Ayurvedic Remedies for Cough with Phlegm in Babies & Kids
Remedies for Cough with Phlegm (Shleshmaja Kasa) in Babies & Kids from Charaka Samhita
In Charaka Samhita, Shleshmaja Kasa (Kapha-dominant cough) occurs due to an imbalance in Kapha dosha, leading to excess mucus, congestion, difficulty in breathing, and heaviness in the chest. Since babies and children have naturally higher Kapha, they are more prone to mucus-related respiratory issues.
Charaka emphasizes a holistic approach, including:
- Herbal remedies (Aushadhi Chikitsa)
- Decoctions (Kwath/Yavagu) for babies and kids
- Medicated ghee (Ghrita Chikitsa) for improving immunity
- External applications (Lepas, massage oils)
- Dietary guidelines (Pathya-Apathya) for reducing phlegm
- Lifestyle changes (Vihara) for faster recovery
1. Herbal Remedies (Aushadhi Chikitsa) for Babies & Kids
(A) Pippali Rasayana (Long Pepper with Honey) – for Kids Above 2 Years
📜 Charaka Samhita mentions Pippali as an excellent Kapha-reducing herb that dissolves mucus and strengthens the lungs.
Ingredients:
- Pippali (Long Pepper) powder – 1 pinch
- Honey – ½ teaspoon
Method:
- Mix and give twice daily after meals.
Benefits:
✔ Liquefies and removes mucus from the lungs.
✔ Strengthens lung function.
✔ Improves immunity against respiratory infections.
📌 For Babies Below 1 Year: Replace honey with a few drops of warm water.
(B) Vasa Swarasa (Adhatoda Vasica Juice) – for Kids Above 1 Year
📜 Charaka describes Vasa as a powerful expectorant that reduces phlegm and eases breathing.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Vasa (Malabar Nut) leaf juice – ½ teaspoon
- Honey – ½ teaspoon
Method:
- Mix and give twice daily.
Benefits:
✔ Clears chest congestion.
✔ Reduces Kapha accumulation.
✔ Helps with breathlessness.
📌 For Babies Below 1 Year: Mix Vasa juice with warm water instead of honey.
(C) Yashtimadhu Kwath (Licorice Decoction) – for Kids Above 6 Months
📜 Charaka prescribes Yashtimadhu for soothing throat irritation and reducing excessive phlegm in children.
Ingredients:
- Yashtimadhu (Licorice) powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Warm water – ¼ cup
Method:
- Boil licorice powder in water for 2-3 minutes.
- Cool slightly and give 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day.
Benefits:
✔ Soothes sore throat.
✔ Helps in mucus expectoration.
✔ Strengthens lung tissues.
(D) Haritaki Powder with Honey – for Kids Above 1 Year
📜 Charaka mentions Haritaki as an excellent Kapha-reducing herb that also improves digestion, preventing mucus buildup.
Ingredients:
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) powder – A pinch
- Honey – ½ teaspoon
Method:
- Give once at bedtime.
Benefits:
✔ Prevents mucus accumulation.
✔ Helps in digestion and clears toxins.
✔ Supports respiratory function.
📌 For Babies Below 1 Year: Use warm water instead of honey.
2. Ayurvedic Decoctions (Kwath/Yavagu) for Babies & Kids
(A) Tulsi-Ginger-Pippali Kadha – for Kids Above 2 Years
📜 Charaka recommends a combination of Tulsi, Ginger, and Pippali to balance Kapha and improve respiratory function.
Ingredients:
- Tulsi leaves – 5-6
- Ginger (Shunthi) – ½ teaspoon (grated)
- Pippali (Long pepper) – 1 pinch
- Water – 1 cup
Method:
- Boil ingredients until water reduces to half.
- Strain and give 1-2 teaspoons warm.
Benefits:
✔ Clears phlegm and congestion.
✔ Boosts immunity against colds.
📌 For Babies Below 1 Year: Avoid Pippali; use only Tulsi and Ginger.
3. Medicated Ghee (Ghrita Chikitsa) for Kids
(A) Vasa Ghrita (Adhatoda Vasica Ghee) – for Kids Above 6 Months
📜 Charaka prescribes Vasa Ghrita for chronic cough and mucus-related conditions.
Ingredients:
- Vasa leaf juice – ½ teaspoon
- Cow ghee – ½ teaspoon
Method:
- Mix and give once a day with warm water or milk.
Benefits:
✔ Lubricates respiratory pathways.
✔ Clears deep-seated mucus.
(B) Yashtimadhu Ghrita (Licorice Ghee) – for Kids Above 6 Months
📜 Yashtimadhu Ghrita is a classical remedy for throat irritation and chronic cough in children.
Ingredients:
- Yashtimadhu powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Cow ghee – ½ teaspoon
Method:
- Mix and give twice daily.
Benefits:
✔ Reduces chronic cough.
✔ Relieves throat irritation.
4. External Applications (Lepas & Oils) for Babies & Kids
(A) Mustard Oil & Ajwain Massage – for Babies & Kids
📜 Charaka recommends warming oils to open up nasal passages and remove congestion.
Ingredients:
- Mustard oil – 2 tablespoons
- Ajwain (Carom seeds) – 1 teaspoon
Method:
- Heat mustard oil with Ajwain and let it cool slightly.
- Massage on the baby’s chest, back, and feet before bedtime.
✔ Opens up blocked nasal passages.
✔ Relieves chest congestion.
(B) Garlic & Coconut Oil Massage – for Babies
📜 Garlic-infused oil helps in mucus drainage and strengthens immunity.
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 2 (crushed)
Method:
- Heat coconut oil with crushed garlic.
- Cool slightly and massage on chest and feet.
✔ Reduces mucus buildup.
✔ Improves lung function.
5. Dietary Guidelines (Pathya-Apathya) for Kids
Recommended (Pathya)
✔ Warm water with honey (for kids above 1 year)
✔ Light, warm foods (Moong dal khichdi, vegetable soups)
✔ Ajwain-infused water for digestion
✔ Warm rice gruel (Peya/Yavagu)
Avoid (Apathya)
❌ Cold milk, curd, and dairy products
❌ Bananas and sweets
❌ Cold drinks and ice creams
6. Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihara) for Babies & Kids
- Steam inhalation – Mild steam with Tulsi leaves for kids above 2 years.
- Sunlight exposure – Helps in natural vitamin D synthesis and clears mucus.
- Sleeping position – Keep the baby’s head slightly elevated to prevent mucus buildup.
Conclusion
According to Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana, , cough with phlegm (Shleshmaja Kasa) in babies & kids can be effectively managed using herbal remedies, decoctions, medicated ghee, massages, and proper diet to naturally clear mucus and strengthen respiratory health.
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