10 Effective Ayurveda Tips for Recovery from Cold and Flu this Monsoon

As monsoon showers grace the world with their gentle rhythm, the season is accompanied by the common cold and flu.While this mild illness is generally harmless, it can still disrupt your daily routine and leave you feeling under the weather. Apart from seasonal changes, other factors can trigger coughing and colds. For instance, coughing is a natural reflex that occurs when foreign particles enter the airways.

Seasonal and environmental allergies are among the most prevalent causes of colds and coughs. The common cold, a mild respiratory infection, is most common in late winter and fall, especially among children. While it's generally harmless, it can lead to other respiratory problems. Despite its name, the common cold should not be ignored.

Amidst the sneezes and sniffles, Ayurveda, an ancient healing wisdom, offers a holistic path to recovery. Rooted in balance, Ayurveda emphasizes the unity of mind, body, and spirit.

Symptoms of common cold

Some of the common symptoms are listed below:

• Running or blocked nose
• Sore/scratchy throat
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Headache
• Mild fever with chills

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cough and Cold

It is in our nature to rush to the doctor at the onset of symptoms, and quite often, we are prescribed antibiotics. But why ingest some chemicals to get rid of cold or flu? Ayurveda has some simple remedies that are detailed below:

1. Saltwater gargle: Discard the betadine bottle. Replace it with warm water and salt gargle. The combination of warm water and salt can help reduce the swelling in the throat. It also helps loosen the mucus and flush out the irritants or bacteria.
2. Ginger masala tea: Yes, that very tasty masala tea with a generous amount of ginger can help during a cold or flu. The hot tea soothes the throat and gives relief from the pain.
3. Turmeric milk: Western practitioners of Ayurveda call it the Golden Milk. In a glass of warm milk, add about 1/4th tsp of turmeric powder. (Pepper powder is optional). Turmeric helps get rid of phlegm from the body. Also, because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties, turmeric can help fight infections.If you would like some sweetener for this remedy, use palm sugar instead of cane sugar. Palm sugar also helps relieve a sore throat.
4. Kadha/kashayam: A concentrated concoction of herbs that helps relieve throat pain and dissolve phlegm. For a glass of water- add a few leaves of Tulsi, pepper powder, and turmeric powder around ¼ tsp each. Boil and reduce the amount to half of the original quantity. This kadha can be kept for a day. And don’t forget to heat the kadha each time before drinking.In Southern India, it is common to add a small piece of pounded sonth/dry ginger as well. Again, instead of cane sugar, use palm sugar to sweeten the Kadha.
5. Ginger-Tulsi mixture: This remedy gives relief from the cough. Take about a tablespoon of ginger extract. Add crushed tulsi leaves and some honey to the mixture and drink it.
6. Ginger Lozenges: This remedy helps soothe throat pain. Extremely simple to make and has a fresh taste. Wash and peel the ginger. Cut it into thin slices. Add black salt and squeeze some lime juice. Keep chewing on this throughout the day.
7. Honey in warm water: This remedy can help control the cough. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Add warm water and mix well. Sip on this beverage to get relief from the cough.
8. Jatiphaladi Churna: If you are looking for relief from a cough as well as need to manage your asthma or a respiratory disorder, you should try Jatiphaladi Churna. It is a cannabis-infused classical Ayurvedic formulation of nutmeg. This Churna is a powerful internal cleanser. Choose this authentic Ayurvedic churna from Vedi Herbals, who use age-old formulas combined with quality ingredients.
9. Guduchi: Guduchi or Giloy is given a status equivalent to “Amrit,” meaning nectar, by Ayurvedic practitioners. It is an immunomodulator and is effective in fighting fever and infections. Guduchi can also boost immunity, thus preventing other diseases. Guduchi is available on the Vedi Herbals site.
10. Triphala Churna: Triphala Churna is one of the most popular Ayurvedic medicines that is even available in grocery stores these days. It is recommended that at the end of the cold or flu cycle, you should take Triphala to flush out toxins and work on maintaining a balance between the doshas. When you have had a case of aggravated Kapha, which is common during colds/ flu, you should consume Triphala Tea before bedtime. But make sure that the formulation that you are consuming is pure and authentic, like in Vedi Triphala.

The dosage of the above-mentioned remedies (excluding ayurvedic supplements) is about 3-4 times a day. These simple ayurvedic remedies are age-old and have natural ingredients at their core.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cold in Infants

1.Steam Inhalation for Nasal Congestion and Chest Relie

Steam inhalation can provide significant relief for infants suffering from colds and coughs. Boil water and add a teaspoon of Himalayan salt, a pinch of turmeric, and a handful of mint, basil, or eucalyptus leaves. The steam helps to open up congested nostrils and alleviate chest congestion.

2.Golden Milk for Boosting Immunity and Reducing Cold and Cough

             a. Combine one glass of milk and water in a saucepan and boil.

             b. Reduce heat and simmer until the mixture reduces to one glass.

             c. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 grams of ginger powder, a  pinch of cinnamon powder, and a pinch of black pepper.

             d. Simmer for an additional two minutes.

3.Ginger Tea for Sore Throat and Cough

Ginger tea is another effective Ayurvedic remedy for colds and coughs. To prepare ginger tea, boil two cups of water and add half a teaspoon of ginger powder, five to seven holy basil leaves, half a teaspoon of crushed coriander, and five teaspoons of palm jaggery. Simmer for five minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, add one teaspoon of honey and administer the ginger tea to the infant two to four times a day, depending on the severity of the cold.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Cold Allergy

Cold allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that is caused by the excessive release of histamines. The symptoms of this condition include nasal congestion or profuse nasal discharge, sneezing, itching, and a running nose, among others.

Some of the tips and ayurvedic remedies for cold allergies include:

1. Amla: Consuming one teaspoon of amla powder mixed with honey twice daily is recommended. Amla is significant in Ayurvedic medicine and is recognized for its potent anti-allergic properties.
2. Kashaya powder: Ayurveda Kashaya powder, a traditional Ayurvedic remedy, has effectively alleviated allergy symptoms and provided relief for individuals suffering from various allergic conditions.
3. Turmeric powder: Ayurveda offers a simple yet effective remedy for cold allergies using turmeric powder. Simply boil turmeric powder in water with a pinch of salt and consume this concoction daily to alleviate the symptoms of constant sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and itchiness. 
4. Liquorice Root Powder: In Ayurvedic medicine, consuming licorice root tea or powder, at least 1 gram daily, is considered highly beneficial for alleviating various allergies, including cold allergies.

Rooted in a rich tradition of natural healing, Ayurveda provides a safe and efficacious approach to managing cold allergies without any side effects. For those struggling with this common ailment, consider exploring the Ayurvedic remedies outlined above to discover the benefits of this holistic healing system.

Also, one need not have these only when you have a cold/bout of flu. These remedies can be taken regularly to keep the body healthy and improve its strength and resistance.

Other Remedies for Cough and Cold

1. Do exercise regularly. Do not forget to do inhalation and pranayam.
2. Wash your hands with soap after coming from outside and before eating.
3. Eat a balanced diet loaded with vitamin C.
4. Keep your distance from people who are suffering from coughs and colds.
5. If you are suffering from a blocked nose, cough, and cold, take steam inhalation 2 times a day.

Get that edge over these seasonal illnesses. Follow these Ayurvedic tips and enjoy the monsoon!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best Ayurvedic medicine for the cold?

A: Here is the list of best Ayurvedic medicines for colds:

1. Ginger
2. Tulsi
3. Licorice
4. Cinnamon
5. Garlic

Q: What is the best natural cold cure?

A: Here are natural remedies to cure:

1. Drink lots of fluids
2. Use an air humidifier
3. Take Vitamin C
4. Give your nose a massage
5. Gargle with water

Q: What does Ayurveda say about cold?

A: In Ayurveda, the common cold is called pratishyaya. Here, all the three doshas of your body are responsible. Cold occurring due to vata dosha is indicated by symptoms such as mucus discharge, a runny nose, and a dry cough. A sore throat, blocked nose, and fever is indicated in case of a cold because of pitta dosha. 

Q: How do you treat cold and sinus in Ayurvedic?

A: Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is recognized for its ability to alleviate sinus. By balancing the Kapha and Vata doshas, Tulsi effectively addresses the root cause of this condition. Tulsi's anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties help reduce congestion, heaviness, and headaches associated with sinus, providing relief to affected individuals.

Q: Which Ayurvedic medicine is best for mucus?

A: Tulsi leaves can be consumed raw and help clear mucus from a cough. Boil some water along with a few tulsi leaves to make tulsi kadha. Then, add four peppercorns and a teaspoon of grated ginger. Add a dash of salt and bring to a boil. Serve it hot with a squeeze of lemon. It is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for mucus.