These 5 Ayurvedic herbs are all you need to get rid of that uncomfortable cough

A shift in weather usually affects your throat first. It’s also a sign that your immunity isn’t strong enough. That’s definitely not good news amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, we want you to take these seemingly minor issues seriously. Truth be told, there’s nothing more effective than Ayurvedic herbs that can soothe your throat and nasal area. 

In the current situation, it is even more important to ensure that our respiratory system is functioning well. By now, most of us know that a cough can be of two types – dry cough and wet cough. Both can affect our day-to-day lives. Dry cough can occur due to various factors like environmental pollution and allergies, but a wet cough can be due to a bacterial or viral infection. 

The solution is to build strong immunity and what better than Ayurveda for this?

“Herbs are known to have immunomodulatory properties that help strengthen the body’s immunity and increase resistance against diseases,” said Dr Shruthi Hegde, an Ayurvedic researcher. 

Here’s a list of herbs that will help in tackling seasonal cough and cold

1. Tulsi

Traditionally used in numerous medicines, tulsi is great for relieving dry cough. It is also used to improve immunity because it has immunomodulatory and analgesic properties. Its cough-relieving properties help clear the airways by helping you cough out the mucus.

2. Honey

This natural sweetener has antibacterial properties. It coats the throat and alleviates irritation. This ingredient has many benefits and is widely available which makes it easy to access.

3. Vasaka

Vasaka is a powerful herb that is used to soothe all types of coughs like whooping cough, smoker’s cough, and dry cough. Rich in anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, the herb holds high significance in treating the symptoms of cough and cold. It also helps with chest and nasal congestion.

4. Yashtimadhu

An age-old remedy used to treat cough and sore throat, the benefits of yashtimadhu are plenty. Its Ayurvedic formulations are used to treat respiratory problems, skin infections, and liver disorders. It is known to provide relief from conditions like cough and bronchitis.

5. Kantakari

Often referred to as the ‘Indian nightshade’, kantakari is an important medicinal herb. The herb has a pungent smell and a bitter taste. It is beneficial for the management of respiratory problems like cough because of its expectorant properties. It helps release mucus from the respiratory passages, manage the symptoms of asthma and provides relief from breathlessness.

One of the oldest medical systems, Ayurveda is still practised widely around the world. With Ayurveda, simple ingredients can help you manage your cough and keep your health in check.