The most common symptom of covid-19 is the most common disease across the globe, and that is common cold, cough, and flu. One day you have a runny nose, the next day you’ve developed a cough and a sore throat, and you wonder – is it cold, flu, allergy, or God forbids, covid-19!
Science-based modern medicine or allopathy is still in the process of developing something concrete to tackle common cold, cough, and other such symptoms. On the other hand, Ayurveda, mostly regarded as alternative medicine, proudly presents its cure for these physical ailments, and they work almost perfectly!
Ayurveda is a holistic approach to any disease. Backed by science but believed unscientific, Ayurveda has remained the second option in the battlefield of diseases. The study and course are such wholesome and holistic, that it directly questions your lifestyle, your daily diet, your sleeping patterns, and what not! However, the results Ayurveda has produced for people suffering from many ailments, especially chronic and seasonal diseases such as cough, flu, or the common cold, there is no denying more and more people are considering alternative medicine today.
Let us look at 8 Ayurvedic remedies to ward off that cold and cough, especially in such times of covid-19
Sleep
One of the essential aspects of Ayurvedic remedies is sound sleep. Getting 8 hours of sleep every night, without fail, boosts the immune system that helps fight off the diseases.
Exercise
It is another core part of Ayurveda. However, not everyone, who is going through highly exhausting diseases as cold or cough, can take up physical exercise. Thus, it is recommended to make pranayam (the systematic inhalation and exhalation of breath with closed eyes) a regular habit. This exercise alone can provide exceptional results in calming your senses and lowering the inflammation, helping the body relax, rejuvenate, and mitigate any stress so the body can fight off illnesses.
Hydration
In such distressful times of covid-19, dehydration only makes things worse. It is crucial to keep yourself hydrated from time to time. Ayurvedic decoction, like boiling some water with a piece of dry ginger until the water gets halved, and then adding tulsi leaves will be a good detox. Have this water a few times a day. It will help fight off the pathogens in the body by lowering the immune system and keeping the body hydrated.
Food
Throughout the pandemic, globally, it has been seen that eating freshly prepared food and on schedule helped the body heal better. As Ayurveda also mentions, eating food just after it is prepared and having it at a fixed time of the day gives optimal energy to the body. Also, make sure to wind up your dinner before 7 PM or just close to the sunset. As per Ayurveda, the rays of the sun have a major part to play in your digestion process and anything is eaten after the sunset takes more time and energy for the body to digest.
Fruits
Fruits are the major source of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Fruits like pomegranate and grapes are best for people with no symptoms. Still, it is good to get advice from your doctor about which fruits to eat and how much.
Spices
Indian spices are world-famous and have the power to heal the body. Add spices like cinnamon, pepper, cloves to your meals. You can even prepare a concoction by boiling these exotic spices and drinking the rich water. A pinch of turmeric added to a hot cup of milk has had healing effects since time immemorial. Use spices at home to build a strong immunity that will help fight off the disease.
Herbs
Herbs are a major part of Ayurvedic medicines. Easily available in the market, these have no side effects and are highly effective in boosting immunity.
- For throat irritation, it is recommended to chew Vyoshadi Vatakam many times a day.
- For pain and congestion, prepare a glass of hot water with a pinch of pink salt and dried turmeric powder. Mix it well and gargle before sleeping and after waking up.
- Ayurvedic doctors also recommend taking Guduchi – 1000 mg tablet daily.
Relax
Another crucial aspect of Ayurveda, when fighting off cold and cough is getting sufficient time to relax. Talk to your loved ones, read your favorite book, listen to a soothing soulful music, or simply sit with eyes closed and let the thoughts pass. Meditation can also be another powerful relaxing way to channelize your body’s energy into healing.
These are a few ways to create a discipline in your body in accordance with nature, which is the core part of Ayurvedic philosophy. However, responding to a situation proactively will keep you mentally active and fit. In case your or your loved one is showing adverse signs of cold or cough, it is wise to get an RT-PCR test done. Today, you can easily book online a covid test in Gurgaon, Delhi, Jaipur, or any other city.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
