Colds, also known as flu-like infections, typically begin with a runny nose, occasionally accompanied by a slight fever. As the infection progresses, symptoms like sore throat, cough, headaches, and body aches may appear. It is important to distinguish common colds from influenza, which presents with sudden, severe symptoms, high fever, and intense fatigue.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Colds
Nutritional Approach
In Ayurveda, the digestive system (Agni) plays a crucial role in immune response. During the early stages of a cold, fasting or eating light meals supports recovery by allowing the body to focus on healing.
Once the symptoms develop, treatment depends on the dominant dosha imbalance:
Kapha-Type Cold
Symptoms:
- Heavy mucus production (runny nose, congestion)
- Feeling cold and sluggish
- Loss of appetite
Treatment:
✅ Reduce food intake by two-thirds to support digestion.
✅ Drink hot water throughout the day.
✅ Take warming medicinal herbs:
- Ginger
- Basil
- Angelica
- Yarrow
- Ribwort plantain
Vata-Type Cold
Symptoms:
- Chills and shivering
- Dry cough and sore throat
- General fatigue and weakness
Treatment:
✅ Drink large amounts of hot tea to warm the body and lubricate the throat.
✅ Herbal teas made from:
- Thyme
- Licorice
- Guduchi
- Dried ginger
- Sage
Pitta-Type Cold
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Diarrhea
- Thick yellow mucus in nasal discharge or phlegm
Treatment:
✅ Complete rest is crucial—mental exertion worsens symptoms.
✅ Drink cooling herbal teas to lower fever and reduce inflammation.
✅ Ideal herbs:
- Guduchi (immune booster, fever reducer)
- Centaurium (feverwort, centaury)
- Yellow gentian
- Chamomile
How to stop Cold? By recognizing the dosha imbalance and adjusting diet, herbal remedies, and lifestyle habits, you can recover from colds more efficiently and strengthen your immune system.
