Ayurvedic Expert Shares Dry Cough Remedies To Try At Home

As the hot summer season takes a backseat, winter is all set to surprise us. Besides the cool, chilly winds, pollution, dry air, and infectious diseases are likely to torment us as they always do. Dry cough, which is one of the most common symptoms experienced during this transitional phase, is inevitable and therefore, experts urge staying vigilant and taking all necessary precautions to protect ourselves from harmful triggers. 

Ayurveda can also help tackle and treat cold and flu-like symptoms. It is an age-old healing tradition that is said to be effective. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Pradeep Srivastava, Ayurvedic Expert at Krishna's Herbal and Ayurveda, shares some remedies that can manage dry cough. 

Also Read: Ayurvedic Expert Tells Treatments For Gout And Uric Acid

Common Causes Of Dry Cough

There are several factors that can cause a dry cough. Some of them include:

• Infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19
• Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other allergens
• Exposure to smoke, pollution, strong odors, or chemicals 
• Asthma
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
• Chronic bronchitis, which is often associated with smoking
• Tuberculosis
• Certain medications, like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure

When it comes to dry cough, other than viral infections, bacterial infections like sinus and strep throat can also cause it, says Dr Srivastava, concluding, “Sometimes, breathing through your nose while sleeping, talking loudly, and dairy products can worsen it.” 

Ayurvedic Remedies For Dry Cough

Here are some Ayurvedic remedies that can help you treat dry cough:

Amla juice when consumed twice a day helps in building immunity due to the richness of Vitamin C, adding a tsp of honey can help treat sore throat and incessant cough.

Tulsi, the mother of medicine in nature can also help immensely in treating cough, adding ginger and honey can give more benefits. 

Adusa or Malabar nut has great medicinal properties as it has anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antibiotic properties and helps in dealing with colds, breathing problems, asthma, bronchitis, cough and sore throat too.

Preservative-free chyawanprash that has the goodness of 45 herbs is just perfect if you wish to strengthen your immunity and ensure that you don’t get cough and cold.

Also Read: Necessary Precautions To Take While Incorporating Ayurvedic Remedies

Safety Measures To Take 

Dry cough is usually a result of certain infections, long term health conditions or exposure to irritants and pollution. To safeguard yourself and the health of your loved ones, here are a few steps you can take:

• Wear a mask 
• Avoid crowded places
• Do not go outside when air quality is poor to very poor
• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid touching frequently touched areas as they can house infectious organisms
• Get yourself vaccinated against COVID and flu 

Conclusion

Ayurveda has been an ancient practice that helps treat illnesses with natural remedies and promises minimum side effects. In case of a dry cough or any other cold or flu infection symptoms, Ayurvedic practices can be helpful, however, it is best to approach a doctor or a specialist before resorting to any healing methods.