Ayurvedic Treatment For Common Cold

By Author: planet ayurveda
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Common cold is normally known as cold, is infectious disease caused by virus infecting nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Well there are over 200 viruses that can cause common cold. Usually it is harmless, although one may not feel that way. Other name for common cold is acute viral rhino pharyngitis, or acute Coryza.
Generally it is an acute self-limiting infection, means it comes on quickly and resolves by itself. Recovery occurs in seven to ten day. Over 200 virus are responsible factors for cold.

SYMPTOMS OF COMMON COLD
Symptoms appear because of body's immune response to the infection rather than to tissue destruction by the viruses themselves.
Usually within 1 to 3 days symptoms starts to develop.
The initial symptom is often an irritation, itching or soreness in the throat.

Other Symptoms Include:
•Sneezing
•Nasal congestion
•Watery eyes
•Hoarse voice
•Mucus draining from your nose into your throat
•Earache, due tothe congestion (especially in children)
•Low grade fever
In severe cases there are symptoms such ...
... as high fever or muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.

COMPLICATIONS
Cold can also lead to acute bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections.

CAUSES FOR COMMON COLD
The common cold can be caused by any one of over 200 different viruses. Most common causative virus is rhinovirus, which brings on 10% to 40% of cold. Other viruses are Human parainfluenza virus, Metapneumovirus, Coronaviruses adenovirus, Human respiratory syncvtial virus, Enteroviruses.

AYURVEDIC VIEW
Ayurveda explains the cause of the common cold, congestion and irritation of the respiratory tract are usually because of aggravated Kapha dosha (like excess cold, heavy foods). Improper digestion of food will produce ‘ama’ (undigested matter, toxins) which also increases Kapha, especially if it is deposited in the Kapha sites in the body (chest, head, neck, lungs, and stomach) and causes cold.

HOW COMMON COLD TRANSMITTED?
The common cold transmission is through:
•Inhalation of virus particles from an infected person’s sneeze, cough, speech.
•Infection may be caused by touching any surface that has been contaminated by touch of an infected individual. Common areas include doorknobs, telephones, children’s toys, and towel.
•People with weak immune system easily get infected.
PREVENTION
•Washing hands regularly, mainly before touching your nose or mouth and before handling food.
•Always make a habit to sneeze and cough while covering your mouth and nose that will be better way in preventing the droplets contaminated with virus from your nose and mouth entering the air, where they can cause infection to others. One must throw away used tissues immediately and should wash hands.
•Clean surfaces regularly to keep them free of germs
•Use your own cup, plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils
•Don't share towels or toys with someone who has a cold.

AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR COMMON COLD
•Vanshlochan (Bambusa Arudinacea)- This natural herb suppresses Kapha and pitta and is helpful in keeping the respiratory tract clean. Effective natural herb in problems like sore throat and irritating dry cough.
•Pippali (Piper Longum)- Pippali is an herb effective in cold and mucus conditions of the lungs because of its property of enhancing vasodilatation and circulation to the lungs. Good bronchodilator, decongestant and expectorant.It is effective to prevent the occurrence of cold if someone is prone to cold.
•Ela (Eletteria Cardamomum)- Cardamom herb is an evergreen plant also known as Ela. Its seeds are warm, pungent and aromatic, having stimulating, expectorant and tonic properties. Having sweet taste and alleviates Kapha and vata doshas.An effective herb for sore throat and hoarseness during the infective stage of cold and influenza.
•Dalchini (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)- This natural herb with extensive uses since ancient times in India due to its very soothing effect in cough-cold condition. Effective against microorganisms in the respiratory tract and eliminates cough related problems. It is helpful in removing extra mucus from the respiratory tract and relieves breathing difficulties in cold, cough and bronchitis.
•Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica)- Vasaka is a natural herb also known as Vasa which is a coolant with apungent taste but very effective for cough, cold, asthma and reduces raised pitta in the body.Vasa is efficacious to problems of common cold and cough etc.
•Haridra (Curcuma Longa)- Haridra is a very widely used herb with common name Turmeric. Curcumin is a standardized herbal extract from the herb Turmeric. It is rich in anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory properties.
•Neem (Azadirachta Indica)- Neem is another useful herb and is describedas best anti-septic and disinfectant. Neempurifies the blood and iseffective in respiratory allergies.
•Shirish (Albezzia Lebbock)- Ayurveda has explained it asVishghanit helps to remove poisons from the body. It is very useful herb to remove accumulated poisons i.e. accumulated metabolites produced within the body. In Allerg-G Care formula this natural herb helps in elimination of ama and improves immune functions and provides relief.
•Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)- It is a very good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb. It is very helpful to promote overall health of the body and enhances strength and immunity.

LIFESTYLE ADVICE
Important Preventive Measures:
1.Try never to skip your meals or do overeating.
2.Start your day with 1-2 glasses of warm water.
3.Avoid fasting during winters- fasting will weakenthe body's immunity.
4.Have timely lunch and an early dinner for good digestion.
5.Sleep at proper time- not later than 10 p.m. Good and restful sleep enhances essential energy, or ojas and boosts immunity.

MD Ayurveda expert - Dr.Vikram Chauhan, also practicing Ayurvedic medicine and expert in ancient technique of Pulse diagnosis. Our ayurvedic medicines are prepared using best quality herbs and strictly follow the principles of ayurveda. The manufacturing process is combined with latest technology and maintenance of unparalleled quality control. We are specialized in pure herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, herbal teas, herbal juices and herbal tablets. The founder and CEO of Planet Ayurveda, Dr.Vikram Chauhan, MD (Ayurveda) is involved in promoting the knowledge of Ayurveda by organizing seminars, health consultations and other awareness programs all over the world.