Dry air, pollution, and impaired digestion all contribute to the frequent health issue of persistent winter coughs during the cold season. According to Ayurveda, persistent coughs are caused by a Kapha–Vata
imbalance that can be resolved with tried-and-true natural remedies, dietary knowledge, breathing techniques, and modest lifestyle changes.
Many find relief without relying on strong medications by boosting their respiratory health throughout the season using the right herbs, warming meals, and preventive practices.
Here are four Ayurvedic methods to reduce or eliminate a chronic cough.
Herbal Allies For Respiratory Relief
Ayurveda has several plants that have immune-boosting, stimulant, and anti-inflammatory properties:
Ginger: Often taken fresh in teas or decoctions with honey, this potent anti-inflammatory helps clear up congestion in the chest.
Tulsi: Holy Basil is a natural expectorant that helps cleanse mucus and soothe the throat.
Mulethi: Also known as liquorice, mulethi has long been used to soothe sore throats and break up thick mucus.
Cinnamon and turmeric have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric milk, also referred to as “golden milk,” is a popular seasonal beverage. Black pepper and cloves are warming spices that help remove mucus and soothe the throat. These plants are the foundation of Ayurvedic cough medicines and can be taken as warm teas, kadhas (herbal decoctions), or mixed with honey.
Diet And Daily Practices
Ayurveda promotes lung and digestive health by emphasising warm, easily digestible foods. Steamed vegetables, khichdi, and soups strengthen immunity and soothe irritated tissues, while avoiding cold meals, heavy dairy, and spicy food lowers Kapha buildup.
Drinking warm water throughout the day helps thin mucus and keeps throat membranes hydrated. Breathing in warm steam, occasionally infused with eucalyptus, peppermint, or ajwain, helps clear the airways and reduce respiratory irritation.
Exercise And Breathing
Pranayama, Kapalabhati and Anuloma Vilom are a few yoga breathing techniques that enhance lung function and cleanse respiratory passages. The ideal traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation for immunity, energy levels, and optimal health is chyawanprash, containing medicinal herbs such as kakoli, amla, saffron, giloy, harad, punamava, and cinnamon.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Wearing protective masks outside, covering the neck in cold weather, and using humidifiers at home to combat dry air are other ways to lessen discomfort and coughing triggers. Drink warm herbal teas or mixtures to soothe your throat and prevent irritations, or warm water to stay hydrated.
Use Ayurvedic herbal oil, containing peppermint, camphor, and ajwain, to inhale steam. Inhale vapours from a few drops of steaming water to promote respiratory health, relieve congestion, and prevent problems like coughing.
Why Winter Cough Persists
According to Ayurveda, a chronic cough, which is commonly referred to as Kasa Roga, occurs when the Kapha and Vata dosha balance of the respiratory tract is disrupted by cold, dry weather. Smog, pollution, and a drop in humidity can dry up the airways and cause more mucus to develop during the winter.
Additionally, a weaker digestive fire (Agni) can allow toxins (Ama) to build up, which worsens coughs and phlegm. Dairy products and heavy, oily meals can exacerbate this imbalance by supporting Kapha, the dosha linked to congestion and mucus.
