Five kitchen remedies for a dry winter cough

A dry cough in winter is usually a sign of aggravated Vata: the air is cold and dry, and so is the throat. The aim is to bring back warmth and moisture.

Warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of ginger powder soothes the throat. Avoid adding honey to boiling water — let it cool until comfortably warm.

Tulsi tea, mulethi (liquorice) sticks to chew, turmeric milk at bedtime and steam inhalation with ajwain are the other four staples our Vaidyas recommend.

If a cough lasts more than two weeks or comes with fever, please see a doctor.