What is better time to write a post like this then when you are battling with cold? I’ve been feeling odd since Monday, but been sick for 2 days now. It started with a tingling feeling in my throat. Then, that turned into congestion in my sinuses, which lead to a throbbing headache. I’ve been sneezing non-stop the last two days, having to carry around a roll of toilet paper wherever I go (as I was out of tissues within a half an hour).
Most of us are familiar with feeling sick as autumn sneaks in. Many of us are feeling run down; overworked, exhausted. The list goes on. What a lot of us fail to realize is that when we allow ourselves to become so enveloped in our jobs, relationships etc. we often lose sight of caring for ourselves.
This is what recently happened to me. I’ve spent the last couple of months hyper-focused on my ex-relationship, my work life, studies and trying to start my own business that I abandoned most of the wellness habits that I worked so hard to cultivate before. When the body is ill, it is generally trying to signal to us that we need to slow down and pay attention. There is usually something in our external environment that is causing a great amount of stress on the body, which then manifests itself in different kinds of illnesses.
It’s important to be aware of unhealthy patterns in your life and to address them, so that you can prevent yourself from getting to the stage of burnout. Identify toxic thoughts or belief systems we have about ourselves and work towards changing them into something more positive.
I wanted to share some natural Ayurvedic remedies for colds.
Please note that I do not claim to be any expert on this topic. I am just sharing things I learned regarding Ayurveda and my personal experience of what has been helpful for me in hopes that it may help others.
5 Ayurvedic Remedies To Help Get You Through Cold & Flu Season
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps the body perform countless functions. It is crucial to have in our bodies to allow absorption of nutrients from foods. Being deficient in magnesium could very well be why we have so many other vitamin & mineral deficiencies.
No sugar!
Sugar weakens your immune system. It may be tempting when you have a sore throat to have throat candies, sugar in your tea, warm oatmeal with sugar… JUST SKIP IT! This will only make you sicker and prolong your cold. Opt for sugar free items or just stick to tea sans the sweetener and soups.
Turmeric, Salt and Cayenne Gargle
Not-so-tasty but effective remedy that is great for preventing a full-blown sore throat or swollen glands if you are able to catch the soreness in time. It is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant and soothing when the soreness is at its worst.
Directions: Mix 1/2 tsp. of turmeric, 1/4 tsp. of salt, and one pinch of cayenne pepper in 1 cup of warm water. Stir thoroughly. Use this as a gargle: Tilt your head back fully and gargle for 10-20 seconds (or longer) then spit out. It is recommended to let a small amount trickle down the throat to coat any deeper infectious areas. Repeat this 3 times in a row and perform every 6 hours or as needed for prevention or treatment of a sore throat or swollen glands.
Ginger-Baking Soda Bath
This bath blend will help to increase the sweating process to sweat out the toxins from your body and is also highly beneficial for pacifying a fever. It relaxes the muscles and the mind and is great for any aches that often accompany the flu. It is equally beneficial for coughing as it relaxes the respiratory tract, which is often constricted and stressed during times of coughing spasms. Finally, adding some essential oils can help promote healing even further.
Directions: Fill the tub with moderately hot water. While filling, add 1/3 cup of ginger powder and 1/3 cup of baking soda; mix until fully dissolved. Relax in this ginger bath for at least 15 minutes or until you break a sweat.
*For respiratory issues, add eucalyptus, peppermint, and sweet orange essential oils (optional). For fever and flu, add tulsi, sweet orange, and rosemary essential oils (optional).
+1 Dirgha pranayama
To relieve breathing-related constriction due to coughing, sneezing, and physical inactivity, try called Dirgha pranayama, or Three-Part Breath. Sit in a relaxed position with an elongated spine, or lay down. Fill up the belly with breath, then fill the rib cage, and then allow the breath to fill your upper chest, even your collarbones. Then release the breath in the opposite sequence. Practice Dirgha for one to three minutes, two to four times a day. It removes congestion, increases circulation, and releases stress and tension.
I hope that this has offered you some ideas to help get you through cold & flu season. If you are curious about Ayurvedic tips to nourish your body, please check out my articles here.