While many of us look forward to the cold weather of winter as a relief from the heat, it can also bring with it another kind of cold – the common cold. Caused by a viral infection, the common cold is an extremely common infection during the winter months. Although it is not regarded as a serious illness, a cold can cause considerable discomfort and feelings of fatigue. Over the counter cold treatments are often ineffective and pose a risk of side effects, making natural treatments a better alternative. Ayurveda provides us with some of the best cold treatments that are also backed by science.
How To Cure Cold Fast At Home With Ayurveda
Here are some of the simplest and most effective ayurvedic remedies for cold relief this winter:
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is easy enough to prepare at home, but you can also use sunth or dried ginger, ginger supplements, or any Ayurvedic medicine containing ginger. Studies show that ginger works as an effective cold treatment at home because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that can help relieve infections of the respiratory tract such as a common cold.
Steam Inhalation
This ancient Ayurvedic practice is now widely practiced, with research over the years showing it to be one of the most effective natural remedies for cold relief. The inhalation of moist and warm steam helps to loosen mucus within the respiratory passages, allowing for its elimination to provide near instant relief from congestion. It also soothes the nasal passages and reduces inflammation. In Ayurveda, herbs such as tulsi, pudinha and eucalyptus can also be added to boiling water for greater efficacy.
Pudinha
Pudinha or mint is another traditional Ayurvedic cold remedy that has gained acceptance across the world. The herb provides quick relief from the common cold, working as a natural decongestant and antispasmodic. Research suggests that these effects of pudinha make it useful for the treatment of colds and coughs, no matter the cause.
Eucalyptus
The heating energy of eucalyptus makes it a powerful antidote to most winter ailments that are caused by vata aggravation. To use eucalyptus as a cold treatment at home simply add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water for inhalation. It can also be used in oral remedies and is an important ingredient in some of the most effective Ayurvedic cold medications. Research shows that the herb helps treat a cold because of its immuno-modulatory and antimicrobial effects.
Haldi
Haldi is perhaps the most widely used ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine because of its balancing effect on all doshas. Not surprisingly, the ingredient is also recommended as a cold treatment at home. This is also backed by scientific studies that point to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of haldi’s main bioactive ingredient – curcumin. This is believed to help with the management of respiratory tract infections like the common cold.
Other Ayurveda Tips For Cold Relief
In addition to the Ayurvedic cold remedies mentioned above you can also use these simple Ayurveda tips for cold relief:
- Practice pranayamas daily to strengthen the lungs and fight respiratory infections
- Learn the practices of nasya and neti to cleanse the respiratory tracts for relief from congestion, allergies and infections
- Consume 2 to 3 teaspoons of amla juice in the morning to boost immunity
- Drink a glass of hot water with 2 spoonfuls of lemon juice and 1 spoon of honey before breakfast
- Stay hydrated with increased intake of water, coconut juice and fresh hot soups
If cold symptoms worsen or are accompanied with symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain or extreme fatigue, make sure to consult a doctor swiftly as you could be suffering from a more serious illness or complication.
References:
- https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1165/rcmb.2012-0231OC
- https://www.cmaj.ca/content/188/13/940
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488237/
- https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-12-81
- https://www.jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2014&volume=8&issue=8&page=HC19&issn=0973-709x&id=4705
