Ayurvedic Treatment of Common Cold
The common cold, or upper respiratory tract infection, usually is caused by one of several respiratory viruses, most commonly rhinovirus. These viruses, which concentrate in nasal secretions, are easily transmitted through sneezing, coughing or nose blowing.
Children younger than six are at greatest risk of cold, but healthy adults can also expect to have two or three colds annually.
Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. If symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to the cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Slight body aches or a mild headache
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
The discharge from your nose may become thicker and yellow in color as a common cold runs its course.
When to See A Doctor
Adults
- Fever greater than 101.3 F
- Fever lasting five days or more or returning after a fever-free period
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Severe sore throat
- Headache
- Sinus pain
Children
- Fever of 100.4 F in
new born up to 12 weeks - Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age
- Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve
- Severe symptoms, such as headache or cough
- Wheezing
- Ear pain
- Extreme fussiness
- Unusual drowsiness
- Lack of appetite
Causes
- Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common
. Lack of fresh air, closed window, poor health, and some indoor air pollutants seem to increase the susceptibility of this problem.- The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick during cough, sneezes or talk.
Risk Factors
The factors that increase the risk of the disease are
1. Age:
Children younger than six are at greatest risk of cold, especially if they spend time in a child care setting.
2. Weakened Immune System:
Having a chronic illness or otherwise weakened immune system increases your risk.
3. Time of Year:
Both children and adults are more susceptible to cold in fall and winter, but you can get a cold any time.
4. Smoking:
You are more likely to catch a cold and to have more severe colds if you smoke.
5. Exposure:
If you are around many people, such as in school or office, you are more prone to get infected.
Complications
1. Acute Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
When bacteria or viruses enter the space behind the eardrum it leads to an acute ear infection. Typical signs and symptoms include earaches and, in some cases, a green or yellow discharge from the nose or the return of a fever following a common cold.
2. Asthma:
A cold can trigger an asthma attack.
3. Acute Sinusitis:
If the common cold doesn’t get resolved, it can lead to inflammation and infection of sinuses(sinusitis) in adults and children.
4. Other Secondary Infections:
These include strep throat, pneumonia and croup or bronchiolitis in children.
Diagnosis of Common Cold:
- Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms and signs.
- Physical examination is done such as a chest X-ray.
Herbal Remedies for Common Cold by Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda provides wonderful herbal remedies like Kaas-Har Churna, Aller-G care and Curcumin capsules for the Ayurvedic treatment of common cold.
These herbal remedies are free from any kind of side effects as there are no chemicals or preservatives used in these herbal remedies.
1. Kaas-Har Churna
This herbal Churna is formulated by using various herbs that are Vanshlochan, Pippali, Ela, Mishri, and Dalchini. This herbal remedy is formulated using amazing natural herbs that help to eliminate the problem of a common cold.
Benefits and Properties of Herbs Used to Create this Amazing Blend
Mishri
Mishri is a sweet herb. This is included to act as a natural sweetener in this Churna and also to keep the throat wet and suppress sudden bout and cough.
Vanshlochan
The main function of this herb is to keep the respiratory tract clean. The main property of this herb is that it does not let the throat dry and help to get rid of an itchy and scratchy throat.
Pippali
This herb contains natural properties that help to clear the mucus from the body and improve blood circulation in the body.
Ela
This herb is also used as a spice in Indian kitchens and is commonly known as cardamom. This improves blood circulation in the body.
Dalchini
The properties of this particular herb are helpful in fighting with the microbes present in the respiratory tract. This herb also helps to fight against pathogens and also provides relief from breath related problems like difficulty in breathing, cough, cold.
Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons with water after meals twice a day
2. Aller-G Care
As we know that one of the causes of the common cold can also be the allergens present in the environment so this herbal remedy is formulated to fight against the allergens and make the immune system strong. These Aller -G care capsules are formulated using various herbs namely HARIDRA, NEEM, SHIRISH, ASHWAGANDHA. The herbs are very beneficial. The herb Haridra removes radicals from the body and neem helps to remove the toxins from the body. Ashwagandha helps in relieving stress and helps to cope up with fatigue. Shirish is another herb used in the formulation of this particular herbal remedy. These herbs help to remove the toxins from the body and also removes metabolites from the body that are accumulated as a result of fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
Dosage: 2 Capsules twice daily, for children 1 capsule daily with plain water after meals.
3. Curcumin Capsules
Curcumin is considered as a main source of antioxidant. The major ingredient of Turmeric is Curcumin which reduces inflammation. It provides strength to the immune system of the body that helps to fight with certain kinds of bacteria and viruses. This is also considered as one of the best anti-aging supplements.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with plain water daily after meals.
