves sore throat. Add 1/4 teaspoon Sonth to 1 teaspoon honey. Mix it well and take it for at least three days.
Cinnamon
This woody aromatic spice has numerous health benefits, one of which is relief from colds and coughs. Cinnamon is well known for its antiviral properties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in the relief of the common cold and soothe a sore throat. Twice a day, drink cinnamon tea or consume 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder mixed with honey.
