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Colds, commonly known as the common cold, are a very common problem. People of all ages are affected by this disease several times a year. It’s more common during seasonal changes, the monsoon season, exposure to cold winds, or weakened immune systems.
Colds aren’t a serious illness, but they can make the body feel tired. Symptoms like a stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, sneezing, coughing, and a mild fever can disrupt work and the pace of life.
➡In this blog, we’ll explore in detail
What a cold is and its causes
Symptoms and differences from the flu
Home, Ayurvedic, and homeopathic treatments
Preventative measures and diet
Yoga and lifestyle modifications
When to see a doctor
➡What is a cold?
A cold is a viral infection primarily caused by rhinoviruses and other viruses. These viruses attack the mucous membranes of our nose and throat, causing infection.
It directly affects the respiratory tract, causing a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, a heavy head, and a mild fever.
➡Causes of Colds
✅ Viral infections – This is the main cause.
✅ Weather changes – especially from summer to cold or from winter to summer.
✅ Weakened immunity – People with weak immunity are more likely to catch colds.
✅ Dirt and pollution – Dust, smoke, and pollution contribute to the spread of colds.
✅ Excessive consumption of cold foods – Excessive consumption of ice cream, cold drinks, etc., can cause sore throats.
✅ Getting wet or exposed to cold air – Prolonged exposure to rain or cold air can cause a cold.
✅ Contact with another infected person – It spreads easily from one person to another.
➡Symptoms of a Cold
Runny or stuffy nose
Constant sneezing
Sore throat and pain
Headache and heaviness in the eyes
Mild fever
Cough (dry or with mucus)
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of taste and smell
➡Home Remedies for Colds
✅Ginger and honey – Mixing ginger juice and honey provides relief from a sore throat and cough.
✅Turmeric milk – Drinking warm milk with turmeric at night helps cure a cold quickly.
✅Steam inhalation – Inhaling steam with celery or mint helps clear the nose.
✅ Basil and ginger tea – Helps strengthen the immune system.
✅ Gargle with salt water – Relieves throat infections and sore throats.
✅ Black pepper and honey – Effective for coughs and nasal congestion.
✅ Garlic – Eating raw or roasted garlic helps fight viruses.
➡Ayurvedic Perspective on Colds
In Ayurveda, colds are called Pratishaya. It is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
Key Ayurvedic Remedies
Trikatu Churna – Thins and expels mucus.
Chyawanprash – Immunity-boosting tonic.
Giloy juice – Beneficial for infections and fever.
Tulsi extract – Boosts immunity.
Ayush Kwath – Prepared with basil, cinnamon, dry ginger, and black pepper.
Diet and Lifestyle for a Cold
What to Eat?
Warm Water
Vegetable Soup
Vitamin C-Rich Fruits (Lemon, Orange, Amla)
Light Foods Like Khichdi, Porridge
Ginger, Cinnamon, and Clove Tea
What to Avoid for a Cold?
Cold Foods (Ice Cream, Cold Drinks)
Oily and Spicy Foods
Staying Up Late
Dust, Smoke, and Pollution
Cold Prevention
Frequent Handwashing
Using a Mask
Getting Adequate Sleep
Yoga and Exercise
Sunbathing and Taking Vitamin D
Colds in Children and the Elderly
In Children, Honey and Tulsi juice are beneficial (do not give honey to children under 1 year of age).
In the Elderly, it can progress to pneumonia, so do not ignore even mild symptoms.
Homeopathic Treatment for Colds
✅Aconite napellus – Colds caused by sudden exposure to cold air.
✅Allium cepa – Sneezing and watery nasal discharge.
✅Bryonia alba – Headache and nasal congestion.
✅Arsenicum album – Nasal congestion and weakness at night.
✅Nux vomica – Nasal congestion and sneezing when you catch a cold.
(Always consult a doctor.)
➡When to see a doctor?
High fever (over 102°F)
Difficulty breathing
Ear pain or ear discharge
Coughing with blood
Colds lasting more than 10 days
Weakness in children and the elderly
➡Common misconceptions
✅Colds are only caused by cold things – ❌ Viruses are the main cause.
✅ Milk should not be consumed during a cold – ❌ Milk provides nutrition.
✅ Antibiotics will cure a cold – ❌ It is viral, not bacterial.
✅Colds only occur in winter – ❌ It can occur in any season.
➡Yoga and Pranayama
Anulom-Vilom – Balances the nasal nerves.
Kapalabhati – Helps clear mucus.
Bhramari – Beneficial for throat and nose problems.
Surya Namaskar – Makes the body energetic and healthy.
➡Home Precautions
Get adequate rest
Drink lukewarm water
Use a handkerchief/tissue when sneezing
Keep the house ventilated
Avoid smoking and alcohol
➡Conclusion
Colds are a common illness, but recurring colds are a sign of weakened immunity.
Home remedies, Ayurvedic, and homeopathic treatments can help cure them quickly.
Prevention is possible with a proper diet, yoga, and hygiene.
