Herbal Remedies For Cough
Coughing is an essential action to help clear the airways and throat. However, there are instances wherein cough suggests a symptom of an underlying condition usually obstruction in the respiratory tract. Coughing is a clear skin that the body is functioning properly because of the fact that it can defend the body from irritants coming from the lungs, throat, and other structures in the respiratory tract. There are times when coughing is caused by environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and other allergens.
In ayurveda, cough is termed as Kaasa roga, a Kapha (water) illness, a common problem caused by irritation or stress of the Kapha Dosha. In this belief, it is caused by poor digestion wherein the food not properly absorbed by the body is changed into ama (Ayurveda: mucus). This ama combined with different motions and passages causes cough upon reaching the respiratory system.
Based on the ayurvedic theory there are five varieties of cough namely kaphaja, pittaja, vataja, kshayaja, and kshataja. Each type of cough has its own identifying characteristics, causative factors, and their own treatment depending on what caused the coughing.
Herbal Remedies for Cough
• The bark of bay berry (myrica nagi) turned into powder is one effective treatment for coughs caused by long-term bronchitis.
• Leaves of Betel (piper betle) are one of the most effective herbal remedies for coughing. Preparation requires crushing the leaves and adding water until the leaves are of paste consistency. It is specifically applied on the chest.
• Leaves of Butea (butea monosperma) are used in treating cough due to septic and sore throats. Solution is prepared by boiling leaves in water and using the water as mouthwash in order to benefit from its healing properties.
• For coughs caused by a swollen pharynx, characterized by irritation of the throat is usually treated by means of clove (Syzygium aromaticum).
• The humble garlic used for saut