Amid growing safety concerns surrounding several chemical-based cough syrups, India’s medical community is increasingly encouraging parents to turn to Ayurvedic formulations for children’s cough and cold relief. The advice follows a series of international alerts by the World Health Organization (WHO) and domestic drug authorities regarding contaminated syrups that contained harmful industrial chemicals like diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) — substances linked to multiple child fatalities abroad.

The alerts, which began in 2022 after tragic incidents in The Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, have prompted governments and pharmaceutical regulators to step up testing and tighten production standards. But they have also left many Indian parents anxious about the safety of over-the-counter syrups commonly used for seasonal coughs and colds.

Health experts are now pointing families toward Ayurvedic and herbal alternatives, long regarded as gentler and safer for children. “Ayurvedic syrups made from Tulsi, Mulethi, Vasa, and Honey are effective in soothing mild coughs without harsh chemicals or alcohol,” explained Dr. Neeta Wagh, a pediatrician from Pune. “They not only calm symptoms but also support the child’s natural immunity, which is essential for long-term health.”

Ayurvedic brands like Dabur Honitus, Zandu Tulsi Honey, Himalaya Koflet, and Baidyanath Kasamrit have seen a sharp rise in sales in the past few months. Pharmacies across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru report that parents are now specifically asking for herbal syrups instead of allopathic ones. “Earlier, people asked for quick results,” said Rohit Sharma, a pharmacist in Bengaluru. “Now, they ask if the product is natural, sugar-free, or alcohol-free. The mindset has changed completely.”

The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) has also issued advisories emphasizing the benefits of Ayurvedic formulations for respiratory ailments in children. According to the ministry, herbs such as Tulsi (holy basil), Yashtimadhu (licorice root), Pippali (long pepper), and Adulsa (Vasaka) can be safely used to relieve throat irritation, clear mucus, and strengthen lung function.

“Ayurvedic cough syrups work by reducing inflammation, soothing the throat, and improving breathing rather than suppressing the cough reflex,” said Dr. Rajesh Deshpande, an Ayurveda practitioner from Nagpur. “They are non-sedative, non-habit-forming, and generally well tolerated by children.”

However, experts caution that “Ayurvedic” doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all or risk-free. Parents are advised not to self-prescribe, even if the syrup is herbal. “It’s essential to choose products that are licensed under AYUSH, use approved ingredients, and have dosage instructions suitable for children,” said Dr. Deshpande. “Ayurveda focuses on the child’s body constitution (Prakriti), and dosage should vary accordingly.”

The concerns about synthetic syrups stem from a combination of lax quality control and global supply chain gaps. Several unregulated manufacturers, particularly those producing for export, were found to have used industrial-grade solvents instead of pharmaceutical-grade ones, resulting in contamination. In response, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has ramped up inspections and suspended licenses of several erring firms.

The Indian government has also launched a new initiative called ‘Track and Trace’, which will make it mandatory for all syrup manufacturers to include QR codes that allow regulators and consumers to verify batch details and authenticity. “Safety in pediatric medicine must be non-negotiable,” said a senior CDSCO official. “Until every product meets testing standards, parents have every reason to be cautious.”

Ayurvedic manufacturers are using this moment to highlight their traditional, plant-based formulations. Many are upgrading production lines to meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and using third-party lab tests to verify purity. “We use honey as a natural sweetener and avoid synthetic colors or alcohol,” said Vivek Agarwal, product head at a leading Ayurvedic company. “Our syrups have centuries of documented use and modern lab validation — the best of both worlds.”

Parents who have switched to Ayurvedic options report high satisfaction. “My six-year-old used to get frequent colds,” said Ananya Iyer, a mother from Chennai. “Earlier, every episode ended with antibiotics and side effects. Since using herbal syrup and Tulsi tea, his cough settles without drowsiness or nausea.”

Pediatricians say the gentle action and non-sedative nature of Ayurvedic syrups make them suitable for young children, especially those prone to allergies. They are often prescribed alongside home remedies such as warm turmeric milk, honey with pepper, and steam inhalation.

Still, experts stress the importance of moderation and guidance. “Even herbal medicines should be given for short durations and under supervision,” said Dr. Wagh. “A cough lasting more than ten days, or accompanied by fever or wheezing, should always be evaluated by a doctor. Ayurveda can treat mild infections — but serious cases still require clinical diagnosis.”

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and several state universities are now conducting clinical trials to verify the efficacy of popular Ayurvedic cough formulations. Early findings suggest that herbal combinations containing Tulsi, Mulethi, and Vasaka significantly reduce throat irritation and cough frequency in children compared to placebos — with no adverse reactions recorded.

International interest in India’s herbal medicine is also growing. Following WHO’s endorsement of integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, several countries, including Japan, UAE, and South Africa, have expressed interest in importing certified Ayurvedic pediatric products.

According to market research firm IMARC, India’s Ayurvedic children’s healthcare market is projected to grow by 25% annually over the next five years, reaching nearly ₹4,000 crore by 2030.

Despite this boom, responsible usage remains key. Experts advise parents to check for AYUSH license numbers, verify expiry dates, and consult doctors for dosage. They also warn against homemade syrups using unmeasured herbal powders or unboiled honey for infants, which can be unsafe.

Ultimately, the move toward Ayurveda reflects a deeper shift in parenting — one that values prevention over panic and natural care over quick fixes. “Parents today want transparency and safety,” said Dr. Deshpande. “Ayurveda provides that reassurance — it works in harmony with the child’s body, not against it.”

In a world where chemical shortcuts have sometimes turned dangerous, Ayurveda’s slow, steady approach feels like a return to trust. As one mother at a health fair put it, “It’s not about rejecting modern medicine — it’s about choosing gentleness when we can.”

That quiet change — from fear to informed care — may be the healthiest cough remedy of all.