Persistent coughing can not only be bothersome but also indicative of underlying health issues, ranging from respiratory infections to allergies and chronic conditions. While modern medicine offers various treatments. Ayurveda, the ancient comprehensive system of medicine from India, provides gentle and effective remedies for addressing chronic cough while promoting overall respiratory health. Here at Adyant, we have the ayurvedic experts with years of experience in the field of this ancient way of medicine making us the providers of best Ayurvedic treatment for chronic cough.
Causes of chronic cough
Chronic cough, defined as a persistent cough lasting for eight weeks or longer in adults and four weeks or longer in children, can be caused by various factors. Here are some common causes of chronic cough:
Postnasal Drip: Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat from the nasal passages. It can be triggered by allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis, or respiratory infections, leading to irritation and coughing.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Cough variant asthma, a form of asthma, may present with cough as the predominant symptom.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining. Chronic cough can be a symptom of GERD, particularly when acid reflux occurs during sleep or when lying down.
Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, excessive mucus production, and persistent coughing. Smoking is a common risk factor for chronic bronchitis.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Chronic cough can result from recurrent or persistent infections of the upper respiratory tract, including viral infections (such as the common cold or flu), bacterial infections (such as sinusitis or bronchitis), and fungal infections.
Environmental Irritants: Exposure to environmental irritants and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander, can trigger inflammation of the airways and cause chronic coughing.
Medications: Certain medications, particularly angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to treat hypertension and heart failure, can cause chronic cough as a side effect. Discontinuation or modification of medication may be necessary to alleviate coughing.
Chronic Interstitial Lung Diseases: Chronic interstitial lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis, can lead to scarring and inflammation of lung tissue, resulting in chronic cough, shortness of breath, and decreased lung function.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) occurs when the vocal cords close abnormally during breathing, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, and chronic cough. It can be triggered by stress, anxiety, exercise, or exposure to irritants.
Heart Failure: Chronic cough can be a symptom of congestive heart failure, especially when fluid accumulates in the lungs , causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Psychogenic Cough: Psychogenic or habit cough is a type of chronic cough that has no identifiable physiological cause and may be triggered by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.
It’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause of chronic cough through thorough evaluation, diagnostic testing, and appropriate treatment interventions. Individuals experiencing persistent coughing should seek medical evaluation from a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
Ayurvedic Diagnosis of chronic cough
Ayurveda views chronic cough as an imbalance in the body’s doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. According to Ayurvedic principles, an excess of these doshas can lead to inflammation, congestion, and irritation in the respiratory tract, resulting in persistent coughing. By restoring balance and addressing the root causes of the imbalance, Ayurvedic treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and promote long-term respiratory wellness.
Here are some Ayurvedic treatments and remedies for chronic cough
Herbal Formulations: Ayurvedic herbs such as Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ginger,Licorice and Turmeric are revered for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. These herbs can help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and expel excess mucus from the respiratory tract. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend herbal formulations or teas containing these herbs to alleviate cough symptoms.
Ghee and Honey: A classic Ayurvedic remedy for soothing the throat and reducing cough is a mixture of warm ghee (clarified butter) and honey. Ghee helps lubricate the throat and ease irritation, while honey has antimicrobial properties and can help suppress cough reflexes. Mixing a teaspoon of warm ghee with an equal amount of honey and consuming it before bedtime can provide relief from coughing.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam infused with Ayurvedic herbs such as Peppermint, and Clove can help open up congested airways, loosen mucus, and relieve cough symptoms. Adding a few drops of essential oils or dried herbs to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam deeply can provide immediate relief from coughing and congestion.
Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle to support respiratory health. Consuming warm, nourishing foods and beverages, avoiding cold and processed foods, staying hydrated, and practicing regular exercise and yoga can help strengthen the immune system and prevent recurrent coughing episodes.
Pranayama and Breathing Exercises: Practicing pranayama (breath control techniques) and deep breathing exercises can help improve lung function, clear congestion, and reduce coughing episodes. Techniques such as Bhastrika, Kapalabhati , and Anulom Vilom can help cleanse the respiratory passages and promote relaxation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ayurveda offers a complete guide and solution to managing chronic cough by addressing the root causes of imbalance in the body and promoting natural healing. By incorporating Ayurvedic remedies, herbal formulations, dietary modifications, and lifestyle practices into daily routines, individuals can experience relief from cough symptoms and achieve greater respiratory well-being.
FAQ’s:
Q: What are the best homemade ayurvedic remedies for chronic cough?
Ans: Tulsi kadha, Tulsi tea, Honey-Ginger juice, Mulethi kadha and cinnamon with honey are some of the best homemade cures to chronic cough. By their prolonged use one can become immune to cough without any side effects. But remember, intake quantity of these herbs must be consulted with an ayurvedic expert.
Q: What is the approximate time required to cure chronic cough using Ayurveda?
Ans: The time required to cure chronic cough using Ayurveda can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the underlying cause of the cough, the individual’s overall health and constitution, adherence to Ayurvedic treatments, and lifestyle factors. In many cases, Ayurvedic treatments for chronic cough focus on addressing the root cause of the imbalance in the body, which may take time to resolve fully. Additionally, chronic conditions often require a comprehensive approach that includes dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and supportive therapies.
Q: What is the best solution for continuous cough?
Ans: If you are suffering from continuous cough, here are some effective Ayurvedic home remedies:
Before bedtime, take warm milk with turmeric and honey. This works as a natural antibiotic.
Consume turmeric powder mixed with honey twice a day.
Licorice (Mulethi) lozenges to reduce inflammation.
Use the decoction of Sauf (Ani seeds) as the base water to make coffee or tea.
Q: Can Sitopaladi Churna be taken to cure cough?
Ans: The ayurvedic medication called Sitopaladi Churna is used to treat a variety of illnesses. It acts as an expectorant and provide instant relief from cough and cold.