As the monsoon season sweeps across the country, bringing much-needed relief from the summer heat, it also ushers in a wave of seasonal ailments, particularly the common cold. The fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, and frequent downpours create an ideal environment for viruses to thrive, leading to an increase in cases of cold and flu. In such times, Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, offers time-tested remedies that are both effective and natural.
Ayurvedic practitioners emphasise the importance of balancing the body’s doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to maintain health, particularly during the monsoon. The sudden changes in weather can disturb these doshas, making the body susceptible to illnesses. To counteract these effects, Ayurveda prescribes a range of herbal drinks and kadhas (decoctions) that can help alleviate the symptoms of a cold and boost immunity.
The role of Ayurvedic drinks in cold relief
1. Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil Tea)
– Ingredients: Fresh Tulsi leaves, ginger, honey, and water.
– Benefits: Tulsi, revered as the “Queen of Herbs” in Ayurveda, is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Boiling Tulsi leaves with ginger and honey creates a soothing tea that helps clear congestion, reduce inflammation in the throat, and boost the immune system.
– Usage: Drinking Tulsi tea two to three times a day can provide significant relief from cold symptoms, especially when one has been exposed to the damp and chilly monsoon weather.
2. Ginger Tea
– Ingredients: Fresh ginger root, black pepper, honey, and lemon.
– Benefits: Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps in relieving nasal congestion, soothing sore throats, and reducing fever. Adding black pepper enhances the body’s absorption of the ginger’s active compounds, while honey and lemon provide additional soothing effects.
– Usage: A cup of ginger tea in the morning and evening is recommended during the monsoon season to prevent and treat cold symptoms.
3. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk)
-Ingredients: Turmeric powder, black pepper, honey, and warm milk.
-Benefits: Turmeric, rich in curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in reducing the symptoms of a cold. Black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin, while warm milk acts as a soothing base, making this drink particularly effective for easing coughs and sore throats.
-Usage: Consuming a glass of turmeric milk before bedtime can help in quicker recovery from cold symptoms.
Ayurvedic kadhas for cold relief
1. Ayurvedic Kadha
-Ingredients: Tulsi leaves, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and honey.
-Benefits: This kadha is a powerful blend of herbs and spices that work synergistically to fight off cold symptoms. Tulsi and ginger provide antiviral properties, while black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves act as natural decongestants, helping to clear nasal passages and reduce inflammation.
-Usage: Drinking this kadha twice a day, especially after getting wet in the rain, can prevent the onset of cold symptoms and provide relief from existing symptoms.
2. Cinnamon and Mulethi Kadha
-Ingredients: Cinnamon sticks, mulethi (licorice root), fennel seeds, and honey.
-Benefits: Cinnamon has warming properties that help to soothe the respiratory tract, while mulethi is known for its expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the airways. Fennel seeds aid digestion and further enhance the kadha’s soothing effects.
-Usage: This kadha is particularly beneficial for those suffering from a persistent cough and should be consumed twice daily.
As the monsoon continues to bring its share of cold and flu, embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda can be a natural and effective way to stay healthy. These Ayurvedic drinks and kadhas not only help in alleviating cold symptoms but also strengthen the body’s immune response, making it better equipped to handle seasonal changes. By incorporating these remedies into your daily routine, you can enjoy the monsoon season without the worry of falling ill.
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