The viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that is the nose and throat is known as the common cold. School children are prone to colds, however, even healthy adults get affected. Most people recover from a common cold in about a week or two. So, in this blog, I will be talking about Ayurvedic treatment for common cold.
What is Common Cold?
Medically referred to as the upper respiratory tract infection, the common cold is a contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. Symptoms of the common cold may include cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. The common cold is the most frequently occurring illness in the world, and it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.
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What are the causes?
Although more than 100 viruses can cause a common cold, the rhinovirus is the most common culprit, and it’s highly contagious.
A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. But it also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you’re likely to catch a cold.
What are the symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of a common cold may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Body aches or a mild headache
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Mild fever and fatigues
Ayurvedic treatment for common cold
According to Ayurveda, Influenza results from an imbalance of the Kapha and Vata Doshas. Cold develops in the body when there’s an excess of Kapha’s cool, moist characteristics, causing a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. And, excess Vata reduces the body’s digestive fire. Therefore, the Ayurvedic treatment consists of soothing the aggravated body energies, expelling excess mucus, restoring peripheral circulation, strengthening digestion and boosting immunity.
Home remedies you can try:
- Drink lots of fluids like water, juice, to help replace fluids lost during mucus production or fever.
- Try chicken soup to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the time viruses are in contact with the nasal lining.
- Stay at home from work or school if you have a fever or a bad cough or are drowsy after taking medications. Wear a mask when you have a cold if you live or work with someone with a chronic disease or a weak immune system.
- Adjust your room’s temperature and humidity
- Soothe your throat with salt water gargle.
- Use saline nasal drops to help relieve nasal congestion.
A word of advice:
Make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep every night. This will boost your immune system and enhance the energy in your body.
Testimonials: Ayurvedic treatment for common cold
Mrs Shivani 48 yrs. ..Professor
I have been suffering from a severe cold for many years. Every winter I used to have harrowing time battling this irritating problem. It used to give me sleepless nights. Several treatments failed. I was advised by a friend to consult Dr. Brahmanand Nayak. I am so happy that I consulted him. Within a few months, I started to experience the difference. I followed the diet restrictions, jalaneti, and immune-boosting lifestyle changes he recommended. Now are the symptoms are gone. Even if I get cold, it lasts just two or three days compared to weeks earlier. I am so grateful to him.