Use these ayurvedic home remedies at the first signs of a cold!
Do you feel a cold coming on? Does your throat feel congested and hoarse? According to Ayurveda, colds are Kapha-dominant ailments, with an excess of Kapha which can result in mucus, appetite loss, poor digestion or sinusitis. Additionally, Pitta symptoms such as reddening of the eyes, fever and perspiration, and/or Vata symptoms such as fatigue, runny nose and joint pain can occur during a cold.
Ayurveda recommends a number of home remedies which can soothe these symptoms, as well as nipping the problem directly in the bud. There is only one important rule:
You must act immediately at the first signs of a cold!
TURMERIC + HONEY
Mix equal parts of both ingredients and, in the first two days, suck ½ teaspoon of the paste every 1-2 hours. Has antibacterial effects. Is suitable for children from one year and up; mix in more honey to improve the taste.
or
TRIKATU + HONEY
Mix equal parts of both ingredients and suck ½ tsp before meals. Thanks to ginger, pippali and black pepper, the digestive fire Agni is stimulated and the body is warmed.
WARM HEALING CONCOCTION
Add ½ teaspoon each of black pepper, ginger powder and turmeric powder to a large cup of hot water and drink in sips. Stir constantly, otherwise the spices will settle to the bottom of the cup. If you find this too spicy, you can stir in 1 teaspoon of honey after it has cooled.
or
ONION TEA
Place 1 onion and 4 slices each of ginger and turmeric in a pan with 500 ml water, simmer for a few minutes, remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Then strain, add the juice of half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey.
GARGLING
Add ½ teaspoon of rock salt to ½ glass of warm water and gargle in sips for 2-5 minutes. Ideally, add ½ teaspoon of turmeric, as gargling can soothe sore mucous membranes and has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
General Recommendations
AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS AND BANANAS
Dairy products and bananas increase Kapha, i.e. they produce mucus in the body and should therefore be avoided during the cold season or at the first signs of a cold. They increase the likelihood of colds.
WRAP UP WARMLY AND EAT WARM MEALS
A cold usually causes the body temperature to drop, hence the name. To counteract this, anything cold should be avoided at all costs. This means dressing warmly and avoiding raw foods (smoothies, salads, fruit juices, lots of raw fruit, etc.), cold products from the fridge or cooling foods such as coconut water or peppermint. Ideally, only eat warm and easily digestible foods, as the body has less “fire” in the digestive tract due to the cold and therefore can’t digest as well. The body can also channel more energy into the immune system if it doesn’t have to expend too much energy on digestion.
OIL KEEPS BACTERIA AWAY
Especially on dry days and when many germs are spreading, apply a little sesame oil to the inside of your nose every morning.
TAKE IT EASY ON THE BODY
Avoid exertion, rest and drink plenty of warm drinks/teas. General tips for strengthening the immune system and preventing illness can be found in this article >>
NOTE
- If you have a sensitive stomach, you should be careful with ginger.
- If the cold has already fully broken out, these household remedies will only help marginally.
- This list does not replace a visit to the doctor, it is only intended for self-help for prevention of and during colds.
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