According to Ayurveda, the condition of common cold arises due to imbalance of Vata and kapha dosha. A body develops cold when it has an excess of Kapha dosha’s moist and cool characteristics, which leads to stuffy and runny nose with sneezing. Vata dosha’s excess level reduces gastric fire or agni in the body, which leads to chills. The Ayurvedic term for Common Cold is Pratishaya.
Characteristic Symptoms of Common Cold
- Abrupt onset along with tickling sensation in the nasal tract.
- Running nose, sneezing and obstruction of nasal passage.
- Pharyngeal and conjuctival itching.
- Malaise, headache, dryness and soreness of throat.
- Spread of infection may result in earache, pneumonia and bronchitis.
Ayurvedic View of Common Cold
There are five types of cold, according to Ayurveda –
- Caused by vitiation of air body humor.
- Caused by vitiation of fire body humor.
- Caused by vitiation of the phlegm body humor.
- Chronic cold caused by all the three humors.
- Caused by the disorder of the blood.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Common Cold
- Phitkari — It is also called Alum. Gargle with saline or warm water with a pinch of phitkari added to it, trice or four times a day.
- Spices — Spices such as peppercorns, cardamom, cinnamon and black cumin are helpful in relieving cold. Pound these spices and sniff it for relief from nasal blockage.
- Steam inhalation — This is a very beneficial method for relief from running nose. Steam inhalation by burning a piece of turmeric is also beneficial.
- Catechu — It causes decrease in phlegm or kapha. Catechu is a useful remedy for common cold. Take ½ to 1 gm of catechu with honey for common cold.
- Asafoetida — External massage of hing or asafoetida paste on chest relieves cold.
- Henna leaves — Extract the juice of henna leaves and take ½ tsp twice a day. Mixing the juice with honey is also a good remedy for cold.
- Betel leaves — Mix 5 to 10 ml of betel leaves juice with freshly ground mint, basil and ginger. Also 4 to 5 peppercorns to the paste. Take ½ tsp of this preparation twice a day, mixed into some honey.
Some Ayurvedic medicines and preparations for treatment of common cold are –
- 120 gms of Laxmivilas Churna and Shring Bhasma with 240 gms of Narsar should be taken with warm water thrice a day.
- Vyoshadi Vati lozenges can be sucked 3 or 4 times a day.
- 120 gms of Mahalaxmi Vilas can be consumed with Mulethi powder, ghee and honey.
- 10 gms of Chitrak Hiratiki
These are some of the Ayurvedic treatments for common cold.
