Ayurvedic Remedies for Cough with Phlegm for Adults

Ayurvedic Remedies for Cough with Phlegm (Shleshmaja Kasa) for Adults– Based on Charaka Samhita

In Charaka Samhita, Shleshmaja Kasa (Kapha-dominant cough) is caused by excessive Kapha dosha, leading to mucus accumulation in the respiratory tract, congestion, heaviness in the chest, and difficulty in expectorating phlegm. The text recommends herbal formulations, dietary changes, medicated ghee, decoctions, and lifestyle modifications to treat phlegm-related cough effectively.

1. Herbal Formulations (Aushadhi Chikitsa)

(A) Pippali with Honey (Pippali Rasayana)

• Ingredients:
  • Pippali (Long pepper) powder – 1-3 grams
  • Pure honey – 1 teaspoon
• Method: Mix Pippali powder with honey and consume twice daily after meals.
• Benefits:
  • Acts as a natural mucolytic (helps break down phlegm).
  • Strengthens the lungs and respiratory system.
  • Balances Kapha dosha and clears congestion.

(B) Vasa Juice (Adhatoda Vasica)

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh Vasa leaves – 10-15
  • Honey – 1 teaspoon
• Method:
  1. Crush Vasa leaves and extract the juice.
  2. Mix 2 teaspoons of the juice with 1 teaspoon of honey.
  3. Consume twice daily on an empty stomach.
• Benefits:
  • Acts as a natural expectorant.
  • Clears mucus from the lungs and bronchi.
  • Reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract.

(C) Yashtimadhu Powder (Licorice Root)

• Ingredients:
  • Yashtimadhu powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Warm water or honey – 1 teaspoon
• Method: Mix Yashtimadhu powder with warm water or honey and take twice daily.
• Benefits:
  • Soothes throat irritation and cough.
  • Helps liquefy and remove excess phlegm.
  • Strengthens the immune system.

(D) Haritaki Powder (Terminalia Chebula)

• Ingredients:
  • Haritaki powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Honey – 1 teaspoon
• Method: Take at bedtime with honey.
• Benefits:
  • Improves digestion and reduces mucus production.
  • Acts as a mild laxative, removing toxins from the body.
  • Helps in expectoration of mucus.

2. Decoctions (Kwath/Yavagu) – Ayurvedic Kadhas

(A) Vasa-Pippali-Ginger Decoction

• Ingredients:
  • Vasa leaves – 10 leaves
  • Pippali powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Dry ginger (Shunthi) – ½ teaspoon
  • Water – 2 cups
• Method:
  1. Boil all ingredients in water until it reduces to half.
  2. Strain and drink warm.
  3. Consume twice daily.
• Benefits:
  • Removes excess phlegm from the lungs.
  • Relieves breathlessness and congestion.
  • Strengthens lung function.

(B) Guduchi (Giloy) Decoction

• Ingredients:
  • Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) stem – 1 small piece or 1 teaspoon powder
  • Water – 2 cups
• Method:
  1. Boil Giloy in water until reduced to half.
  2. Strain and drink warm.
  3. Consume twice daily.
• Benefits:
  • Boosts immunity and fights respiratory infections.
  • Reduces mucus buildup in the lungs.

3. Medicated Ghee (Ghrita Chikitsa)

(A) Vasa Ghrita (Medicated Ghee with Adhatoda Vasica)

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh Vasa leaves – 10 leaves
  • Cow ghee – 1 tablespoon
• Method:
  1. Crush Vasa leaves and extract juice.
  2. Heat ghee and mix with Vasa juice.
  3. Consume 1 teaspoon twice daily with warm water.
• Benefits:
  • Lubricates the respiratory tract.
  • Clears deep-seated mucus in the lungs.

(B) Yashtimadhu Ghrita (Licorice Ghee)

• Ingredients:
  • Yashtimadhu powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Cow ghee – 1 tablespoon
• Method: Mix and consume twice daily.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces throat irritation.
  • Helps with chronic cough and phlegm.

4. Dietary Guidelines (Pathya-Apathya)

Recommended (Pathya)

✔ Warm water with honey – Helps liquefy phlegm.
✔ Light, warm foods – Khichdi, soups, green leafy vegetables.
✔ Spices like ginger, black pepper, and turmeric – Reduce Kapha and support lung function.
✔ Ayurvedic Kadha – Tulsi, ginger, Pippali, and honey.

Avoid (Apathya)

❌ Cold and heavy foods – Dairy, fried foods, and sweets increase Kapha.
❌ Cold drinks & ice cream – Worsen mucus production.
❌ Excess wheat and banana – Increase phlegm and congestion.

5. Lifestyle Modifications (Vihara)

• Steam inhalation – With Vasa leaves, Ajwain, or eucalyptus oil to loosen phlegm.
• Gargling (Kavala & Gandusha) – With warm salt water or Yashtimadhu decoction.
• Pranayama (Breathing exercises) – Anulom Vilom and Kapalbhati clear mucus and strengthen the lungs.
• Avoid cold exposure – Keep warm and avoid damp environments.

Conclusion

According to Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 18, cough with phlegm (Shleshmaja Kasa) requires a holistic approach with herbal remedies, medicated ghee, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to clear mucus and balance Kapha dosha.