Common Cough & Cold - Ayurvedic Remedies For It!

If there is one disease which most people would definitely be affected by, it has to be the common cough and cold. It is not without reason that it is called “common cold.” When we look back though, common cold and cough was not so common. It is evident that it has become common due to the lifestyle and environmental changes and can be managed again by looking at how it used to be managed earlier.

Ayurveda believes that health is determined by the balance between the tridoshas in the body, namely vata, pitta, and kapha. Common cough and cold are caused by an imbalance between all 3 components. The type of cough, phlegm, congestion, etc., will vary depending on which dosha is predominant. People who repeatedly have attacks of common cold would be delighted to know there are remedies which are commonly available and can keep these attacks at bay. Read on to know more.

1. Garlgling with salted lukewarm water soothes the throat and helps in relieving cough.
2. Taking a combination of honey, lemon, and lukewarm water 3 times a day is very effective in preventing common cold.
3. Drinking warm liquids like herbal teas and clear vegetable soups with garlic added soothes the throat and also provides antioxidant benefits against cold and cough.
4. Boil some handful of tulsi leaves in a litre of water, strain and drink it through the day to get rid of cough and cold.
5. Eating onion dipped in honey also can prevent chronic cough and cold.
6. Boiling tulsi seeds and ginger in water and drinking this after straining also helps the throat.
7. Drinking juice of betel leaves is another natural remedy.
8. Add some salt to mustard oil and rub it on the nose and throat to get immediate relief.
9. Similarly, a mixture of curd, sugar, and black pepper powder provides relief from cough and congestion.
10. A mixture of cinnamon, honey, and pepper also helps people with cough and cold.
11. Add a small quantity of asafetida (hing) to a glass of warm water and feel the relief in the lungs and throat.
12. Boil water with jaggery and coriander seeds, strain and drink twice a day.
13. A mixture of ginger and milk can be used in concentrated form to be instilled in the nose.
14. A mixture of fennel seeds and clove powder mixed with honey provides great relief.
15. Inhale the vapour of ladies finger from water in which it was boiled. This relieves throat infections and dry cough.

In addition, Ayurveda has specific yogasanas like jal neti, sutra neti, kapalbhati and setubandha, which are aimed at clearing out nasal and airway passages. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an ayurveda.