COUGH AND COLD

You might have guessed today's topic. So, we are going to look into some common and easily available remedies for cough and cold. These are often childhood problems too. Being common does not mean not effective. According to Ayurveda, cough and cold are produced by excess kapha or imbalance in kapha. Therefore, it is important that you should take kapha reducing diet, remedies and avoid food or climate that increases kapha. These can be related to even allergies that we usually encounter along with the seasonal changes. Cough and cold can be symptoms related to other major problems. But, we are only dealing with primarily these symptoms and not any associated symptoms with it. 

Causes:

Cold weather,

Diet such as ice-cream, sour food, cold drinks etc,

Sudden climate changes,

Allergies to dust, pollens etc,

Sneezing can also be one of the symptoms of allergies. All these problems are related to the respiratory tract. Therefore, when these problems start, we face immense irritation such as sore throat or clogged nostrils. To clear this respiratory tract, Ayurveda has advised the procedure called "Nasya". Nasya is putting medicated oil or ghee in the nostrils. Thus, the oil can reduce the dryness inside the nose and thereby increasing the lubrication, it helps to remove the excess mucus deposition easily. Even putting oil in the ears is also beneficial when it comes to staying away from cold. As ears are connected to the nose by an Eustachian tube. The oils are of many varieties. One of the best oils for Nasya is Anu Tail. You can put a maximum of 8 to 10 drops at bed time or after taking a steam inhalation. Steam inhalation helps the oil to get along within the respiratory tract easily. There is also another oil named, Panchendriya Gunvardhan tailam. For migraine patients, we often recommend Nasya with Vacha Tailam. Vacha is a very strong herb that can also reduce pain and inflammation due to it's bitter properties. The very common remedy for cold is "Tulasi". This is a famous Indian herb found easily at home. You can make a decoction along with pepper, mint, ginger and honey. A decoction is prepared if we reduce it's liquid quantity to 1/4 of the original quantity taken by consistent boiling. When it comes to steam inhalation, it is very beneficial to put the camphor and tulsi leaves in water and then take it's steam. Camphor has amazing kapha reducing properties. The very famous medicine for colds is "Tribhuvan kirti tablet". It is available in the market by many reputed companies. The dosage is 2 tablets thrice a day with hot water for at least a week. You should strictly avoid cold milk, eggs and fruits like bananas if you have a cold or cough.

For sore throat, my favourite remedy is Talisadi churna. It is powder which is not at all bad in taste. You should mix the powder in hot water and drink it just like tea. For children who often get troubled by cold and cough, you can give them "Kushmand Rasayan'' along with honey and Sitopaladi churna. This Kushmand Rasayan is a jam-like substance made up from  fruit called Kushmand. The mixture also helps to increase the general immunity of a child. For excessive coughing, you can use a combination of 2-3 herbs or actual medicine. Tulsi in the form of tablet, juice or syrup. There are actually so many effective remedies for cough in Ayurveda that you will be surely amazed. To mention a few, there is shwas-kuthar ras, karpuradi vati, lavangadi vati etc.

Lastly, the hot milk with turmeric at bedtime!

                                                              Tulasi at home

                                                            

For more assistance:

Write an email to Dr. Sheetal Hiremath

Email: rutupreet@gmail.com

Online consultation: 7506964091