Kāsa (Cough) and Its Ayurvedic Treatment

Kāsa (Cough) and Its Ayurvedic Treatment

In Ayurveda, Kāsa (कास) refers to cough, which can be caused by multiple factors like respiratory infections, exposure to dust and smoke, indigestion, or weakness of lung tissues. It is classified into five types based on dosha involvement:

1. Vātaja Kāsa – Dry cough with scanty sputum, chest pain, hoarseness.
2. Pittaja Kāsa – Yellowish or greenish sputum, burning sensation, fever.
3. Kaphaja Kāsa – Excessive mucus, heaviness in the chest, nasal congestion.
4. Kshataja Kāsa – Cough due to injury or weakness (e.g., tuberculosis).
5. Kshayaja Kāsa – Chronic cough, emaciation, night sweats (seen in tuberculosis).

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Ayurvedic Treatment for Kāsa

1. Herbal Remedies

• Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) – Expels phlegm, relieves cough.
• Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Soothes throat, acts as an expectorant.
• Pippali (Piper longum) – Reduces mucus, strengthens lungs.
• Haridra (Curcuma longa) – Anti-inflammatory, fights infections.
• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – Clears airways, boosts immunity.

2. Classical Ayurvedic Formulations

• Talisadi Churna – Useful in chronic cough and asthma.
• Sitopaladi Churna – Soothes throat, relieves dry and productive cough.
• Kantakari Avaleha – Beneficial for respiratory issues.
• Drakshasava – Acts as an expectorant and strengthens lungs.
• Kaphaketu Rasa – Removes excessive phlegm and clears airways.

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Ayurvedic Slokas on Kāsa

Definition of Kāsa

"कासो नाम वायोरुद्रिक्त्वात् कण्ठोरोपरुजः स्फुरत्।
कण्ठशोषो मुखदाहः शिरःशूलं च जायते॥"
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa 18/3)

Meaning: Kāsa (cough) arises due to vitiation of Vata, causing dryness, irritation, pain in the throat, dry mouth, burning sensation, and headache.

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Treatment Sloka

"वासा त्वगेलापिप्पल्यः कण्टकारी सितोपला।
सौवर्चलयवक्षारौ कासश्वासविनाशनम्॥"
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Chikitsa Sthana 3/12)

Meaning: Vasa, Ela, Pippali, Kantakari, Sitopala, Saindhava Lavana, and Yavakshara are effective in treating Kāsa (cough) and Shwasa (breathing disorders).