{"id":163802,"date":"2025-12-17T20:10:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/?p=163802"},"modified":"2025-12-17T20:14:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:44:02","slug":"foods-for-cold-and-cough-recommended-by-an-ayurveda-expert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/foods-for-cold-and-cough-recommended-by-an-ayurveda-expert\/","title":{"rendered":"Foods for Cold And Cough Recommended by an Ayurveda Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"foods<\/p>\n

Whenever a cough and cold hit, almost every Indian household instinctively reaches out for age-old Ayurvedic wisdom. Someone boils water with ginger, another prepares a warm cup of <\/span>haldi doodh <\/span><\/i>(turmeric milk), or sprinkles pepper into soups for added warmth and comfort. While these practices may feel instinctive, they are not random. Many traditional Indian foods align surprisingly well with what medical science recommends. Foods for cold and cough can ease throat irritation, support immunity, and help the body recover. In Ayurveda, the body is governed by three doshas\u2014<\/span>Vata, Pitta, and Kapha<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>Vata<\/span><\/i> governs movement and nerves, <\/span>Pitta<\/span><\/i> controls digestion and metabolism, and <\/span>Kapha <\/span><\/i>supports structure, lubrication, and immunity in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Dr. Deepak Soni, Senior Ayurvedacharya at Tata 1mg, \u201cCough and cold are often linked to <\/b>kapha<\/i><\/b> imbalance. Warm, light foods and<\/b> kapha<\/i><\/b>-balancing kitchen remedies like ginger can help restore the balance.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

In this article, let\u2019s dive into what are some of the doctor-approved Indian foods for cold and cough. Explore and learn what all you can find in your kitchen that might end your search for a solution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is The Role of Foods for Cold And Cough?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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When dealing with a cough or a cold, recovery does not depend on medicines alone. Proper rest, nourishing foods, and hydration can form the foundation of recovery. Research shows that the immune system can function normally if the person has adequate nutritional intake [1]. When nutrition is inadequate, the body\u2019s ability to fight infections like colds and coughs may be compromised.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 Warm Hug-Like Indian Foods for Cold and Cough, Backed by Ayurveda<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you are sick, the foods you eat should focus on easy digestion, comfort, and steady nourishment. When it comes to meals, simple Indian foods for cold and cough can support recovery without stressing the body. Here are some of the easy options to opt for:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Ginger Tea<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"ginger<\/p>\n

Warm fluids are usually soothing and often helpful in general when you are suffering from a cough and cold. Dr. Deepak suggests ginger tea. Ginger contains natural compounds (like gingerols) that may help support digestion, as it can slow down during an illness. Warm ginger tea can also help ease nasal congestion and provide comfort when the throat feels scratchy. Just sip it slowly, especially between meals, rather than on an empty stomach if you are prone to acidity. This can provide warmth and relief from congestion and throat discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. <\/span>Khichdi<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

\"khichdi,<\/p>\n

Simple and basic Indian food, like <\/span>khichdi<\/span><\/i>, is one of the easiest foods for the body to process during illness. <\/span>Khichdi,<\/span><\/i> made with rice and <\/span>moong dal,<\/span><\/i> is light, nourishing and easy on the gut to digest. It provides carbohydrates for energy, protein for recovery, and fluids in a form that is gentle on the stomach. Keep it mildly spiced. Add ingredients like cumin, ginger, or ghee to improve both taste and digestibility without irritating the throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. <\/span>Methi Ka Saag<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

\"methi<\/p>\n

We usually hear that green leafy vegetables should be avoided during illness because they\u2019re thought to be \u201chard to digest\u201d. But did you know that when cooked properly, some can actually be beneficial? <\/span>Methi<\/span><\/i> (Fenugreek) <\/span>ka saag<\/span><\/i>, is a leafy green recipe made by cooking fresh fenugreek leaves and seasoning them mildly. This can offer antioxidants and micronutrients that support immunity. Cook it well and try to avoid excess oil and chilli, as overly spicy food may worsen throat irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. <\/span>Moong Dal <\/span><\/i>Soup\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"moong<\/p>\n

For those who find solid food unappealing,<\/span> they can opt for <\/span>moong dal<\/span><\/i> soup. It delivers protein in a light, soothing form and helps prevent weakness during a prolonged cough or cold. A thin <\/span>moong dal<\/span><\/i> soup, seasoned gently with turmeric, cumin, and ginger, can support hydration and nourishment without burdening digestion.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. <\/span>Haldi Doodh<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

\"turmeric<\/p>\n

Turmeric milk or <\/span>haldi doodh<\/span><\/i>, also known as golden milk, contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) recognises turmeric milk as part of the <\/span>Ayurvedic<\/span><\/i> immunity-promoting measures. Have once or twice a day, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in about 150 ml of warm milk [2]. Be cautious of the amount of turmeric, as more may not be better.<\/span><\/p>\n

Foods to Limit During Cold and Cough\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"avoid,<\/p>\n

Try to avoid foods that may worsen the symptoms, like:<\/span><\/p>\n