Symptoms & Illnesses

Cough and Cold : The wet and the winter season also heralds renewal and vitality, yet it also ushers in its own set of health hurdles. Among the prevalent health concerns during this time is the onset of colds and coughs. The abrupt climatic shift,firstly heightened humidity levels,and proliferation of viruses and bacteria in the atmosphere render us more vulnerable to respiratory ailments.Coughing  also serves as the body’s mechanism to expel foreign particles from the respiratory pathways.Yet,persistent coughing may also induce dizziness, voice hoarseness,and wheezing.Long-term coughing can also induce fatigue and joint discomfort.While the common cold might also seem like a minor inconvenience,it can pave the way for a range of respiratory issues.It is labeled “common”as related to Cough and Cold because folks with this bug often feel colder than when they’re struck with another illnesses.

Perspective on the Common Cold:

Aggravated Doshas like Kapha, Pitta, and Aam can further develop due to dodgy diet and lifestyle choices as this can lead to a build-up of disrupted Kapha and Pitta settling in the airways which causes inflammation in various parts of the respiratory system.As a defence mechanism,the body releases histamine and prostaglandins against external irritants which results in symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. This is what we know as the common cold.
Typical symptoms of the common cold include:Runny or blocked nose,scratchy or sore throat,sneezing,feeling tired,muscle aches,loss of appetite,coughing,headache also mild fever accompanied by chills.

The common cold can be caused by over 200 different viruses,with rhinovirus being the culprit for about 30% to 40% of adult cases.

Ayurvedic concept of rhinitis:-
As per Ayurveda, Allergic rhinitis is compared with Vata- Kaphajapratishaya.The concept of Ama,Asatmya and virudhaahara also predict the allergic conditions.Ama is the product of impaired digestion and metabolism. It affects Rasa and Rakta Dhatu leading to manifestation of Pratishyaya.Wrong food combinations (Virudh aahar) having antagonist properties like fish with milk, fruit juice with milk, clarified butter with honey,ice cream after night meals,leads to allergy.

Ayurvedic treatment for allergic rhinitis:
If the symptoms are severe and in chronic conditions, Vamana Panchakarma treatment,followed by Virechana is administered.This helps to relieve Ama and balance Tridosha.In some cases, where the patient has normal digestion strength, Nasya treatment (nasal drops therapy)is administered with herbal oils such as Anu taila or Shadbindu Taila. After the above Panchakarma treatments, Ayurvedic medicines are also administered to improve respiratory immunity and strength of upper respiratory tract.

Ayurvedic medicines

Useful Ayurvedic medicines in treating allergic rhinitis:
Nimbarajanyadi tablet – Contains neem and turmeric as main ingredients.
Chavikasavam – Fermented Ayurvedic liquid, also used in urinary tract disorders.
Mahalaxmi Vilas Ras – Also useful in the treatment of skin diseases, diabetes, Sinus, non healing wounds, etc.
Other medicines: Narada lakshmivilas rasa, Anand bhairava rasa, tribhuvankirti rasa, shringarabharaka rasa, Mayur shringabhasma, Abhrakabhasma, Lavangadi pills, Sitopaladichoorna, Marichayadi yoga, vyoshadi pills, Khadiradi pills are suggested.Yogas for Pratisyaya from Sahasrayoga,Triphaladi Taila,Rasnadichoorna,Triphaladi Talam,Bahusala Guda.

Diet management.
Take: Light food, lukewarm water, Kapha nashaka foods like little spicy food, saindhav salt, legumes, soups etc.
Avoid:- heavy food, fermented food, congestive food, too hot or too cold food, soar food, non vegetarian food, sweets, banana, curd, yogurt, ice creams, deserts, cakes, yellow grams, etc.,Avoid Alcohol and cold beverages.

Lifestyle improvement
Always keep cloves and black peppers with you.Immediately keep two pieces of it in mouth when you feel of attack.
At the pre attack or attack rub Nilgirioil , Mint oil, or pain balm on chest and get fomentation.
Keep watch on the elements that causes irritation for you and stay away from this.
Use mask while driving vehicle or going through public places.
Always take warm water bath.
Do not expose to hot sunrays.
Regularly take inhalation of steam.
Regularly go for morning walk in warm weather.
Do sufficient exercise.
Do not reside in dark or dump places. Get fresh air.
Do not get sleep at day time or immediate after dinner.
Take sufficient rest.

Relieving Coughs and Cold:

In Ayurveda, a cold is referred to as Vata-Kaphaja Pratishaya. According to Ayurveda, allergies, including colds, can be triggered by Virudh ahar (improper food combinations), Ama (toxins), and Asatmya (environmental changes). Toxins can accumulate due to poor metabolism and digestion, while food intolerances can lead to allergic reactions.
Steps to Tackle Coughs and Cold Allergies:
Pacify Kapha (to ease nasal congestion, heaviness, and blockage)
Regulate Vata (to correct its movement)
Boost immunity (to balance Doshas and metabolic fire)

Ayurvedic approach to chronic cough and cold may involve Vamana Panchakarma (detox therapy) followed by Virechana to rebalance the three doshas and flush out toxins.Nasal drops therapy or Nasya treatment may be recommended in some cases to relieve congestion. This involves the application of herbal oils into the nostrils. Ayurvedic medications may also be prescribed to bolster the immune system and respiratory tract to combat chronic coughs.Detoxification also cause of chronic issues by cleansing, repairing, and rejuvenating the deeper tissues and cells in the body.

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