Ayurvedic Treatment of Cough & Cold (Kasa & Pratishyaya) – Sloka, Explanation & Medicines

Introduction

Cough (Kasa) and cold (Pratishyaya) are common respiratory disorders mentioned in Ayurveda. They arise due to Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha imbalances, often triggered by seasonal changes, poor digestion, or exposure to cold environments.

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on removing the root cause (Nidana Parivarjana), balancing doshas, eliminating toxins (Ama), and strengthening immunity. This article explains the causes, types, treatment principles, and effective Ayurvedic medicines for cough and cold, with references from classical texts.

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1. Causes of Cough & Cold (Hetu)

Sloka Reference:

"शीतसंयोगाद्धूमवातरजो धूलीकिटादिभिः।
वृष्यभुक्तातिसन्तर्पात्कफकासः प्रजायते॥"
(Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra 52.2)

Explanation:

The main causes of cough and cold include:

• Exposure to cold, wind, dust, and smoke.
• Consuming cold, heavy, oily, or excessive sweet foods.
• Weak digestion leading to mucus (Kapha) accumulation.
• Viral or bacterial infections affecting the respiratory tract.

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2. Types of Cough (Kasa Bheda) & Their Treatment

According to Ayurveda, cough (Kasa) is classified based on dosha dominance:

Type	Symptoms	Treatment Approach
Vataja Kasa	Dry cough, hoarseness, chest pain	Use warm, moistening herbs like Yashtimadhu, Vasa
Pittaja Kasa	Yellow phlegm, burning sensation, fever	Cooling herbs like Amalaki, Chandana
Kaphaja Kasa	Thick mucus, heaviness, congestion	Drying and heating herbs like Pippali, Trikatu
Kshataja Kasa (Due to lung injury)	Blood in sputum, weakness	Rasayana herbs like Ashwagandha, Draksha
Kshayaja Kasa (Due to chronic illness like TB)	Emaciation, severe cough	Strengthening therapy with Chyawanprash, Shilajit

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3. Types of Cold (Pratishyaya Bheda) & Their Treatment

Cold (Pratishyaya) is categorized based on dosha involvement:

Type	Symptoms	Treatment Approach
Vataja Cold	Dry nasal congestion, sneezing, headache	Warm oils (Anu Taila), steam inhalation
Pittaja Cold	Burning sensation in nose, yellow mucus	Cooling herbs like Sandalwood, Coriander
Kaphaja Cold	Thick mucus, heaviness, watery eyes	Drying herbs like Trikatu, Sitopaladi Churna

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4. Ayurvedic Treatment of Cough & Cold

A. Langhana (Fasting & Light Diet)

Sloka Reference:

"लङ्घनं स्वेदनं कान्ति ज्वरकासश्वासापहा॥"
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 22.19)

Explanation:

• Light, easy-to-digest food like warm soups, herbal teas, and Peya (rice gruel) should be consumed.
• Avoid dairy products, heavy and cold foods that increase mucus production.

Recommended Diet:

• Peya (Rice gruel with ginger and cumin).
• Moong dal soup (light & easy to digest).
• Warm herbal teas (Tulsi, Ginger, Honey).

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B. Herbal Remedies (Shamana Therapy)

After digestion is improved, specific herbs are used based on dosha involvement.

Best Ayurvedic Medicines for Cough & Cold

Condition	Medicine	Dosage
Dry Cough (Vata type)	Yashtimadhu Churna	1 tsp with honey
Wet Cough (Kapha type)	Sitopaladi Churna	1 tsp with honey
Chronic Cough	Kantakari Avaleha	1 tsp twice daily
Cold & Nasal Congestion	Chitrak Haritaki	1 tsp at night
Fever with Cough	Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa	125 mg with honey
Bronchitis & Asthma	Dashamoola Kwatha	15 ml twice daily

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C. Steam Inhalation (Swedana Therapy)

Sloka Reference:

"स्वेदनं वातकफजित् श्लेष्मणं हरते दृढम्॥"
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 14.5)

Explanation:

• Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil, Tulsi, or Pippali helps clear nasal congestion and reduce cough.
• Dhoomapana (medicated smoke inhalation) with herbs like Haridra (Turmeric) and Guggulu can be beneficial for chronic cough.

Method:

• Boil Tulsi, Ginger, Pippali, and Camphor in water and inhale steam.
• Apply warm mustard oil on the chest and back to relieve congestion.

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D. Nasal Therapy (Nasya)

Anu Taila or Shadbindu Taila can be instilled in the nose to relieve cold and sinus congestion.

Method:

• Warm Anu Taila and put 2 drops in each nostril in the morning.
• Helps in clearing nasal congestion and strengthening immunity.

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E. Rasayana Therapy (Immunity-Boosting Herbs)

After recovery, Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapy helps prevent recurrent cough and cold.

Best Rasayana Herbs:

1. Chyawanprash – Strengthens respiratory immunity.
2. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – Acts as a natural immune booster.
3. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) – Rich in Vitamin C, prevents recurrent infections.

Recommended Medicine:

• Chyawanprash – 1 tsp daily with milk.
• Guduchi Ghanvati – 2 tablets twice daily.

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5. Preventive Measures for Cough & Cold

1. Avoid cold foods and drinks that aggravate Kapha.
2. Use warm water for drinking and bathing to prevent seasonal infections.
3. Regular practice of Pranayama (deep breathing) strengthens the lungs.
4. Use herbal teas like Tulsi, Ginger, and Turmeric daily.
5. Apply mustard oil or ghee in nostrils to prevent dryness in winter.

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Conclusion

Ayurveda provides a holistic and natural approach to treating cough and cold by balancing doshas, improving digestion, and strengthening immunity. By following herbal treatments, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle modifications, one can prevent and manage respiratory disorders effectively.

The given sloka is from Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra (52.2) and explains the causes of Kaphaja Kasa (Kapha-dominant cough).

Sloka & Meaning

"शीतसंयोगाद्धूमवातरजो धूलीकिटादिभिः।
वृष्यभुक्तातिसन्तर्पात्कफकासः प्रजायते॥"
(Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra 52.2)

Word-by-word Explanation:

• शीतसंयोगात् (Sheeta Sanyogat) – Exposure to cold weather or cold food.
• धूमवात-रजो धूलीकिटादिभिः (Dhooma-Vata-Rajo-Dhooli-Kitaadibhih) – Inhalation of smoke, dry air, dust, and pollutants.
• वृष्यभुक्तात् (Vrushya Bhuktaat) – Excessive intake of heavy, oily, and sweet foods that increase Kapha.
• अतिसन्तर्पात् (Ati Santarpaat) – Overnutrition or overconsumption of food leading to excess Kapha accumulation.
• कफकासः प्रजायते (Kapha Kasaḥ Prajayate) – Due to these factors, Kapha-type cough is produced.

Clinical Interpretation:

This sloka describes the primary causes of Kapha-dominant cough, which include:

1. Cold exposure – Eating cold, heavy foods like dairy, ice creams.
2. Environmental pollutants – Dust, smoke, pollen, allergens.
3. Overeating & improper diet – Excess sweet, oily, heavy foods leading to mucus accumulation.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Kapha Kasa (Wet Cough)

1. Diet & Lifestyle

• Avoid cold, heavy, and dairy-rich foods.
• Drink warm water with honey & ginger to reduce mucus.
• Practice steam inhalation with eucalyptus or Tulsi leaves.

2. Herbal Remedies

Medicine	Dosage	Usage
Sitopaladi Churna	1 tsp with honey	Reduces Kapha
Talisadi Churna	1 tsp with honey	Clears mucus
Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa	125 mg with honey	Best for cold & cough
Dashamoola Kwatha	15 ml twice daily	Clears congestion

3. Nasal Therapy (Nasya)

• Apply Anu Taila (2 drops in each nostril) to clear sinuses.

This sloka highlights prevention and treatment by addressing the root causes of Kapha aggravation and suggests dietary & lifestyle modifications for effective relief.