Cold, cough, sore throat and chest tightness are more common in the winter months. However, by following some natural and Ayurvedic home remedies, you can avoid many winter health problems.
winter in india
Winters in India are not the same across the country. While the northern parts have cold winters, the south is generally more tropical and extreme temperature variations are not observed. Nowadays this situation is changing; The extreme climate change that is gripping the world has not left the country untouched. On the one hand, winters have become colder, foggier and more polluted in the northern parts, while the south is witnessing a drastic change in temperature with cooler nights and comparatively warmer days. This unbalanced climate outside has given rise to many health problems in the population.
common cold health problems
Some such problems are frequent cold, cough and tightness in the chest, which affect the respiratory system.
These are more common in young infants and school-age children because they have a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, cough with or without expectoration, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, wheezing, rhonchi sounds when breathing, chest congestion, and sometimes sinus headache. The usual relief mantra is keeping warm and taking heat-strengthening medications. Mild cases of cold and related respiratory problems can be effectively managed at home, but if the symptoms are severe, it is always advised to consult a doctor.
Home remedies to avoid cold and cough in winter season
- In case of sore throat and loss of voice, gargling repeatedly by mixing salt, turmeric or triphala powder in warm water is beneficial.
- In babies below the age of six months, the drug is not really advised, but the drugs can be passed through breast milk by giving the drug to the mother, who in most cases may be suffering from the same symptoms.
- A really effective herb that can help improve immunity, digestion and intelligence in infants and which can be given to newborns as well is Vacha (Vach) / Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus). A very small amount of this dried herb is rubbed on rough surfaces and the paste can be given with a little ghee.
- Dry ginger is also a very effective herb in cases of cold and congestion. It can be used as an ingredient in masala tea, boiled with drinking water, or chewed in small amounts by both children and adults.
- Another very important plant for cold, fever and chest congestion in both children and adults is Paranayavani (Sanskrit) / Panikurka (Malayalam) / Karpoorvalli (Tamil) / Doddapatre (Kannada) / Pathar Chur (Hindi) / Indian borage / Mexican Peppermint. The leaves of this plant are lightly heated and crushed to extract their juice. This juice can be given with honey. The leaves can also be used in drinking water.
- Tulsi is also a very useful remedy for these symptoms. Water boiled with Tulsi reduces fever, cold and congestion and improves immunity. Tulsi leaves can also be eaten directly after washing them.
- Trikatu is a mixture of three dried spices which is commonly given in winter ailments. It is made by mixing dry ginger, dry black pepper and dry ground black pepper. This polyherbal is used in many formulations in Ayurveda and is a major component of Dashamoolakatutraya Kashay which is given especially in case of cough, cold and chest congestion.
- Exposure to steam is one of the most effective ways to open the nose and relieve a stuffy chest. This process of evaporation and perspiration is called sudation. Steaming can be done by exposing the chest and face to the steam coming from hot water. For better liquefaction of sputum, herbs like Tulsi and Parnayavani can be added to the water.
How to stop a cold before it starts
Even though there are many effective remedies available for respiratory problems during winters, it is always better to prevent such symptoms. Here are some precautionary measures that can keep you healthy during the cold weather.
- Always try to stay warm with proper winter wardrobe
- Cover your ears, especially while traveling and sleeping at night.
- Do not drink cold water or eat anything kept in the fridge
- drink warm water, preferably boiled with beneficial herbs
- It is necessary to wear a mask for protection in high pollution and foggy places.
- Do not bathe in cold water and do not sleep with wet hair
- Children should be taught personal hygiene ethics so that they do not get infected by coming in contact with sick children at school
Let’s prevent winter health problems like cold, cough, sore throat and chest congestion by staying warm and eating healthy.
