Colds and Flu

Colds and Flu are very common seasonal illnesses during winter and spring seasons with these very familiar symptoms; runny nose, cough, congestion, headache, an achy body, and some times fever.

Ayurvedically speaking, colds are Kapha-Vata disorder.  The body builds up excess of cool and moist Kapha qualities, resulting in congestion and runny nose, and the same time it may suffer from excess Vata, which reduces agni (gastric fire), leading to chills, loss of appetite, and/or poor digestion.

Ayurveda considers the Ginger as the best remedy for colds, and here are a few simple home remedies using Ginger that will greatly relieve your cold symptoms and hasten full recovery.

Remedy #1 –  Ginger tea:  If you think this delicious tea several times a day, it will help to take care of cold, congestion.  This tea recipe also is great for flu symptoms.

• Ginger 1 part
• Cinnamon 1 part 
• Lemongrass 2 parts 
• Combine these herbs together.
• Steep 1 teaspoon of this formula for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of hot water.
• Strain it, and add honey for sweetness if necessary.  

Remedy #2  – Ginger/Cardamom tea

• Ginger 2 parts
• Cinnamon 3 parts
• Cardamom – just a pinch (powdered cardamom)
• Steep 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon honey for taste

Remedy #3 – Eucalyptus leaves or  Ginger steam inhaling:  

This will relieve congestion and help you feel much better.  Just the steam itself with no herbs added will also be beneficial for congestion.

• Boil 1 teaspoon Ginger or a few Eucalyptus leaves in a pint of water
• Turn off the stove, put a towel over your head, and inhale the steam.  

An ancient Ayurvedic herbal formula:

• Sitopaladi 1 part
• Maha Sudarshan Churna 1 part
• Combine these herbs in equal proportions and take 1/4 teaspoon with 1 teaspoon honey for 2 or 3 times a day after eating

Western herbology herbs for colds:

• Echinacea 1 part
• Goldenseal 1 part
• Cinnamon 2 parts
• Take 1/4 teaspoon of this mixture with honey twice a day.

Note: Don’t combine Ginger and Aspirin since they both are blood thinners and should not be taken together.  If Aspirin is needed, take it at least 2 hours away from having a Ginger tea.

Prevention of common Cold

Take the herb called Amalaki.  It is a Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) and a good source of vitamin C and iron.  Taking 1 teaspoon of Amalaki daily with warm water at night, will help to prevent the common cold.

– if you are taking Trihala at night, you are already taking amalaki (it is one of the three herbs that constitute triphala – amalaki, haritaki, bibhitaki).  Taking extra amalaki is not recommended as it would create diarrhea, like if you take too much vitamin C. –

– The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Dr. Vasant Lad –

– the image credit: healthytimesblog.com –