Empower Yourself With What You Already Have

I love our weather. But what makes me love it even more is what it allows us to do — to live simply, to work with what’s around us, and to improve our quality of life in a sustainable way. Ayurveda is not about complicated routines or expensive tools. It’s about empowerment, prevention, and longevity.

When my throat feels scratchy, when there’s a small cough or a tickle coming on, I don’t wait for it to turn into something bigger. I know exactly what to do for myself. Today, I want to share one of my favorite make-it-yourself Ayurvedic cough drops — something so simple that once you make it, you’ll never forget it.

This is not a product. This is a practice.

Why Ayurveda Looks at the Throat, Chest, and Sinuses Together

In Ayurveda, the throat, chest, and sinuses are deeply connected. What begins as dryness in the throat can move into congestion in the chest. What starts as mucus in the sinuses can weaken the voice and immunity.

Rather than suppressing symptoms, Ayurveda asks:

• Is there excess mucus?

• Is there irritation or dryness?

• Is digestion and immunity strong enough to resist invasion?

This cough drop works on all three levels.

A Natural Cough Drop You Can Make Without Equipment

You don’t need a blender.
You don’t need a food processor.
You don’t need anything fancy.

A small bowl and something to mash with is enough. This is intentional — Ayurveda teaches us to work with what we have, not wait until conditions are perfect.

Ingredients & Ayurvedic Benefits

Raisins (Draksha)

Raisins are excellent for the throat. They gently absorb excess mucus, soothe irritation, and provide natural sweetness without aggravation. In Ayurveda, raisins are grounding and nourishing while still being cleansing.

Clove (Lavanga)

Clove is a powerful throat purifier. It clears raspiness, supports vocal clarity, and helps clean the oral and sinus pathways. It also has natural antimicrobial properties.

Cinnamon (Tvak)

Cinnamon warms the system and helps clear cold-type congestion. It supports circulation in the sinuses and chest and prevents stagnation.

Pipali (Long Pepper)

Pipali is one of Ayurveda’s most important herbs for chest immunity. It supports the lungs, helps metabolize mucus, and strengthens resistance over time rather than offering short-term relief.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Tulsi is about resilience. It keeps the system warm, alert, and protected. It supports immunity and helps prevent pathogens from settling in the respiratory tract.

Licorice (Yashtimadhu)

Licorice is the repair herb. It soothes, heals, and coats the throat and chest. This is especially important when there is dryness, irritation, or voice fatigue.

Honey (Yogavahi – Carrier)

Honey is not just a sweetener. In Ayurveda, honey is a yogavahi, meaning it carries herbs deep into the tissues. It soothes the throat and enhances the action of the spices — as long as it is not overheated.

How to Make the Cough Drops

1. Mash about 1½ teaspoons of raisins into a paste.

2. Add:

   • A dash of clove powder

   • A dash of cinnamon powder

   • ⅙ teaspoon pipali

   • ⅛ teaspoon holy basil powder

   • ¼ teaspoon licorice powder

3. Mix well.

4. Add ¼ teaspoon raw honey (no more — too much makes it soggy).

5. Mash into a thick paste.

6. Roll into small pearl-sized balls.

Let them sit uncovered in a dry space. They can stay at room temperature for up to three weeks as long as no moisture touches them.

Why This Is Better Than Commercial Cough Drops

Most commercial cough drops:

• Dry the throat

• Suppress symptoms

• Contain artificial flavors and chemicals

This Ayurvedic cough drop:

• Nourishes while it clears

• Supports immunity instead of suppressing it

• Strengthens the voice, throat, and chest

• Is made by you, for you

It also travels beautifully. Keep one in your pocket. When your throat feels itchy or dry, let it slowly dissolve in your mouth.

Prevention Is the Real Medicine

This is not just about stopping a cough. This is about not letting the cold take hold in the first place. Spices are not aggressive — they are intelligent. They work with the body to restore balance.

This is how you live long and well.

Athreya Herbs & Our Southern California Roots

At Athreya Herbs, based in Southern California and Los Angeles, we focus on traditional Ayurvedic wisdom made practical for modern life. Every herb we offer is carefully sourced, prepared, and respected for its intelligence — not just its trend value.

You can learn more about our herbs, education, and longevity-focused practices at
www.athreyaherbs.com

What is a natural alternative to cough drops?

A natural alternative to cough drops is an Ayurvedic preparation made with raisins, honey, and warming spices like clove, cinnamon, pipali, holy basil, and licorice. These ingredients support the throat, chest, and immunity without artificial additives.

Can I make cough drops at home?

Yes. Ayurvedic cough drops can be made at home using simple ingredients and no special equipment. The preparation involves mashing raisins, mixing herbs, adding honey, and rolling into small pellets.

What herbs are best for sore throat in Ayurveda?

Licorice, clove, holy basil, pipali, and cinnamon are commonly used in Ayurveda to soothe sore throat, strengthen the voice, clear mucus, and support chest health.

Is honey good for cough and sore throat?

Yes. In Ayurveda, honey is considered a carrier that enhances the effects of herbs while soothing the throat. It should not be heated and should be used in small amounts.

How long do homemade Ayurvedic cough drops last?

When kept dry and free from moisture, homemade Ayurvedic cough drops can last up to three weeks at room temperature.

Where can I learn more about Ayurvedic remedies in Los Angeles?

Athreya Herbs, based in Los Angeles, offers Ayurvedic herbs, education, and longevity-focused wellness practices. Visit www.athreyaherbs.com for more information.