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It is important to know and understand your own mind/body typeto correctly practice Ayurveda. When the body is in a state of balance, then it is healthy. Use the remedy for your body type to put your body back into balance when you have a cold or flu. Be familiar with the mind/body type of your child, too, so that you can help put his or her body back into balance when you need to.
The cold winter months, November through February are the Vata season in Ayurveda. This is the time when Vata is more likely to become out of balance and result in a cold or flu. Ayurveda traditionally recommends a routine for each season to maintain balance during that season. Of course, you should follow your own daily Ayurvedic plan, but make adjustments to fit with the season. To balance Vata, it is important to keep warm. Eat warm foods, especially foods that are sweet, sour, or salty. Drink Vata tea.
Vata colds generally include a dry cough, hoarseness, or laryngitis. A few drops of warmed sesame oil can be rubbed in the nasal passage to help soothe it. A Vata diet should be followed.
Pitta colds include a high fever and sore throat. A cooling Pitta routine should be followed.
Kapha colds and flus are those with a lot of mucus, runny nose, congestion, headache, and mild fever. Follow the Kapha routine and drink warm Kapha tea to help bring the body back into balance.
The following are some special Ayurvedic remedies for colds, cough, and sore throat:
- "Cough Soothe: For Congestive Cough" Adults take 2 teaspoons twice a day; children should take 1 teaspoon twice daily.
- "Cough Soothe: for Dry Cough" Adults take 2 teaspoons twice a day; children should take 1 teaspoon twice daily.
- "Clear Breathe Opens" channels of upper respiratory tract