Fight Common Cold the Naturopathic Way

The common cold is a reaction of your body to toxins or foreign bodies to fight against it. Naturopathic treatment helps increase immunity and strengthen the defense mechanism to function better. Common cold can occur due to seasonal variations, so in such cases, naturopathy provides the best possible treatment options. Acute coryza is an alternative term for the common cold. A cold is nature's simplest way of expelling toxic waste from the human body, so the duration of cold depends on how rapidly toxins get expelled out of the body.

It is caused by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract due to viral infection. It is the most commonly found infection. The duration of common cold varies from three to ten days, which also depends on various other factors, such as the immunity of an individual, the number of toxins in the body, and the rate with which they are getting removed.

Symptoms:

The usual symptoms of the common cold are as follows -

• Soreness of throat.

• Congestion of nasal passage.

• Runny nose.

• Sneezing.

• Rise in temperature.

• Headaches.

• Chills.

• Aches and body pain.

• Loss of appetite.

• The skin around the nostrils become sore.

Causes:

The causes of the common cold are as follows-

1. Viral infection - The intensity of infection varies, and it depends on the environmental factors and immunity of an individual.

2. Nose and throat allergy.

3. Lack of sleep.

4. Depression.

5. Fatigue.

6. Sudden change in temperature and climate.

7. Dust, pollen, or other allergens.

8. Bad dietary habits.

Treatment:

Treatment of the common cold with the help of customary suppressive drugs puts a sudden stop to toxins' elimination process, which ultimately causes toxins to stay in body tissues. It is better if the patient is put on fasting for two days during infection. Warm water mixed with lemon juice and honey or fruit juice and hot water should be given. Liquid diet intake should be in large amounts to neutralize the acidic nature of blood. Pineapple juice, in particular, is very beneficial.

Hot drinks are necessary to clear up the kidneys. Warm water enema is beneficial to clean bowels during this period.

Fruit Fasting Regimen:

A short fruit fasting, followed by a healthy diet for three days, should be carried out. In this, the patient should take three meals per day of fresh juicy fruits. Juicy fruits include apples, pears, grapes, oranges, pineapple, peaches, melon, or other seasonal juicy fruits. Dried fruits and banana should be avoided. Other food items should be avoided.

After the fruit diet, the patient should gradually embark on a diet of three basic food groups, seeds, nuts, and Grains. Vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and starchy foods should be avoided.

Strengthening of Immunity:

Strengthening of the immune system can be done by taking a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C -

• Protect against infection.

• Acts as a harmless antibiotic.

• Regular intake of this vitamin will prevent the common cold.

• If you already have a cold, large doses of this vitamin will relieve symptoms.

• Sources include citrus fruits, sprouted green gram, green leafy vegetables, etc.

Lime Juice -

• Lime is the most important home remedy for colds.

• It should be taken well diluted.

• Vitamin C-rich lime juice increases resistance and decreases illness.

• Lime juice in warm water and honey is a good remedy for cold and cough.

Garlic Soup -

• It is the most ancient remedy to reduce cold.

• Garlic has antiseptic and anti-spasmodic properties.

• Volatile oils present in garlic flush out toxins from the body and help reduce fever.

• Garlic oil and onion juice (diluted in water) can be used to fight the common cold.

Ginger -

• An excellent remedy for cold and cough.

• Cut ginger into small pieces and boil it in a cup of water. Add half a teaspoon of sugar or honey in it. Strain it, let it cool, and then drink.

• If you have a cold, then drink ginger juice when it is hot.

• Ginger tea is beneficial in common cold and fever, so add a few ginger pieces while boiling your tea leaves.

Turmeric -

• We are familiar with the antiseptic properties of turmeric.

• Fresh turmeric powder added in warm milk is an excellent remedy for common colds and throat irritations.

• Turmeric and milk should be boiled over a slow flame.

• The smoke of burning turmeric should be inhaled, which is a remedy for a runny nose. This will increase nasal discharge and give quick relief.

Spicy Foods -

Spices, as we all know, make our nose run. Garlic, ginger, hot pepper, etc., all have anti-inflammatory properties. They help in reducing irritation from the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract.

Water Treatment -

• A hot water bath should be taken, as it will help relieve congestion from the chest, throat, and nasal membrane.

• Gargling with hot water and salt added into it will help relieve a sore throat.

• Steam inhalation will help relieve the congestion of nasal tissues.

• Steam bath, hot foot bath, etc., are useful because they induce perspiration.

• Nasal Irrigation, flushing your nasal cavity with the help of a saline solution, is an old practice in yogic practice. It helps to reduce congestion by removing mucus, reduce inflammation, and allergens by removing bacteria, and viruses.

Yogasana -

• Yogic Asanas like Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, and Yogmudra in Vajrasana are helpful in common cold.

• Yogic Kriyas like Jal Neti and Vaman Dhauti are useful in common cold.

• Pranayamas like Kapalbhati and Anuloma Viloma are beneficial in the treatment of a common cold.

Other Measures -

Mild sunbath, fresh air, deep breathing, brisk walking, adequate sleep, good habits, and proper clothing depending on the climate to nullify the effect of weather fluctuation.