Monsoon alert: All about Sitopaladi, and its effectiveness against cold and cough

Considered to be an “excellent Ayurvedic herbal remedy used during monsoons to boost immunity and improve bronchial health”, Sitopaladi is a herb made of a bamboo plant (Vanshlochan), long pepper (pippali), cardamom, cinnamon, and sugar candy (or misri). According to Dr Dimple Jangda, ayurveda coach and gut health expert, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties that help improve health and fight the common cold, cough, sinus, and monsoon allergies.

Owing to the increase in humidity and the presence of bacteria in the atmosphere during the rainy season, many people — both children and adults — may experience cold, cough, and asthma. “Sitopaladi helps fight these symptoms by reducing the kapha imbalance in the body. Kapha dosha is the building block that helps provide structure and form to the body, but when it gets imbalanced or in excess, it can trigger mucus accumulation that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Sitopaladi helps clear this mucus, and reduces congestion and, thus, bronchial health issues,” said Dr Jangda.

Dr Swati Darade, B.A.M.S. DYA, Ayush Dispensary, Satara, Maharashtra listed the ingredients. It contains:

Sitopala (sugar candy powder) – 16 parts
Vamshalochana (inner white part of bamboo tree) – 8 parts
Pippali (long pepper) – 4 parts
Ela (cardamom) – 2 parts
Twak (cinnamon) – 1 part

During monsoons, the air becomes cold and dry. “As a result, respiratory issues like cold, cough, throat congestion, irritation, and pain abound. In this a situation, Sitopaladi churna has shown very promising and quick results,” said Dr Tejas Lokhande, consultant ayurved and panchkarma physician, Mumbai.

“Anyone suffering from frequent cold, cough, asthma, or bronchial health issues must consider including this herbal preparation in their diet. You can source some of these ingredients from your kitchen,” said Dr Jangda.

Sitopaladi is also excellent for digestive health, as it “improves the metabolic fire and appetite due to its heaty properties”. “This is especially good for those who may experience loss of appetite during sickness. It also helps boost immunity by improving the body’s ability to fight infections and viruses. Cinnamon, long pepper and cardamom have anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. It also helps in detoxifying the body by eliminating toxins,” said Dr Jangda.

Know more about sitopaladi (representative) (Source: Freepik)

Generally, this churna is administered with cow ghee for dry cough and with honey for expectorating the cough. “Speak to an Ayurvedic doctor before incorporating this into your diet,” said Dr Lokhande.

Dr Darade mentioned that 1 to 3 grams with honey and ghee (half spoon honey and 1 spoon ghee) as prescribed by ayurvedic consultant is recommended. “Sometimes it may aggravate gastritis so avoid taking it on an empty stomach. It can be taken for 1-2 weeks,” said Dr Darade.

“Usually, pregnant women and infants are not advised such herbs as these are potent formulations. Also check for any allergies, and reactions with other medicines,” said Dr Jangda.

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