Colds and Flu: Warming Ayurvedic Kitchen Remedies to Feel Better Faster

In English

Why We Catch Colds

Runny nose, cough, congestion, headache, body ache and sometimes fever: colds and flu are common in winter and spring. Ayurveda calls a cold a Kapha-Vata imbalance.

• Too much Kapha (cold and wet) causes congestion and a runny nose.
• Too much Vata weakens digestion, causing chills, low appetite and body ache.

The answer: warmth, rest and light food.

Ginger: The Best Friend of a Cold

1. Ginger, Cinnamon and Lemongrass Tea

Mix 1 part dry ginger, 1 part cinnamon and 2 parts lemongrass. Steep 1 tsp in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and add a little honey once it cools slightly. Drink a few times a day.

2. Ginger, Cinnamon and Cardamom Tea

Mix 2 parts ginger, 3 parts cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom. Steep 1 tsp in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Add ½ to 1 tsp honey when warm, not hot.

3. Steam Inhalation

Boil 1 tsp ginger or a few eucalyptus leaves in a pint of water. Turn off the heat, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam. Plain steam also helps.

Be careful with hot water. Keep your face at a safe distance. Do not use steam for small children.

More Kitchen Remedies

• Tulsi tea: boil 1 tsp tulsi (holy basil) leaves in a cup of water for 1 minute. Great for flu.
• Cinnamon and honey: mix ½ tsp cinnamon with 1 tsp honey and take 2 or 3 times a day for cough and congestion.
• Fennel and mishri: ½ tsp fennel powder with 1 tsp mishri (rock sugar), 2 or 3 times a day.
• Sitopaladi churna with honey after meals is a classic Ayurvedic cold remedy.
• Sip hot water through the day to flush out toxins.
• Vitamin C from amla, lemon and fresh fruit supports recovery.

Do's and Don'ts During a Cold

• Avoid dairy: milk, curd and paneer increase mucus.
• Avoid cold drinks, ice cream and cold food.