A cough that outlasts the fever by two weeks is not "weakness" — in Ayurveda it is Kapha dosha lodged in the respiratory channel, refusing to melt. Suppressing it with syrups pushes the Kapha deeper; the Ayurvedic approach liquefies and expels it.
Know your cough type
- Dry, tickling (Vata): worse at night, little mucus.
- Heavy, mucus-laden (Kapha): chest congestion, morning spit.
- Burning, sour (Pitta): throat burn, often with acidity.
The classical soothers
- Sitopaladi churna with honey: the legendary Kapha-melter — ½ tsp, 3 times a day.
- Mulethi (liquorice): coats and heals the throat; chew a small stick or take as tea.
- Tulsi-ginger-black pepper tea: kitchen pharmacy at its finest.
- Steam with ajwain: 5 minutes, twice daily, to loosen deep congestion.
- Warm water only: cold water is Kapha's best friend — give it up for a week and watch.
Keep it from returning
Avoid curd, banana and fried food at night; keep the throat covered in cold wind; and treat the acidity that often hides behind a chronic night cough. If your cough lasts over 3 weeks, or comes with breathlessness, consult our doctors — some coughs need a stethoscope, not just herbs.
