Common Cold

Common cold, true to its name continues to be one of the most common afflictions. According to Ayurveda it indicates the first stage in the breakdown of our bodily defenses.

Symptoms:
These include headache, a blocked or a running nose with fever and bodyache.

Causes:
Colds and flues are generally Kapha (phlegm) diseases. Exposure to cold air, seasonal changes are Kapha increasing factors. Exposure to hot and cold conditions alternatively in a short period is also responsible, as for example having cold water or drink immediately after coming in from the sun.

Remedies:
An anti-Kapha diet should be taken. It should be warm, light and simple. Dairy products according to Ayurveda are Kapha promoting and should be avoided.
Lemon and ginger juice can be taken with warm water and honey three times a day.
A good formula can be made with equal parts basil, sandalwood and peppermint, 2- 3 tsps. put them in a cup of water bring to boil and then have it upto three times a day.
Sitopaladi powder is an extremely effective remedy for common colds and problems of sinus congestion. The dose is 1-5 gm with honey, three times a day.
Sweating is very helpful. One simple method is to induce sweating is to drink a hot cup of tea, and lie down in the bed and take some blanket and let the body sweat for 15 – 20 minutes.