Ayurvedic experts suggest natural home remedies to combat cold and cough

As most of us are self-proclaimed doctors when it comes to treating the common cold, it wouldn't be wise to go ahead and treat ourselves with the rapidly rising cases of the new sub-variant of Covid-19.

Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Global Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai says, "When it comes to distinguishing between a common cold, flu, and the new Covid-19 variant, paying attention to specific symptoms is crucial. While colds typically present with a runny or stuffy nose and mild fatigue, flu often brings on more severe symptoms such as body aches, high fever, and extreme fatigue. However, the distinguishing factor with the new Covid variant JN. 1 lies in its unique combination of symptoms. Alongside common cold and flu symptoms, Covid-19 may also manifest through fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and, in rare cases, gastrointestinal issues. Establishing clear differentiators between a typical cold or flu and the potential presence of the Covid-19 variant can be done by prompt testing and appropriate medical guidance for one's health concerns."

However, not every cough and cold is a Covid-19 infection. The rapid changing of weather patterns and fluctuating temperatures can weaken the body's immune system and make us more susceptible to viral infections. In such cases, ignoring your health is the last thing you should do. Untreated colds can lead to the development of secondary bacterial infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia. These infections can spread rapidly and have serious implications for one's respiratory system, potentially leading to long-term damage or even hospitalisation.

Additionally, chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may also be aggravated by an untreated cold, leading to exacerbated symptoms and reduced lung function. In some cases, untreated colds can even trigger heart problems and increase the risk of stroke in vulnerable individuals. It's crucial to recognise the potential repercussions of neglecting a simple cold and take proactive steps to address it promptly.

Dr Agarwal further adds, "Even though most patients have a habit of popping common cold-related tablets, OTC (over-the-counter) medicines are not advisable. Some combinations can prove dangerous in patients with high blood pressure, old individuals and very young children. That's why it is always safer to consult your doctor before consuming OTC medications."

This does not mean that you head out to the doctor's clinic whenever minor ailments occur. You and I are brought up to first treat these ailments with the help of home remedies. However, it is also essential to ensure the home remedies employed are correct and free from any health risks. Mid-day Online brought together health experts from the field of Ayurveda who delve into the relevance of treating common flu with the help of Ayurveda and share easy home remedies to effectively treat common cough and cold before they transpire to become something serious.

"Ayurvedic treatments often focus on addressing the root cause of an issue rather than providing immediate relief. Ayurveda encompasses a holistic approach to health, including dietary guidelines, lifestyle recommendations, and practices such as yoga and meditation and contrary to popular belief it's not solely reliant on herbal remedies," says Dr Jaskirat Kaur, Ayurvedacharya, cofounder Ayushkam - Art and Science of Longevity.

Further, Dr Tejas Vasant Lokhande, Ayurvedacharya, Ayurved and Panchakarma consultant, Aarogyam Ayurved and Panchakarma Centre, Mumbai says, "The current climatic conditions have caused the rise in cases of common cough and cold. Due to cold weather, the Kapha Dosh in the body gets vitiated and due to increased dryness in the air, the Vaat Dosha gets disturbed. Due to this, other health issues like asthma, breathing difficulties, skin problems and allergies, dandruff, and joint pain get triggered." He says it's crucial to follow the guidelines laid out in the Ayurveda text as per the ‘Rutu (season), called Ritucharya. Ritucharya refers to the seasonal regimen recommended in Ayurveda.

Home remedies to treat cold

To avoid acute colds and coughs many home remedies are popular in most Indian households. Both Kaur and Lokhande share some of these remedies you can safely try out at home for good relief.

1. Take steam using essential oils such as eucalyptus, and Bhimseni camphor. Inhaling this steam can be beneficial for respiratory conditions, including colds.

2. A Turmeric latte (turmeric, liquorice and ginger powder boiled with hot milk add honey only when the milk is warm and not hot) can help reduce inflammation

3. Consider Ayurvedic herbal supplements like Chyawanprash, which is known for its immune-boosting properties.

4. Commonly known as Chaatan, licking powder of Sunth (dried ginger) or black pepper or Jyesthamadh(liquorice) with a pinch of turmeric with either a mixture of ghee and honey in odd quantities or individually clears the respiratory pathway. This mixture must be made fresh (can be used for a single day only) and should be licked every 15-20 minutes so that the respiratory pathway continuously gets local application. It helps to scrap the sticky Kaph Dosha. One should observe that if the cough is dry without any Kapha coming out, honey should be completely avoided, as it will worsen the condition more.

5. Make use of Eucalyptus oil for deep inhalation by applying topically on the neck, chest, forehead, ear sides and nasal tips.

6. Roasted Ajwain (carom seeds) can be used for sniffing smoke inhalation either by putting Ajwain on hot charcoal/coconut shell or just roasting the Ajwain on a pan. Once roasted well, transfer it to a handkerchief and make a small pouch. This can be used to sniff the seeds. Doing this will help clear a blocked nose and might also help relieve a cold-triggered headache.

7. Additionally, wearing warm clothes and putting on cotton earplugs will also be beneficial.

8. To keep the body warm, one can also apply Til or Sesame oil all over the body in small quantities. Allow the skin to absorb the oil. This will act as a shield to protect your body from cold and dry climates.

There are some traditional kadhas (decoction) too, which people have been using in their culture. To get easy and quick relief, one can make Kadha at home in the following manner:

For cough expectorant action
Ingredients:
Water - 3 cups
Black raisins - 6-8 pieces
Ginger - 1/4 inch
Black pepper - 4-6
Cinnamon stick - 1/2 inch

Method:
Boil all these ingredients in water on medium flame and reduce it to a cup. Later consume this lukewarm kadha twice a day, after half an hour of meals and avoid having anything after the kadha, for about another 45 minutes.

For dry cough
Ingredients:
Tulsi leaves - 4-6
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tbsp
Ginger 1/4 inch
Black raisins - 8-10
Cow ghee - 1/2 tbsp

Method:
Boil all these ingredients except ghee in water. Reduce it to a cup as guided earlier and add cow ghee to it. Consume lukewarm sip by sip.

On a precautionary note, Kaur says, "As most use ginger and garlic to treat cold, it's important to remember that consuming them in excess may lead to increased pitta (heat energy in the body) which can cause digestive issues. Further, honey is a popular remedy for soothing a sore throat, but consuming large quantities can also lead to aggravating pitta. One must note, that consuming honey with hot water or milk is a wrong practice and may disturb one's health. It can be had with lukewarm water or milk."

Side effects or risks of consuming Ayurvedic medicines

Kaur states, that combining Ayurvedic home remedies with Allopathic (western medicine) treatments for cold can be generally safe, but it's important to exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals.

Ayurvedic remedies often involve the use of natural ingredients and herbs, and while they are considered generally safe, they may interact with certain Allopathic medications or have individual contraindications. Some herbal ingredients may interact with allopathy-prescribed drugs or affect their absorption, metabolism, or efficacy.

Additionally, some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to specific herbs. It is always beneficial to consult an Ayurvedacharya holistic physician who can provide integrative therapy combining both.

A diet that soothes the cold

To help relieve yourself from the irritating cold and cough, Lokhande recommends, "A healthy diet should comprise of warm/lukewarm porridge, dal or healthy soups made from spices like black pepper, ginger, garlic, cinnamon (Dalchini), mustard seeds, curry leaves, asofoedita (Hing)."

He further states water is an agent that diminishes our Jathaaragni (Digestive Fire) and hence one should avoid drinking excess water in any manner. Instead, the water can be treated with some spices which will surely help to reduce the Kapha Dosha accumulation, ignite the fire and help prevent colds.

One should add either crushed ginger, cinnamon stick or black pepper to one litre of water and bring to a boil for about ten minutes. This can later be used for drinking when required.

Water should be held for 30-45 seconds in the mouth, making a rinsing action and then gulping it slowly. Having water in this sipping manner helps to avoid false thirst as well as issues regarding Kaph Dosha accumulation.

Lastly, both Kaur and Lokhande say that these recommended remedies do offer better results, it's always better to seek personalised treatment from your Ayurved physician, even if it is for treating common colds and coughs.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.