COLDS: HOME TREATMENT

We are used to catching a cold when the temperature changes or when it’s cold. Colds can be accompanied by symptoms that, which depending on the person, can be more or less intense.

The most common symptomatology is: mucus from very liquid to thicker, heaviness in the head regio, sneezing, goose bumps, watery eyes, dryness in the throat, congestion, headache, body pain and sometimes fever.

Considering the doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha, the common cold is mainly related to Vata and Kapha. The cold and stickiness of Kapha bring us a runny nose and congestion; equally, poor digestion and loss of appetite are related to Vata.

The lungs and stomach are the main seats of Kapha, in its element water. Kapha biotypes are thus more prone to colds, sore throats, swollen glands, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and other diseases of the respiratory system. On the other hand, the lungs, are Vata seat by the element air. Breating disorders, including lack of strength, shortness of breath or dehydration are related to this dosha. This is why improving digestive fire or agni is the best treatment for respiratory problems.

Ginger is the great remedy for colds. We can combine it with cinnamon and clove or cardamom.

For 150ml of infusion:

-Ginger: half a spoonful of powdered dessert.

-Cinnamon: half a spoonful of powdered dessert.

-Clove: 4 units or cardamom 1 grain previously pressed.

Fennel and cinnamon infusions will also help us to improve the digestive system and thus we will have support to return to balance.

Let it rest for 10 minutes and add honey when it cools down a bit (according to Ayurveda, it is important not to heat the honey). If you take these infusions several times a day will help you get better.

Eucalyptus and ginger vapours will also help you to liquefy all the Kapha in the airways and help it to come out. It will relieve congestion and make you feel better.

An Ayurvedic compound called Sitopaladi could also benefit you a lot. Take half a spoonful of dessert 3 times a day, take the herbs with honey or hot water. In the absence of this compound you can take cinnamon with black pepper and ginger with honey, three times a day.

Herbalist’s compounds with propolis and echinacea can also help us with colds, work on the respiratory system and also improve defences.

An ancient Ayurveda recipe “Chyavanprash” a kind of jam with amalaki (a fruit with a lot of vitamin C) is also highly recommended during colds and to prevent them. Take a teaspoon of this jam each day during the fall, winter and spring.

Obviously the diet that one follows during a cold is very important, to balance the body as soon as possible and avoid recurrent colds. During the cold one should avoid dairy products and cold drinks. It seems obvious but we have known many people who in a cold as they are not hungry they eat a yogurt at night to avoid making dinner! Always better things hot and light, and better cooked than raw. For example a good broth or a cream of vegetables, with a little pepper and ginger powder will help us dry the mucus and activate digestion.

It is important to drink hot water as a routine, to help the body eliminate the mucus, as well as to rest and not to do physical exercise, it would only be indicated if energy allows you to do several Salutations to the sun, the series of Yoga asanas that helps give warmth to the body, necessary during a cold.  Just like the breath of fire, a pranayama indicated for colds.

Finally it will also be useful to lubricate the nostrils with ghee after cleaning them with serum.

Be brave!