Cough and Cold - Ayurvedic / herbal medicines

What is cold and cough?

The common cold is mainly due to viral infections and involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough and sneezing, apart from that one may experience headache, sore throat and most of the times Upper respiratory tract is involved and hence called as upper respiratory tract infections or viral infection, or cold.

Causes for cold and cough

• Usually, due to lack of immunity or low immune response children do experience common cold and cough and even affects elders accordingly and is contagious too. Most of the time, it do attack in winter and rainy seasons.
• The spreading is usually through sneezing, cough, nose blow, tiny air droplets which carries infection may spread to others. Hence cold and cough spreads through direct contact. Apart from this, from contaminated articles like hand napkin, or toys, dress etc.

Symptoms of cold and cough

Cold and cough are themselves symptoms and other symptoms include Runny nose, nasal congestion, sometimes fever, throat disturbance, sneezing, cough, decreased appetite, headache, sore throat etc.

Treatment for cold and cough

Depending on immune system, common cold will subside without medications in most of the individuals within 7 days, and medicines may be necessary for cough. One should have medical assistance when cold is not controlled. Though there are over-the counter medicines for cold and cough, one can consult physician for expert advice, however it is not advisable to give over the counter medicines to children. In extreme conditions, doctors do suggest antibiotics.

Alternative remedies for cold and cough

Alternative remedies are very helpful in order to prevent infections and to boost immunity. Starting from Home remedies, ayurveda, siddha, homeopathy, Unani, yoga and naturopathy are the Indian system of medicines which are helpful.

Home Remedies for preventing cold and cough

• Spinach Juice, Chewing Holy basil, grape juice, Ginger juice, in any form is helpful.

• Chewing holy basil with black pepper and raw rice in 1:1:1 ratio in smaller quantities is very helpful for dry cough.

• The combination of Honey and grape juice is helpful. Preparation of ginger tea is helpful.

• The combination of Honey and Turmeric powder in 5:1 ratio is helpful for dry cough.

• Almonds are useful, Gargling henna leaves decoction, is also helpful.

• Consuming Vitamin C, zinc as supplements are useful. Chicken soup and other kind of vegetable soups are helpful.

Ayurvedic Medicines for cold and cough

Following ayurvedic medicines are helpful such as Divya Khadiradi Vati, Divya Swasari ras, Divya Tulsi Ghan Vati, Kofol Cough Syrup, Shwaskalp Tablet for Bronchitis, Tulasi Capsules, Baidyanath Kasamrita Herbal Cough Syrup, Sualin Tablet for Sore Throat are the choice of medicines for managing cold and cough.

Natural therapies for cough and cold

• Steam inhalation is recommended with natural volatile substances such as eucalyptus.
• Practicing Yoga and Pranayama is very important and prevents infections and improves immunity.
• Other system of Alternative therapies and remedies do have similar medications which are helpful for the complaints.

Complications cough and cold

Preventive measures for cold and cough

• Hygiene is very important and washing hands before eating, after nose –wiping, diapering, after using washroom, etc.
• Disinfectant usage is very important.
• Avoid passive smoking, avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
• Drink plenty of water and boiled-cooled water is preferred.
• Consuming Yogurt is very effective home remedies, and get enough sleep which is also helpful.