Coughing is an essential action to help clear the airways and throat. However, there are cases where a cough suggests a symptom of an underlying condition, usually an obstruction in the airway. A cough is a clear skin that the body is functioning properly because it can defend the body against irritants coming from the lungs, throat, and other structures in the respiratory tract. There are times when a cough is caused by environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and other allergens.
In Ayurveda, cough is called Kaasa roga, a Kapha (water) disease, a common problem caused by irritation or stress from the Kapha Dosha. In this belief, it is caused by poor digestion in which food that is not properly absorbed by the body becomes ama (Ayurveda: mucus). This ama combined with different movements and passages causes coughing upon reaching the respiratory system.
According to Ayurvedic theory, there are five varieties of cough, namely kaphaja, pittaja, vataja, kshayaja and kshataja. Each type of cough has its own identifying characteristics, causative factors, and its own treatment depending on the cause of the cough.
herbal remedies for cough
o Powdered bay bark (myrica nagi) is an effective treatment for coughs caused by chronic bronchitis.
o Betel leaves (piper betle) are one of the most effective herbal remedies for coughs. Preparation requires crushing the leaves and adding water until the leaves have a paste consistency. It is applied specifically on the chest.
o The leaves of Butea (butea monosperma) are used in the treatment of cough due to sepsis and sore throat. The solution is prepared by boiling the leaves in water and using it as a mouthwash to benefit from its healing properties.
o For cough caused by a swollen pharynx, characterized by throat irritation, cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are often treated.
o The humble garlic used for stir-frying is one of the most essential herbal remedies for coughs, particularly whooping cough (whooping cough). The usual dose is 2-3 pieces of garlic two or three times a day.
Other good herbal remedies:
o Treating Coughs With Mullein: Mullein is considered one of the best cough herbs in the eastern United States. This is mainly because this herb has no known toxicity content. It is usually taken in the form of tinctures and teas. Native dried mullein can also be used as tobacco to treat asthma and bronchitis.
o Cough and Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root provides soothing relief for people suffering from severe coughs and other bronchial problems. Marshmallow root is now available in herbal stores as a liquid extract, powder, tincture, and cream.
o Mint Treatment – Mint has a natural warming and cooling effect that is highly effective in treating coughs, colds and fevers. Mint has decongestant and astringent actions that relieve stuffiness and congestion. It is available in the form of tea, pills and oils.
o Wild cherry bark for cough: Wild cherry bark is a natural expectorant that can clear up phlegm. This herb is commonly used to treat coughs associated with phlegm and congestion.
Boil 4 ounces of wild cherry bark in 500 ml of water. Cook over low heat for one hour. Drink 1 to 3 teaspoons for the treatment of cough.
o Thyme for Cough: The thymol from the oil extracted from thyme is used as an antibiotic and expectorant. In fact, this herb is commonly used in most commercial cough syrup formulations. Thyme in the form of syrup, tincture, tea, and oil is very effective in treating coughs.
Home Remedies for Cough: In addition to herbal remedies, there are still home remedies for cough that use common kitchen ingredients that are often present in the kitchen of many homes. This includes ginger, honey, pepper, and figs.
Due to multiple probabilities of developing a cough; it is very essential for everyone to be informed about the simplest and most common herbal and home remedies for cough. This is a precaution to prevent you from running straight to a local pharmacy or doctor’s office for a cure to stop your coughing spells.