Ayurvedic Treatment for Common Cold

Common Cold – An Ayurvedic Perspective 🤧

The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection, is one of the most widespread illnesses worldwide. As per Ayurveda, it is caused by an imbalance of Vata dosha in the body, which leads to accumulation of toxins and affects the respiratory system.🤧 Some key aspects of Ayurvedic view on common cold are:

Table of Contents

Causes of Common Cold as per Ayurveda

Exposure to cold temperature – This vitiates Vata and Kapha doshas causing common cold symptoms like sore throat, runny nose etc. 🥶
Weak immune system – Impaired immunity fails to fight cold viruses leading to infection.✋
Stress and fatigue – Physical and mental stress vitiate Vata and lower immunity. 😓😥
Unhealthy diet and lifestyle – Improper diet and habits like smoking, late nights disrupt dosha balance. 🍔🍟🍺
Changing seasons – Sudden change from hot to cold in seasonal transition increases Vata.
Lack of sleep and rest – Insufficient rest and sleep imbalances Vata dosha.

Symptoms of Common Cold

The main symptoms are cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and body ache. 🤒🤧 Based on dosha involvement, symptoms can be Vataja (dry cough), Kaphaja (chesty cough with phlegm) and Pittaja (burning sensation in throat and nose).

Some other symptoms include:

Headache, ear pain
Watery eyes
Fatigue, tiredness
Hoarseness of voice
Swollen lymph nodes

In infants and young children, symptoms may also include fussiness, irritability, lack of appetite, and difficulty in sleeping and feeding.

Ayurvedic Treatment and Remedies

The treatment focuses on pacifying aggravated doshas and boosting immunity. 💊👍 Some useful remedies include:

Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina leaves or Ajwain water provides relief from congestion. 🍃
Drink herbal teas like Tulsi, ginger, cinnamon to soothe sore throat and decongest. 🍵
Taking Chyavanprash strengthens the immune system and prevents infection. 🥄
Nasal drops like Anu tailam help clear the nasal passages. 👃
Staying hydrated and eating light warm foods like khichdi aids recovery. 🍚
Ayurvedic herbs like Guduchi, Ashwagandha help improve immunity and balance doshas. 🌿
Nasal oils like Anutaila, Shadbindu oil provide relief from congestion when massaged gently over nose, cheeks and forehead.🧴
Gargling with herbal teas, salt water also relieves sore throat pain. 🎶
Vaporubs containing mint, eucalyptus and camphor help decongest chest and nasal congestion when applied topically.🧪
Keep the body warm, take steam baths and avoid cold food/drinks. ☕️🥣

Here are few things you can do when you catch cold and cough.

Some Ayurvedic formulations found useful for cold are

Sitopaladi churna – Relieves cough and nasal congestion
Godanti bhasma – Useful for cough, runny nose
Tribhuvan kirti rasa – Alleviates cold symptoms

In case of severe symptoms, formulations like Chyawanprash avaleha, Agastya Haritaki rasayan, Vyaghri haritaki avaleha are used under supervision. 💊

Home Remedies

Drink herbal tea with Tulsi, ginger, black pepper and honey. The warming effect helps relieve congestion.🍯
Turmeric milk with a pinch of black pepper enhances immunity and acts as an expectorant. 🥛
Eat garlic and onions in diet – they have antimicrobial properties that fight infection. 🧄
Make kadha by boiling herbs like Tulsi, cinnamon, black pepper powder and drink it 2-3 times a day.
Adding carom seeds (Ajwain) or fennel seeds (Saunf) while steaming provides a decongestant effect.
Apply sesame or coconut oil gently in nostrils to moisturize dry nasal passages. 🫒
Ginger-honey lemon shots improve immunity, fight infection and soothe the throat. 🍋
Sipping warm water throughout the day keeps the throat moist and body hydrated. 💧
Gargle with lukewarm saline water to ease throat pain and loosen mucus.
Apply a warm compress on the chest and nose for relief from congestion.

Ayurveda provides a holistic treatment approach by identifying the root cause and using safe herbal remedies to alleviate the symptoms, while also improving immunity against infections. 👍 With proper care as per Ayurvedic principles, the duration and severity of common cold can be significantly reduced.

Prevention of Common Cold

Preventive measures as per Ayurveda can greatly help in avoiding common cold and cough:

Include immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, turmeric in daily diet. 🍊🧄🌶️

Avoid exposure to cold winds, dress in warm clothes in cold weather. 🧣🧤

Do regular light exercises and yoga to improve circulation and immunity. 🧘‍♀️

Control stress with meditation, good sleep and relaxation techniques. 😌

Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands regularly. 🧼

Quit smoking which irritates the throat. 🚭

Avoid sharing food, towels or utensils with people who have a cold or flu. 😷

When suffering from a cold or cough, limit contact with others especially children and elderly to prevent transmission. Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. 😷

Boost immunity by taking Chyawanprash or Ashwagandha to prevent recurrence of cold and cough. 💊

Following these measures along with Ayurvedic treatment helps prevent and manage common cold effectively. 👍

Get the quick facts about the common cold. Watch this video to learn about the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Disclaimer : The ancient healing techniques described in these articles are not intended as substitutes for professional medical advice or treatment. Consult a physician before trying any new health treatment. Do not stop or change prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Results will vary based on individual factors. Always rely on the guidance of a qualified medical professional for any health concerns.

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