Shweta Shah
31-Jan-2026
Backed by Ayurveda and nutrition science, these easy remedies—from steam therapy to a powerful kadha—help relieve congestion, cough, and mental fog using what’s already in your kitchen.
Inputs by: Celebrity Ayurvedic Nutritionist Shweta Shah, founder Eatfit24/7
Seasonal transitions can be deceptively challenging for the body. The temperature shifts may feel subtle, but their impact is often immediate— a dry, scratchy throat, an unshakable cough, the familiar heaviness around the forehead, or persistent nasal congestion. While over-the-counter medication offers temporary comfort, true healing often lies in slowing down, listening to the body, and leaning into the potency of nature.
As an Ayurvedic nutritionist, I believe the most powerful remedies are the simplest ones—the recipes passed down through generations, the ingredients stored in every Indian kitchen, and the rituals that remind us of a time when wellness wasn’t rushed or complex. These home remedies blend ancient Ayurvedic principles with modern nutritional understanding, offering relief that is gentle, effective, and deeply restorative.
Here are three time-tested remedies that help alleviate sore throat, cold, cough, congestion, and mental fog. They require minimal effort, use easily available ingredients, and support the body’s innate healing abilities in a safe, natural way.
1. Ajwain Potli for Cough & Cold: A Gentle Heat Therapy for Instant Relief
There is something incredibly comforting about the Ajwain potli, a therapy that feels like warmth meeting aroma, and science meeting tradition. Ajwain (carom seeds), a household constant in Indian homes, releases therapeutic vapours when gently heated. This helps relax the respiratory system, making breathing easier within minutes.
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Ajwain contains thymol, a compound known for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action. Combined with heat, it enhances circulation around the chest region, loosening stubborn mucus. Safe, comforting, and effective, this remedy is particularly suitable for children and the elderly who require more delicate forms of care.
2. Ancient Home Remedy for Cold, Cough & Fever (KADHA): A Classic Ayurvedic Decoction
A kadha is more than an herbal drink, it is a ritual rooted in Ayurveda, balancing the doshas while strengthening the immune response. This traditional decoction combines herbs and spices known for their warming, cleansing, and revitalizing qualities. It supports the body during cold, cough, mild fever, or general seasonal discomfort.
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Why It Works
This Kadha restores balance by clearing ama (toxins), improving digestion, and opening the respiratory channels. Its warmth provides relief from throat irritation, mental fog, and chest heaviness, making it a perfect companion during seasonal infections.
3. Tulsi–Ajwain Steam Therapy: The Ultimate Reset for Blocked Airways
Steam therapy is an age-old practice deeply rooted in Ayurvedic healing. When infused with tulsi and ajwain, it becomes a powerful way to clear congestion, reduce nasal blockage, and support respiratory detoxification. It works instantly, making it ideal for those struggling with a blocked nose or chest tightness.
Best For: Cold, cough, blocked nose, sinus heaviness, mental fog
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This steam helps clear kapha (mucus) from the chest and sinuses, supports easier breathing, and promotes mental clarity. The combination of tulsi and ajwain delivers decongestant action, while rock salt enhances the purification process.
A Healing Philosophy for Modern Living
In an era where wellness trends shift constantly, these timeless remedies serve as grounding rituals—gentle reminders that healing doesn’t always require complexity. Often, it requires listening to the body, nourishing it mindfully, and choosing methods that work in harmony with nature.
These simple remedies—an Ajwain potli, a warming kadha, and tulsi-ajwain steam—bring you back to the basics, offering relief that is safe, effective, and aligned with Ayurveda’s core principle: supporting the body from within.
As someone who works closely with celebrities, athletes, and individuals navigating high-pressure lifestyles, I often find that the most profound results come from the simplest practices. When the seasons shift and your body need extra care, trust these age-old techniques to help you breathe easier, sleep better, and recover faster, naturally and gracefully.
