Ayurveda, India's traditional medical system, uses natural resources to keep the body in balance to prevent disease or illness. If you're already suffering from the common cold, a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract, ayurvedic remedies may help bring relief to your symptoms. Consult with your health care provider before practicing alternative medicine.
Clear Congestion
One of the most uncomfortable symptoms of the common cold is nasal congestion. A nasal cleansing technique used in Ayurveda called "jala neti" may help relieve your stuffy nose. Pour 1/4 tsp. of non-iodized salt into a neti pot, available at most health food stores. Add warm water to the neti pot and stir. Lean your upper body over a sink and pour the mixture through one nostril at a time. Repeat this as many times as necessary while you are healing.
Soothe Your Sore Throat
An itchy or sore throat is usually one of the first indicators that a cold is coming on. To soothe your sore throat, Ayurvedic physician and president of the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico Dr. Vasant Lad recommends a simple remedy. Mix one pinch of salt and two pinches of turmeric in a glass of warm water. Gargle the mixture several times a day until the symptoms subside. Dr. Lad also recommends sucking on a whole clove for sore throat relief.
Relieve Your Cough
A persistent cough can be a frustrating symptom of the common cold. To calm down your cough, try making a tea used in Ayurveda. Place a pinch of cinnamon, clove and ginger powder into a tea mug. Pour boiling water over the spices and allow the mixture to steep for at least three minutes. Drink this tea three times a day until your coughing subsides.
Ayurvedic Yoga
Specific stretches practiced in yoga, an ancient system of holistic health, are often prescribed by ayurvedic practitioners for cold symptom relief. Bridge pose, performed using yoga props, may help relieve several of your cold symptoms. While laying on your back, bend your knees and lift your pelvis up off the ground. Place a yoga block or pillow under your tailbone and relax your pelvis onto it. Relax your arms naturally out to each side with the palms faced up. Stay in the pose for up to eight minutes.
References
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad; 1984
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy;" Mukunda Stiles, 2007
- Yoga Journal; Cold Caution; Timothy McCall M.D.
- Mayo Clinic: Common Cold
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