Did you know that the common cold is one of the most widespread illnesses worldwide? Despite its name, colds are not actually caused by cold weather. Instead, they are caused by viruses spread through contact with infected individuals or surfaces. This means you can catch a cold any time of the year, regardless of the weather outside.
On the other hand, coughing is a powerful reflex movement that helps rid the airways of irritants and foreign objects. It's incredible to think that a cough can travel at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour! When you cough, your chest and abdomen muscles contract, causing a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs. This rapid movement of air can create sound waves that we hear as a cough and help dislodge mucus and other irritants from the airways. Interesting!
Let's explore the causes & some simple cold & cough remedy at home you can try.
Cold and Cough: What They Are and Common Symptoms
Cold and cough are two common respiratory illnesses affecting people of all ages. Common cold is caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, typically by rhinoviruses or coronaviruses. Symptoms of the common cold include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Body aches
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Cough, on the other hand, can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, allergies, and irritants. Symptoms of a cough can include:
- Persistent coughing
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
While the symptoms of cold and cough can be similar, they are two distinct illnesses that require different treatments.
Ayurvedic Principles Related To The Causes Of Cold And Cough
According to Ayurveda, the human body is governed by three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - that determine our physical and mental characteristics. Any imbalance in these doshas can lead to health issues, including cold and cough. Therefore, the unique combination of these doshas in each person, known as prakriti, is crucial in determining an individual's vulnerability to specific illnesses.
Kapha Imbalance - The Root Cause of Cold
The Kapha dosha, associated with heaviness, coldness, and moisture, is responsible for the common cold. An excess of Kapha in the body can lead to symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, and cough. Exposure to cold weather, consuming cold or heavy foods, and lack of physical activity can cause an imbalance in the Kapha dosha.
Vata Imbalance - The Root Cause of Cough
Conversely, cough is caused by an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which is linked to lightness, dryness, and coldness. Excess Vata in the body can lead to symptoms such as dry cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Factors contributing to a Vata imbalance include stress, anxiety, cold and dry weather exposure, and irregular eating habits.
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The Dual (Kapha &Vata) Imbalance - Both Cold and Cough
A combination of Kapha and Vata doshas imbalances can also cause a cold and cough. For example, a cold that is accompanied by dry cough and wheezing may be due to an imbalance of both Kapha and Vata doshas.
Cold And Cough Home Remedies
Looking for natural remedies for cold and cough? Try these:
- Drinking Warm Fluids:
1. Warm water: Drinking warm water throughout the day can help to keep the body hydrated and flush out toxins. Adding lemon, honey, or ginger to warm water can also provide additional health benefits.
2. Soup: Consuming warm soups like chicken soup, lentil soup, and vegetable soup can help nourish the body and relieve cold and cough symptoms.
3. Herbal teas: Herbal teas like ginger tea, chamomile tea, and tulsi tea, etc. can help to soothe a sore throat, clear congestion, and boost the immune system.
- Eating Light & Warm Foods:
1. Soups and stews: Light and warm soups and stews can help boost the immune system and relieve cold and cough symptoms.
2. Cooked vegetables: Eating cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes can provide essential nutrients and help to balance the doshas.
3. Warm grains: Eating warm grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice can provide energy and help to nourish the body.
4. Avoiding heavy and cold foods: Avoiding heavy and cold foods like dairy, fried foods, and processed foods can help to prevent the aggravation of the Kapha and Vata doshas.
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- Steam Therapy:
Steam therapy is a common Ayurvedic remedy for treating congestion and cough. It involves inhaling steam from hot water with added herbs or essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint. This can help to open up the airways and relieve congestion.
- Yoga & Breathing Exercises:
Practicing yoga and breathing exercises can help alleviate cold and cough symptoms by improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and strengthening the immune system. Breathing exercises like pranayama can also help to clear the nasal passages and calm the mind. Simple yoga poses like forward bends and twists can also help relieve chest congestion and boost the immune system.
- Ayurvedic Therapy:
1. Nasya therapy involves using medicated oils or herbs that are instilled into the nostrils. This therapy is believed to help lubricate and cleanse the nasal passages, relieve congestion, and improve breathing.
2. Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga, involves using warm herbal oils to massage the body. This therapy is believed to help improve circulation, relax the muscles, and support the immune system, which can help to prevent and treat cold and cough.
3. Neti pot is a small pot with a spout used to irrigate the nasal passages with a saline solution. This therapy is believed to help flush out allergens, irritants, and excess mucus from the nasal passages, relieve congestion and improve breathing.
4. Acupressure is the practice of applying pressure to certain spots on the body, which can alleviate cold and cough symptoms. In Ayurveda, the points are typically located along the body's meridians or energy channels, including points on the face, neck, and chest.
- Ayurvedic Herbs:
Ayurvedic herbs like ginger, turmeric, holy basil, and licorice root can help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and relieve cold and cough symptoms. These herbs can be used in various forms like teas (from different ingredients - recipe of herbal tea), capsules, or powders. Ayurveda herbs are best known ancient remedies for cold & dry cough treatment at home.
Herbal Healers: Best Teas For Cold And Cough
Sipping on herbal teas is like indulging in a warm hug for your body and mind. These flavorful beverages (herbal tea benefit) can nourish you from the inside out, promoting everything from better sleep to a stronger immune system, including prevent from symptoms of cold and cough. So next time you feel under the weather, skip the over-the-counter medications and reach for a comforting cup of tea instead!
The best teas for cold and cough are:
1. Chamomile tea:
Chamomile tea is well known for its calming properties and can help minimize inflammation in the body. It can also help relieve cough and soothe a sore throat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to boiling water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Then, strain the tea and add honey for taste. Chamomile tea for cough is best consumed before bedtime to promote relaxation and a good night's sleep.
2. Cinnamon Tea:
Cinnamon is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb that helps reduce congestion and cough. It also has warming properties that provide relief from cold symptoms. Cinnamon tea can be prepared by adding cinnamon sticks or powder to boiling water and simmering for a few minutes. You can add honey for taste. Drink cinnamon tea 2-3 times daily to reduce congestion and cough.
3. Eucalyptus Tea:
Eucalyptus tea is made from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and is known for its antiseptic properties. It can help relieve congestion and clear the sinuses, making it a great choice for treating cold and cough symptoms. Eucalyptus tea is best consumed while still warm to help open the airways. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried eucalyptus leaves to boiling water and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey for taste.
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4. Ginger Tea:
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory herb that effectively relieves cold and cough symptoms. In addition, it helps in reducing congestion, sore throat, and cough. Ginger tea for cough can be prepared by adding fresh ginger slices to boiling water and simmering for 5-10 minutes. You can add honey and lemon for taste. It's best to drink ginger tea 2-3 times daily when suffering from a cold and cough.
5. Green Tea:
Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help boost the immune system and fight off infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Green tea is best consumed without milk and sugar to enjoy its health benefits fully. Add 1-2 teaspoons of green tea leaves to boiling water and let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Then, strain the tea and enjoy it without milk and sugar for maximum health benefits. You can drink green tea 2-3 times a day to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
6. Holy Basil Tea:
Holy basil, or tulsi, is a natural antiviral and antibacterial herb that helps fight colds and coughs. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation caused by colds and coughs. Holy basil tea can be prepared by 8-10 adding fresh tulsi leaves or dried tulsi powder to boiling water and simmer for a few minutes. You can add honey and lemon for taste. You can drink holy basil tea 2-3 times daily to fight cold and cough.
7. Licorice Tea:
Licorice is a natural expectorant that helps in reducing cough and throat irritation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation caused by cold and cough. Licorice tea can be made by adding licorice root to boiling water and simmering for a few minutes. Then, you can add honey for taste. It's the best tea for cough to drink licorice tea 2-3 times a day to reduce cough and throat irritation.
8. Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint tea is a natural decongestant and can help relieve cough and congestion. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight cold and flu viruses. Peppermint tea is best consumed after meals to aid digestion and relieve stomach discomfort. Drink peppermint tea 2-3 times daily to relieve cough and congestion. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves to boiling water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey for taste.
9. Turmeric Tea:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties that help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation caused by cold and cough. Turmeric tea for cough can be made by adding turmeric powder to boiling water and simmering for a few minutes. You can add honey and black pepper for taste. You can drink turmeric tea once or twice daily to relieve cold and cough symptoms.
Treat yourself to a cup of Namhya Ayurvedic Tea today and experience the healing power of nature!
Looking for a high-quality Ayurvedic tea blend to soothe your cough and promote overall wellness? Try brewing a warm cup of Namhya Ayurvedic Tea! Namhya Ayurvedic Tea is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a natural and effective remedy for coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments. This tea-formulated blend of seven Active Ayurvedic ingredients (ashwagandha, brahmi, cinnamon, cardamom, fresh rose petals, fennel seeds, and star anise) will not only soothe your symptoms but also balance your doshas and support your overall wellness.
So cozy up with a warm cup of Namhya Ayurvedic Tea and let nature work its magic!
