Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Colds, Coughs & Fevers: A Natural Guide
How Ayurveda Approaches Cold & Flu Season
Bri Maya Tiwari teaches, "All diseases begin at the junction of the seasons and so all doshas must be especially aware during the seasonal transitions. The fortnights of mid-September and mid-November are the most crucial periods during Vata season."
Cold, windy, and dry weather aggravates Vata dosha, weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility to colds, fevers, and respiratory imbalances. Ayurveda emphasizes preventative care—working with the body’s rhythms to maintain balance rather than simply reacting to illness.
Instead of suppressing symptoms, Ayurvedic remedies support the body’s natural healing processes by addressing imbalances at the root. Strengthening digestion, incorporating warming herbs, and allowing proper rest all play a role in preventing and treating seasonal illness.
This guide explores:
The Ayurvedic approach to immune health and seasonal transitions
Herbal teas and remedies for colds, coughs, and flu
Daily practices to restore balance and accelerate healing
The Role of Seasonal Shifts in Immunity
In Ayurveda, like increases like—meaning that the cold, dry, and erratic qualities of fall and early winter can aggravate Vata dosha. This results in:
Increased susceptibility to colds and flu
Dryness in the body, leading to irritated throats and dry coughs
Poor circulation and low digestive fire (agni), weakening immunity
Kapha dosha, which governs the lungs, mucus, and fluid balance, also plays a role in respiratory health. When aggravated, Kapha can manifest as excess mucus, congestion, and lingering coughs.
By understanding how Vata and Kapha impact immunity, we can incorporate Ayurvedic remedies that prevent illness before it takes hold.
Nena’s Tea Recipe: A Potent Herbal Remedy for Colds & Flu
This tea was developed through years of caring for loved ones (and myself) during flu season. It combines warming, immune-boosting herbs that strengthen the body and fight off congestion, fever, and body aches.
Ingredients:
Ginger root (sliced along the lifeline to activate prana)
Orange slices (with peel)
Lemon slices (with peel)
Licorice root
Lemongrass (sliced along the lifeline)
Cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
Bring all ingredients to a boil in water.
Cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
Let cool slightly before adding honey (never add honey to hot water, as it loses its medicinal quality).
Drink throughout the day.
Adjustments Based on Intuition: Ayurveda teaches us to listen to our bodies. I personally like to add half a thumb-sized piece of ginger, 1/4 of an orange, or two lemon slices, and a drop of honey. However, these proportions change depending on how my body feels. Trust your instinct when preparing this tea—your body will tell you what it needs.
Additional Support: Add echinacea & goldenseal drops for extra immune defense.
Ginger Remedies for Colds, Coughs & Congestion
Why Ginger?
The magical root ginger has highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It warms the body, breaks down toxins, and cleanses the lymphatic system—our body’s natural detox pathway.
Dr. Vasant Lad, a leading Ayurvedic physician, recommends the following ginger-based remedies for seasonal illnesses:
Ginger Shot: Muddle equal parts ginger and water. Drink in small amounts—it’s potent but effective.
Ginger Tea for Congestion & Flu:
1 part ginger
1 part cinnamon
2 parts lemongrass
Steep 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey if desired. Drink several times a day.
Warming Ginger Tea for Recovery:
2 parts ginger
3 parts cinnamon
A pinch of cardamom
Steep 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey/agave once cooled.
Steam Inhalation:
Boil 1 teaspoon ginger or a few eucalyptus leaves in water.
Remove from heat, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deeply.
This relieves congestion and soothes dry nasal tissues.
⚠️ Caution: Never combine ginger and aspirin, as both are blood thinners.
Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Coughs, Congestion & Flu
For Dry Coughs
Eat a ripe banana with 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 pinches of black pepper, 2–3 times a day.
For Productive Coughs (Mucus Clearing)
Mix ¼ teaspoon of black pepper with 1 teaspoon of honey and take on a full stomach.
If your voice is hoarse, replace honey with ghee for added lubrication.
For Flu
Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea:
Boil 1 teaspoon of tulsi in 1 cup of water for 1 minute. Drink warm.
Fever Remedies: Ayurveda’s Perspective on Fevers
According to Ayurveda, fever is seen as a sign of ama (toxins) moving through the circulatory system. While some fevers indicate infection, most are a natural detoxification process in which the body burns away accumulated toxins.
Ayurvedic Fever Remedies:
Cilantro Juice Remedy:
Blend a handful of cilantro leaves with ⅓ cup of water.
Strain and take 2 teaspoons of the liquid 3 times a day to help reduce fever.
Herbal Fever Tea:
Equal parts lemongrass, tulsi (holy basil), and fennel.
Steep 1 teaspoon in boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink.
Stay Nourished & Supported Through Seasonal Shifts
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