Managing Coughs with the Healing Power of Ayurveda

by Kottakkal Support January 19, 2024

Ayurveda refers to any type of coughing as Kasa and is a respiratory system disorder that occurs due to the obstruction of vata dosha. Prana vata is located in the respiratory system, and when it becomes obstructed the natural downward flow reverses forcefully upward causing the urge to cough. This is what Ayurveda refers to as Kasa.

 Coughing is a natural urge that helps clear the respiratory system from irritants and mucus caused by respiratory infections, allergies, acid reflux and many other disorders. Coughs can become chronic even after a cold or flu has gone away.

What Causes Kasa to Become Chronic?

• Ati-vyayama: excessive exercising causes dryness in the airway
• Dhumaupaghata: excessive smoke dries and irritates the airway
• Ati- Rukshanna sevana: consuming too many dry light foods
• Vegadharana: suppressing natural urges like hunger and sleep
• Kshavathu: suppression of the natural urge to sneeze

What are the Symptoms of Each Type?

Vataja Kasa is generally located in the upper respiratory tract, symptoms include dry cough with a deep hollow sound, hoarseness of voice, scanty phlegm, pain in the chest, flanks, and head. Symptoms are relieved with sour, salty, oily, warm cooked foods and aggravated by dry, cold astringent foods.

Pittaja Kasa is generally located in the lower respiratory bronchioles, symptoms include fever, inflammation, yellow phlegm, loss of voice, cough feels like the heat is expelling out, dizziness, bitter taste in the mouth, and increased thirst. Symptoms are relieved with light, moist, cooling foods and aggravated by dry, hot, spicy foods, as well as exposure to heat from the sun.

Kaphaja Kasa is also generally located in the lower respiratory bronchioles, symptoms include thick white sticky mucus, chronic cough with no pain, loss of appetite, nausea, sweet taste in the mouth, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Symptoms are relieved with light spicy warm foods and aggravated by cold, heavy, oily, sweet foods, as well as excessive sleep and inactivity.

Kshyaja Kasa is a chronic cough with emaciation, symptoms include greenish-red phlegm, fever, painful flanks, nasal congestion, and strained voice. This type is difficult to heal and is caused by improper lifestyle habits.

Kshataja Kasa is a chronic dry cough with blood-stained sputum, symptoms include pain in the throat, chest, and joints, labored breathing, thirst, and a strained voice. This type is difficult to heal and is caused by great stress put on the body.

Herbal Support for Kasa

Talisapathra (Abies spectabilis) is a well-known herb also known as Himalayan Silver Fir, a conifer tree from the Himalayan regions of India. This is one of the main ingredients used in Ayurvedic formulas for managing coughs and opening respiratory airways.

•  Talisapatradi Vatakam balances kapha dosha, the main herb Talisapatra (Abies spectabilis) helps reduce ama and mucus from the stomach and respiratory system, helps improve breathlessness and hoarseness.
• Talisule Granule balances both kapha and vata dosha, the main herb Talisapatra (Abies spectabilis) helps support cough, congestion, allergies and eases breathing.
• Vyoshadi Vatakam balances both vata and kapha dosha, the main herb Trikatu helps expel mucus from the chest area, soothes sore throat, and supports breathing and respiratory health.
• Dasamulakatutrayadi Kwatham balances both vata and kapha dosha, the main herb Dasamula helps support the respiratory system and eases breathing by helping to reduce excess mucus.
• Vasakadya Arishtam balances both vata and kapha dosha, the main herb vasaka helps lower congestion in the chest, supports cough and cold symptoms, eases breathing and supports healthy lungs.
• Nirgundyadi Gulika balances both kapha and vata dosha, the main herb Nirgundi supports respiratory health and nasal congestion.

Support for Chronic Kasa

When a person has a prolonged cough, it can be a sign of low immunity. Ayurveda understands the importance of discovering the underlying root cause in order to support long lasting relief from chronic cough. Dasamula Arishtam is an effective, but gentle Ayurvedic herbal formula that helps relieve even the most stubborn chronic cough.

Dasamula Arishtam contains the well-known herbal formula Dasamula. Dasamula means ten (dasha) and mula (roots), and is a classical formula known to rejuvenate and improve bodily strength and immunity. The ten roots are the prime ingredients of Dasamula Arishtam, along with sugar. The sugar mildly ferments the herbs which helps the herbs to penetrate faster in the body. The herbal properties of Dasamula are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immunomodulator.

According to the classical Ayurvedic texts, Dasamula balances both vata and kapha dosha and provides strength to the body. It helps clear the respiratory system and removes the accumulated mucus. It improves strength because its action enhances appetite and proper digestion.

AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION

Kottakkal is committed to offering the highest quality Ayurvedic Healthcare. We offer two ways to have an Ayurvedic consultation. 1. Free 15-minute Consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner, Julie Wardwell, for when you need a product recommendation for a basic health problem. 2. In-depth Consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Vaidya Vishwanath Guddadar for when your condition is chronic with multiple symptoms.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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