The common cold is the most common dosha disorder affecting humans. Everyone has suffered from the common cold at some point or another in their lives. Its symptoms are all too well known. In Ayurveda, this very common garlic is called Pratishyaya.
The three doshas are responsible for the onset of the common cold. Vata dosha common colds have dry cough, little mucus secretion, hoarse voice, headache and runny nose. People with pitta dosha who have common colds will have fever, sore throat, yellowish nasal discharge, and continuous blockage of the nose. People with common kapha dosha colds have thick mucus discharge with dull headaches and heaviness in the head.
(1) Herbs useful in treating common colds
– Bishop’s wort (Trachyspermum ammi) Bishop’s wort has the power to open clogged nasal passages. Its seeds are tied in a cloth and inhaled directly to clear congestions. It is very effective in the treatment of nasal obstructions in children.
– Cassia (Cassis fistula) Cassia roots are effective in treating colds. The roots are burned and the smoke from them is inhaled. The secretion of mucus will increase after such treatment, but within a while it will stop completely.
– Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Cinnamon is boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper and honey. This reduces sore throat problems and also prevents the cold from becoming chronic or turning into something serious like pneumonia or the flu.
– Cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) Cumin seeds are antiseptic. So they have beneficial effects if the cold is accompanied by fever. It is also useful in treating sore throats.
– Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Ginger extract taken several times a day is an excellent remedy for coughing that accompanies common colds. Ginger tea is also very effective in treating colds.
– Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Chewing a few leaves of tulsi (holy basil) will remedy throat problems. An extract of the leaves boiled in water can be used as a drink for the same benefits.
– Onion (Allium cepa) Onion has the power to liquefy phlegm. This causes sticky mucus to flow out of the nose.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Common Colds
– Common cold patients are generally advised to fast for one day to flush out toxins from the body. Then patients can have hot vegetable soups or steamed vegetables with little or no spices. Hard-to-digest foods such as cheese, yogurt, milk, fatty and spicy foods, and sweets should be avoided.
– Hot meals are recommended when you have a common cold. Hot chicken soup is a traditionally known remedy for the common cold.
(3) Ayurvedic treatment for common colds
– Bhringasava is the Ayurvedic remedy prescribed for common colds. This is usually prescribed in amounts of 15 ml three times a day for seven days.
– Nose drops called Anutaila are also prescribed by many Ayurvedic doctors. Other common medicines are Vyoshaadi vati, Kantara Arya Ava Lehya, Tribhuvana Keerti etc. These preparations should be taken early to prevent the cold from turning into the flu.
– It is suggested to take Trikatu powder with honey. This decreases inflammation in the airways. Shadbindu taila can be used as nose drops. This should be used twice a day while feeling the symptoms of the common cold.
(4) Home medicines
– Take a pinch of salt. Put a few drops of mustard oil in it and mix until the oil loses its fluidity. Rub this mixture on the nostrils, neck, and chest. It will tingle a bit, but the relief will be quick.
– Mix some jaggery and black pepper. Boil this in water. Drink this quickly when hot like you do with tea.
– Squeeze the juice of two lemons into a glass of water. Add sugar to sweeten the mixture. This should be taken at bedtime to seek relief from nasal catarrh.
– One more remedy is to mix nutmeg and opium with cow’s milk into a paste. This should be applied to the nose and forehead at bedtime.
– Mixing black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and the seeds of Nigella sativa (Krishna Jeeraka) and using it as a snuff helps to open severely congested nasal passages.
– Before going to bed, apply eucalyptus oil to the forehead, chest and nostrils at night. Then wrap yourself in a warm blanket and go to sleep. You will sweat profusely at night, but let that happen. In the morning, the common cold will be gone, as will any fever if it is present.
– It is not advisable to stay in a narrow room when you have a common cold. Open the windows and let the air in, but don’t do this if it’s cold outside. Take a walk in the fresh air and get plenty of rest.
Another point to keep in mind is that the common cold is infectious. Therefore, if you have a common cold, you should take all due precautions so that you do not spread it to others. Stay away from babies and children, as they are the most vulnerable to attracting the common cold. Also use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Keep your utensils separate.
