With the changing urban scenario, the major causes behind a lot of ailments have altered as well. We indulge in faulty dietary and lifestyle habits more often than before. Not just that, the environment around us has undergone extreme changes too. Where are the clean air, clean water and clean food? Perhaps, the best we can do for our bodies is to boost the immune system so none of the above affects us. The number of cough patients is on a rise owing to the increasing air pollution and polluted food and water.
Difference between dry and productive cough
Before the self-administration of medications, it is essential to understand the difference between dry and productive cough.
Dry cough does not produce phlegm or mucus usually resulting in an irritated and aching throat. Productive cough produces phlegm or mucus that comes up from the lungs or drains down the back of the throat. It is usually accompanied by sneezing and watery eyes.
Remedies for dry cough
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- Drinking a glass of hot turmeric milk with dry ginger twice a day helps soothe the throat. The milk should be boiled for about 5 minutes after adding turmeric powder and a small piece of dry ginger to it.
- Chew on a black peppercorn and candy sugar (mishri) together and let the juices linger in the mouth for long. The plus point is this remedy soothes both dry and productive cough.
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- The root of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) can be chewed on till the cough stops. The juice that oozes out is sweet-tasting and is a good remedy for cough in children too.
Remedies for productive cough
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- Grind a few raw tulsi (basil) leaves; add a few drops of fresh ginger juice and some organic honey to the tulsi leaves. Lick this mixture once every 2 hours till relief is obtained.
- Gargle with warm turmeric-salt water. Add salt crystals and pinch of turmeric to water and bring the water to a rolling boil. Gargle with this water while still warm. This will clear the throat by scraping away the mucus that you eventually need to spit out.
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- Chew on a piece of dry ginger or mix some dry ginger powder in honey and have this mixture. The intensity of the cough should definitely decrease.
The above remedies are based on the principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda has a very personalized approach towards each person so it’s best not to administer self-medications. However, in case of a minor cough attack, the above remedies can be effectively used without worrying about side-effects. In case the symptoms persist, see an Ayurvedic doctor.
Read Also: 3 Must-Have Ayurvedic Herbs In Your Kitchen Garden
DISCLAIMER: While we have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared here; it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. it is important to first always check with your own doctor before trying any medication, practice or suggestion from this site.
