Seasonal changes often bring along the unwelcome guest of cold and cough. While modern medicine offers quick fixes, Ayurveda provides time-tested, natural remedies that not only soothe symptoms but also strengthen your immune system. Let’s dive into 10 Ayurvedic home remedies for colds and coughs, complete with recipes, how they work, how to take them, and when to take them.
1. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk)
Turmeric is vigorous anti-inflammatory and antibacterial spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (cow’s or plant-based)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Recipe:
- Heat the milk until warm.
- Stir in turmeric powder and black pepper.
- Add honey for sweetness.
- Drink before bedtime to relieve cough and improve sleep.
How It Works: Turmeric’s curcumin content reduces inflammation and combats infections, while black pepper enhances curcumin’s absorption.
How to Take: Consume once daily, preferably at night for better sleep and quicker recovery.
When to Take: Take it before going to bed.
2. Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea
Tulsi leaves are known for their antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh tulsi leaves
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey
Recipe:
- Simmer the tulsi leaves and ginger in water for 5-7 minutes until the aroma intensifies.
- Strain the liquid and add honey.
- Takethis herbal tea twice a day to alleviate symptoms.
How It Works: Tulsi strengthens the immune system and soothes respiratory tract inflammation.
How to Take: Drink warm twice daily to reduce cold and cough symptoms.
When to Take: Best consumed during the morning and evening.
3. Honey-Ginger-Lemon Elixir
This combination works wonders for sore throats and coughs.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Recipe:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Consumea teaspoon of this mixture after every few hours.
- Store in a small jar for easy use throughout the day.
How It Works: Honey coats the throat, ginger fights inflammation, and lemon boosts vitamin C levels for immunity.
How to Take: Take a teaspoon every 4-6 hours to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
When to Take: Use throughout the day as needed, with intervals of 4-6 hours.
4. Steam Inhalation with Eucalyptus Oil
Clears nasal congestion and soothes irritated airways.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups hot water
- 3-4 drops eucalyptus oil
Recipe:
- Adda few drops of eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water.
- Drape a towel over your head to lockthe steam and breathe deeply for about 5-10 minutes.
- Do this once a day to clear nasal passages.
How It Works: Eucalyptus oil acts as a natural decongestant and antimicrobial agent, helping to clear blocked airways.
How to Take: Inhale the steam once daily, preferably in the evening, for relief from nasal congestion.
When to Take: Best taken in the evening before bedtime.
5. Clove and Honey Mixture
Cloves are eminent for relieving a sore throat and cough.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 tablespoon honey
Recipe:
- Crush the cloves into a fine powder.
- Mix the crushed cloves with honey and let the combination sit for about 10 minutes to ensure the flavors meld and the properties are activated.
- Consume a small amount 2-3 times a day.
How It Works: Cloves contain eugenol, which reduces throat pain and has antimicrobial effects.
How to Take: Consume a small amount after meals to ease throat discomfort.
When to Take: Take it after each meal.
6. Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Steam
Ajwain is a natural antiallergic agent that helps with colds.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ajwain
- 4 cups water
Recipe:
- Boil ajwain in water for 5 minutes.
- Takesteam for inhalation by covering your head with a towel.
- Repeat once daily for quick relief.
How It Works: Ajwain’s essential oils clear congestion and improve airflow.
How to Take: Inhale the steam once daily to relieve nasal blockages.
When to Take: Best consumed during the evening hours to maximize its soothing effects before rest.
7. Herbal Kada (Decoction)
A powerful Ayurvedic remedy to boost immunity and relieve symptoms.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1-inch piece of cinnamon
- 3 cups water
- Honey (optional)
Recipe:
- Boil all the spices in water for 10 minutes.
- Strain and add honey if desired.
- Drink warm twice a day.
How It Works: The blend of spices enhances digestion, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity.
How to Take: Consume twice daily on an empty stomach for maximum benefits.
When to Take: Best consumed during the morning and evening to maximize its effectiveness before the meals.
8. Saltwater Gargle
Simple yet effective for a sore throat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- A pinch of turmeric (optional)
Recipe:
- Mix salt and turmeric in warm water.
- Gargle for 30 seconds and spit out.
- Repeat 2-3 times daily for relief.
How It Works: Salt reduces swelling and draws out irritants, while turmeric adds antimicrobial benefits.
How to Take: Gargle 2-3 times daily, especially in the morning and evening.
When to Take: Use in the morning and evening, or after meals if throat discomfort persists.
9. Mulethi (Licorice) Tea
Mulethi soothes the throat and reduces cough.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon mulethi powder
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey
Recipe:
- Boil mulethi powder in water for 7-8 minutes.
- Strain and add honey.
- Drink twice daily to ease throat irritation.
How It Works: Mulethi acts as a demulcent, coating the throat and reducing irritation.
How to Take: Sip this tea warm, twice daily, for throat and respiratory relief.
When to Take: Consumed during the morning and evening.
10. Cinnamon and Honey Mix
Cinnamon is known for its antimicrobial properties.
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
Recipe:
- Mix cinnamon powder with honey into a smooth paste.
- Take a teaspoon of this mix twice a day.
- Store the rest in a jar for later use.
How It Works: Cinnamon helps fight infections, and honey soothes the throat.
How to Take: Consume a teaspoon in the morning and evening for best results.
When to Take: Take it after breakfast and before bedtime.
These Ayurvedic home remedies are simple, effective, and free from harmful chemicals. By incorporating them into your routine, you can naturally combat colds and coughs while boosting your overall health. Always consult a healthcare professional incase the symptoms persist.
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