Colds & Coughs:      Common Symptoms

Runny or blocked nose Sneezing Soar throat Congestion Hoarseness

Loss of appetite Insomnia Headache Slight fever Sluggishness

Causes
The common cold and cough are caused by the aggravation of Kapha and/or weak digestion (agni - the digestive fire).
Other causes are exposure to cold or humid conditions, cold air, and the change in seasons. When we drink cold beverages,
eat cold foods or deep fried foods in the colder seasons like Fall and Winter, weak agni can slow down the digestion process.
When the food we eat is not fully digested, it transforms into a mucus toxin (ama) and this circulates through the body and
reaches the respiratory system, where it causes colds and coughs.

Remedies
- The body should be kept warm - especially the feet, chest, throat and head. Sweating is very helpful.
- Take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with half a teaspoon of honey, three times a day (morning, noon and night).
During the winter season, warm the mixture by mixing a teaspoon of warm water in it.
- Mix half a cup of warm water with one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey, several times a day.
- In cases of dry cough (especially during the night), peel a small piece of fresh ginger, sprinkle some salt on it and chew.
- Take equal amounts of cardamom, ginger powder, black pepper and cinnamon (1 teaspoon each).
Add sugar equal to the total amount of mixture and grind to make a fine powder.
Take half a teaspoon two times a day, with honey or warm water after meals.
- For a sore throat, a clove or two cardamoms or a few raisins can be chewed.
Gargling with warm salty water two to three times a day can help.

What to Avoid
Foods and activities to be avoided:

Lifestyle and Diet
Foods and activities to partake in:

Copyright © 2006 Rebecca Robbins