Tulsi Cough Drop for Kids – An Ayurvedic Recipe

Tulsi or Holy Basil is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that offers a wide range of health benefits. It is especially great for productive cough with lots of mucous in kids.     If you’re looking for a natural, gentle way to soothe your child’s cough, this is the perfect solution.    How to Use Tulsi?   You can have it in these forms:    Tulsi Cough Drops: A simple and easy way for kids to enjoy Tulsi. These drops taste good and are suitable for both dry and wet coughs.    Tulsi Tea: Ayurvedic Tulsi tea for cough relief is a great alternative for older children.  A few fresh Basil leaves boiled in water, indeed, make for soothing tea! Furthermore, add a bit of honey for a comforting beverage that can effectively soothe coughs and sore throats.   Tulsi Syrup: Boiling Tulsi leaves until the water reduces by half gives you concentrated Tulsi syrup. Adding honey and ginger syrup, makes it a potent cough remedy that not only soothes the throat but also relieves symptoms of cough and sore throat.    They are all easy to make. But when it comes to kids, I would recommend giving this cough drops.    Tulsi cough drop recipe   During my childhood, I don’t have any memory of going to a hospital to treat a fever or a cold. My father, who was an Ayurvedic doctor never allowed that.    Instead, he’d treat my illness with herbal drinks and cough drops with herbs like Tulsi and Ajwain leaves. It always worked!    You can make this cough drop easily with ingredients commonly found in the kitchen.    Ingredients:  Tulsi leaves juice from 2-3 leaves   Honey – 2 tsp  Organic turmeric powder – quarter pinch  Half a pinch long pepper  Black pepper/Long pepper – quarter pinch     How   to   prepare:  Mix the ingredients to prepare the cough drop.      You can give 5 ml of this to your child, 2-3 times a day. However, discontinue its use after 2 weeks as all the ingredients are hot (Ushna) in nature.     The ideal type for this recipe is Krishna Tulsi. If you don’t get it, you can use normal one. But it is far less effective.       Tulsi for Cold and Cough Relief in Kids   When children are up with a cold, parents are often reluctant to give them over-the-counter medicines, considering their side effects. This is where it comes in as a natural aid.    In India, Tulsi is not just a herb; it’s considered a sacred plant.    But beyond the spiritual significance, Tulsi’s amazing medicinal properties make it a go-to remedy for common respiratory issues, especially for children.    Instead of just suppressing the symptoms, it helps treat the issue.     The active compounds in it, such as eugenol and camphene, help open airways, reduce inflammation and fight off infections, all while being gentle on your child’s system.    Benefits for Cough and Cold in Ayurveda   Most homes in India have at least one Tulsi plant. I have also planted some in my balcony.     This powerful herb is a whole package with loads of benefits for your overall health.  It has been used for centuries to enhance overall well-being.   It plays a significant role in treating basic respiratory conditions, such as coughs and colds.    Here are some key benefits:     A Natural Cough Suppressant: As an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial agent, Tulsi is a perfect natural cough suppressant. It soothes the throat and reduces the intensity of the cough.     Immune-Boosting Properties: It strengthens the immune system and helps prevent infections, offering long-lasting relief.     Respiratory Problems: It reduces mucus, acting as a natural decongestant that helps clear chest congestion, making breathing easier.     Relief from Sore Throat: Tulsi tea or Ayurvedic cough drops can relieve a sore throat, which often accompanies colds and flu.      Read this blog to learn more health benefits of Tulsi.    Have you ever experienced the power of Tulsi? Tell us in the comments!     If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Kushta Uses in Ayurveda

Do you know that almost 30% of the world’s population has respiratory problems and almost 40% has skin issues once in a lifetime? Kushta offers natural remedies to those everyday issues and makes it possible to live a balanced, harmonious life. Kushta or Saussurea lappa is a potent herb that is used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of health conditions. It is a traditionally well-known drug for skin diseases, bronchial asthma, diarrhoea, haemorrhages and other related problems. The plant is generally tall and robust with purple or blue flowers. It grows well in the cold regions of India, China, and Pakistan; furthermore, it thrives in these climates due to their unique conditions.     What is Kushta?   Kushta is a botanical herbaceous plant. Found in the high altitude of the Himalayas, it is a perennial herb and is chiefly used as a medicine in Ayurveda. The uses are listed in Ayurvedic texts numerous times. Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita –  two of the well-known texts of  Ayurveda emphasises on the usages of the herb as a medicine, especially in jirna jwara and other diseases. It helps balance Doshas and enhance Agni (digestive fire). It also helps in eliminating Ama (toxins) from the body, contributing to better digestion and detoxification.     Benefits for Skin Health   Kushta is highly beneficial for skin because of its soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Anti-inflammatory Properties:  Reduces redness on the skin by making it healthy and hence fights conditions like Psoriasis and Eczema.   Antimicrobial Effects:  It has the characteristic to fight the infections; consequently, this helps in keeping the skin clean and healthy.   Wound Healing: It also has healing properties and quickly cures wounds, cuts, burns and injuries.   Detoxification:  It  aids in providing healthy glow to the skin through internal cleansing. Furthermore, it does so through internal cleansing.  Due to its purifying properties, it purifies the blood and flushes the toxins out.     Benefits for Respiratory Health   This herb is, therefore, considered highly beneficial in improving respiratory health as well.  It acts as an expectorant, bronchodilator and anti-asthmatic agent. Expectorant Action: It is helpful in loosening and getting rid of mucus  which makes it easy to breathe.       Bronchodilator:  It widens the lumen of bronchi which makes the passage of air quite easy. Mainly, it results in the relaxation of the bronchial muscles; consequently, this leads to improved airflow.   Anti- asthmatic: It has been used traditionally in the prevention of asthma. It helps in reducing the  frequency of the attacks.        For cough and sore throat:  It has a soothing effect; therefore, it is helpful in getting relief from cough and sore throat.     How to Use Kushta?     It is used in various forms, depending on the condition being treated; furthermore, it may vary based on patient needs.  Here are some common methods: Kushta Powder: The powdered root can be mixed with honey or water and consumed to treat respiratory issues.   Kushta Oil:  Applying this oil topically helps treat skin conditions and promote wound healing.   Kushta Chatni: Kushta Chatni helps derive the maximum amount of nutrients from your meal.   Kustha Decoction: A decoction made from its root, in fact, is great for detoxifying; moreover, it also provides respiratory benefits.     Ayurvedic Recipes Using Kushta     Here are some simple Ayurvedic recipes using Kustha that you can try at home for your health: Kushta Honey Mix for Cough: Mix 1 teaspoon of Kushta powder with 1 tablespoon of honey. Take this mixture twice a day to reduce cough and respiratory congestion.   Kushta Oil for Skin Health: Mix a few drops of Kushta oil with coconut oil and apply it to the affected skin areas to reduce inflammation and increase skin glow.   Kushta Tea for Detoxification: Boil 1 teaspoon of Kushta root in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this tea daily to get toxins out of the body and boost overall health.   Modern Research on Kushta   Modern research, therefore, supports many of the traditional uses of Kushta.   Here are some of its proven benefits in treating various conditions: Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Researches prove Kushta’s significant anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional use in treating inflammatory skin conditions.    Antimicrobial Properties: Studies have demonstrated Kushta’s ability to fight a range of microbial infections, including those affecting the skin and respiratory system.    Respiratory Benefits: Research supports the use of Kustha in managing asthma and other respiratory conditions, highlighting its bronchodilator and expectorant effects.     Integrating Kushta into Daily Life     Incorporating it into your daily routine can be a natural and effective way to boost skin and respiratory health. Here are some tips: Daily Herbal Tea: Start your day with a cup of Kushta tea to support digestion and detoxification.   Topical Applications: Use Kushta-infused oils or creams for skin care, especially if you have sensitive skin or skin issues.   Dietary Supplements: Consider taking Kushta supplements, available in capsule or powder form, to support respiratory health, particularly during cold and flu season.     Precautions and Side Effects     While Kushta is generally safe, it is important to use it appropriately and consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant. Dosage: Take only as much dosage as recommended by the doctor to avoid any potential side effects.   Allergies: Conduct a patch test before using Kushta topically to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction.   Also read: 7 Reasons Why You Get Skin Diseases     This is an extraordinary herb with its proven benefits for skin and respiratory health. Ayurveda recommends integrating Kushta  into your wellness regimen to  provide you access to health benefits that have been tried, tested and proven beneficial for over a thousand years. But, make sure to consult a qualified doctor before starting to use it.     If… Continue reading Kushta Uses in Ayurveda

Fruits for breakfast is not a good idea, Why ?

You might have seen many sources in the internet suggesting fruits for breakfast as part of a healthy diet. But Ayurveda has a different opinion.     Fruits for breakfast is not a good idea, Why ?       #1  Mornings are cold, dewy, and moist   Fruits are cold, moist and slimy as well. What is cold, moist and slimy in our body? Kapha!   #2   Fruits are sweet, heavy and cold.   What is sweet, heavy and cold in our body? Kapha!   #3   6am to 10am is Kapha Kala   This is the time Kapha is at its peak – think excessive mucous, blocked nose, runny nose, and all upper respiratory tract symptoms.   #4 The Sun has just risen   Our digestive fire mimics the Sun; however, we do not have sharp digestion in the mornings.  Hence we may not be able to digest cold, sweet, heavy foods at this time.   Then what is a good breakfast?   Anything warm, light and freshly cooked. Example, oatmeal, porridges, rice or chickpea flour, pancakes, stewed apples, green gram pancakes etc. These are not only light but also easy to digest.   When is the best time to have fruits?   Between 10am to 4pm (Pitta Kala) before or after a meal, but not with a meal. Trust me, if you do this, your gut will thank you!       Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Kids’ Seasonal Cold Cough

Respiratory infections in kids can be tackled easily with Ayurvedic medicines without the help of steroidal tablets, steroidal inhalers and toxic mucolytic medicines. One such mild medicine is Rajanyadi Churnam.   Rajani = Turmeric   This medicine has turmeric as its main ingredient. Other major ingredients, in addition, are pinewood and deodar, which, notably, have antiseptic properties. The brihati roots in it relieves chest congestion.   Uses   Helps relieve initial stages of cold and cough in kids, without letting it progress into wheezing and lung infection. Brings down fever. Also relieves colicky pain and diarrhea in babies.   How to consume?   1-3 grams can be mixed with honey or ghee and consumed after food once or twice daily. The dosage depends on the age of the baby. Consult a doctor for correct dosage and frequency.       Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life. If your kids are suffering from any health issues, you can take our Child Care Program. You can also join our other Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.   You can also follow me on Instagram.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Rasnadi Churnam

Rasnadi Churnam is applicable for you only , If you are someone who has – Frequent cold and cough Allergic rhinitis Post nasal drip Sinusitis Headache due to cold   Rasnadi Churnam   Rasnadi is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine with its origins in Kerala. Made from 24 herbs and spices, it has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in subsiding Vata and Kapha.   How to use?     Apply a pinch on bregma and rub into the scalp after a head shower, walk in the rain, swim or after Nasya. This prevents frequent cold, cough and headache. It is good for kids, adults and babies too.   My story!     This churna has my heart; indeed, its unique smell takes me back to my school days.  As kids, it was mandatory for my brother and I to oil our hair every morning, take a head shower and apply a pinch of this powder on the head before stepping out of the house. I believe that could be one reason why we never got cough and cold often like other kids.   Small habits, big win!     Health is in the small habits. Try incorporating this simple habit and you will experience a lot of difference.       Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.