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.
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