by Smita Naram
As we are nearing mid-February, it is the time of seasonal change and many people are having cold and bouts of cough. Even though a mild common cold is usually not dangerous, it may still be difficult for you to carry out your regular tasks. There are additional variables besides changes in weather that can contribute to coughs and colds. Coughing is a specific reflex action that can also occur when a foreign particle enters your airways. Allergy to seasonal and environmental elements is one of the most frequent causes of common cold and cough.
According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in any one of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta or Kapha – can lead to disease. In this case, the excess of Pitta and Kapha in the body leads to nasal congestion and cough.
Here are some home remedies for cold:
basil
Tulsi, also known as “Queen of Herbs” and “Mother Medicine of Nature” in Ayurveda, greatly improves immunity. The use of Tulsi leaves improves one’s immunity by increasing the development of antibodies. It also delays the onset of infection. Tulsi has cough-relieving effects and helps clear your cough of sticky mucus, which soothes the airways.
Tulsi – Brahmi kadha
Take some basil leaves and clean them properly. Put them in a pan of boiling water and add 5 to 6 black peppercorns and 1 teaspoon chopped ginger. Boil the mixture for at least 10 minutes and finally add a pinch of black salt and juice of ½ lemon to it. Wait 1 minute before using it. Enjoy it hot after filtering.
Tulsi tea
Add fresh basil leaves to 1 ½ cups of water. 10 minutes of boiling over medium-high heat. Use a strainer to strain the water. Add lemon juice and mix well. Warm liquids can help with cold and cough symptoms.
Giloy
Heart-shaped Giloy leaves, also known as Amrita or Guduchi in Hindi, is another excellent herb in the treatment of cold and cough, caused by allergies to pollen, smoke or smog. Additionally, it helps with tonsillitis and the common cold. It is also the best plant to increase immunity. Giloy has good anti-inflammatory properties. This reduces sore throat and frequent cough.
How to make Giloy / Gillian juice
Take 2 spoons of giloy juice mixed with warm water on an empty stomach in the morning.
Giloy tablet
Alternatively, you can also take 1 tablet of Giloy with warm water in the morning.
Honey
Honey helps to soothe a sore throat as it is rich in antibacterial properties. It effectively reduces cough by allowing you to cough less and clear the thickened mucus. Honey also removes congestion in the chest, which reduces moist cough.
Honey with Ginger Juice
Take 1 teaspoon of honey and add a little black pepper to 1 teaspoon of ginger juice. Take one dose in the morning and one dose at night before bedtime to relieve sore throat and cough.
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Some more easy ways to treat cold at home:
1. Take a steam bath: Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water. Wrap a towel around your head and the bowl, for a few minutes at a time. Make sure the water isn’t too hot so the steam doesn’t burn your face.
2. Boost your immune system and maintain good health. Amla and Tulsi are two herbs that can be used to strengthen your immune system.
Avoid overheating the place. Let the body lose heat naturally.
3. Avoid being around people who are sick with the flu.
4. Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. Drink plenty of hot beverages.
Incorporate these home remedies and see how quickly you can strengthen your immune system.
(Disclaimer: Smita Naram is a Mumbai-based Ayurveda doctor and co-founder of Ayushakti. The views expressed in this article are the author’s. Zee News does not endorse the same.)