Overview
Cough and cold are among the most common seasonal ailments that disrupt daily life. While modern medicines provide quick relief, many people prefer Ayurvedic remedies for cough and cold because they are natural, safe, and support long-term immunity.
In Ayurveda, imbalance of Pitta and Kapha doshas is considered the root cause of cough, congestion, and sore throat. Fortunately, several herbal remedies for cough and cold can help you recover faster while strengthening your respiratory system.
In this guide, we explore 7 powerful Ayurvedic home remedies for cough and cold along with preparation methods, backed by centuries of traditional knowledge and modern health insights.
- तुलसी (Holy Basil) – The Queen of Herbs
Tulsi, also called the “Mother Medicine of Nature,” is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for cough relief.
How it helps:
- Boosts antibodies and immunity.
- Soothes throat irritation and clears mucus.
- Effective for both dry cough and wet cough.
How to use:
- Tulsi Kadha: Boil tulsi leaves with ginger, black pepper, and lemon juice. Drink warm.
- Tulsi Tea: Boil fresh leaves, strain, and add lemon juice.
- Chew 4–5 fresh leaves every morning.
- शहद (Honey) – Nature’s Cough Suppressant
Honey has strong antimicrobial and soothing properties. It is widely used in home remedies for sore throat and congestion.
How it helps:
- Loosens thick mucus.
- Reduces chest congestion.
- Provides quick relief from sore throat.
How to use:
- Take 1 tsp honey before bedtime for cough suppression.
- Mix honey with ginger juice and black pepper for faster recovery.
- मुलेठी (Licorice) – Soothes Throat & Clears Airways
Known as “Sweet Wood,” Mulethi is one of the most recommended Ayurvedic herbs for flu and cold.
How it helps:
- Acts as a natural expectorant.
- Reduces throat irritation and excessive mucus.
How to use:
- Mulethi Tea: Boil mulethi root with ginger, strain, and drink.
- Mulethi Kadha: Mix mulethi powder with tulsi, cinnamon, and honey.
- पीपली (Long pepper) – Relieves Cold & Headache
Pippali (Long Pepper) is a traditional spice used in Ayurvedic medicine for cold and cough.
How it helps:
- Clears nasal passages.
- Reduces cough and relieves congestion-related headaches.
How to use:
- Take a pinch of Pippali churna with honey once or twice daily.
- सोंठ (Dry Ginger) – Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Sonth, or dry ginger, is a potent ingredient in Ayurvedic kadha for cold and cough.
How it helps:
- Reduces throat inflammation.
- Acts as a natural decongestant.
How to use:
- Mix sonth powder with honey and consume twice a day.
- Prepare Sonth Goli using ghee and jaggery for long-term storage.
- दालचीनी (Cinnamon) – Antiviral & Warming Spice
Cinnamon is not just a kitchen spice but also a powerful natural cold and cough treatment.
How it helps:
- Fights viruses causing cough and cold.
- Reduces throat pain and irritation.
How to use:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to black tea.
- Mix honey with cinnamon powder for soothing relief.
- गिलोय (Amrita) – Immunity Booster & Allergy Reliever
Giloy is one of the most trusted Ayurvedic herbs for immunity and cough relief.
How it helps:
- Reduces allergic cough caused by dust, smoke, or pollution.
- Relieves tonsillitis and sore throat.
How to use:
- Drink 2 tsp Giloy juice with warm water daily.
- Alternatively, take Giloy tablets as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Quick Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Cold & Cough
- ✔ Wash hands regularly.
- ✔ Avoid touching your face and nose.
- ✔ Stay hydrated and drink warm herbal teas.
- ✔ Do steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil.
- ✔ Include Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet.
- ✔ Practice yoga and pranayama to strengthen lungs.
FAQs on Ayurvedic Remedies for Cough and Cold
Q1. Which is the best Ayurvedic remedy for dry cough?
👉 Tulsi tea and honey with dry ginger (sonth) are highly effective Ayurvedic home remedies for dry cough.
Q2. Can Ayurvedic kadha cure cough and cold naturally?
👉 Yes, a kadha made from tulsi, mulethi, ginger, and cinnamon helps in natural cold and cough treatment.
Q3. Is Giloy safe for daily use to boost immunity?
👉 Yes, Giloy juice or tablets can be consumed daily in moderation. It strengthens immunity and prevents seasonal flu.
Q4. What is the fastest Ayurvedic home remedy for sore throat?
👉 Warm water gargles with turmeric and honey-mulethi mixture provide quick relief.
Q5. Are these remedies safe for children?
👉 Most remedies like tulsi, honey, and mulethi are safe for children, but dosage should be adjusted and a doctor consulted if symptoms persist.
Conclusion
These Ayurvedic home remedies for cough and cold are time-tested, safe, and effective. Whether it’s tulsi tea, honey-ginger mix, mulethi kadha, or giloy juice, each herb supports faster recovery and long-term immunity. For persistent or severe cough, always consult an Ayurveda expert or healthcare professional.
