Common cold is the body’s first line of defence in its constant struggle to free itself of accumulated toxins.
Pills may offer a temporary solution, but they also suppress the cold; they do not allow the release of morbid matter from the body. Thus, acute colds may often lead to chronic problems such as sinusitis, pneumonia or typhoid, especially when the body’s resistance is compromised.
Nature therapy comes in handy to deal with colds effectively and safely. The therapy helps in repairing the body with natural ingredients; it does not hinder the natural cleansing process from the inside. Moreover, it prevents the recurrence of frequent cold attacks.
With the help of nature therapy, the body also [re]gains its natural ability to resist infection. The use of natural herbs helps further strengthen the external and internal states of the body. This state is also best complemented by a specific diet and yoga [pranayama] kriya.
Fresh ginger is one of the most versatile spices. For mucous and the first sign of a cold, steep three or four slices of ginger in a cup of boiling water. Add honey to taste. For common cold with chills and fever, without perspiration, drink ginger tea with sweet basil. If the cold is caused by heat and you have high fever, chills, sweating, or sore throat, drink cabbage and fresh ginger broth frequently.
It is best to avoid the intake of meat and eggs. The duo generates unwanted heat within the body. Our body needs more than a bit of warmth. This can be provided by the use of a mixture of fennel seeds [saunf], carum [ajwain] powder and jaggery. Just five gm of this mix can help relieve repetitive sneezing – in quick time.
Diet also works
The diet of a person suffering from perennial common cold, according to naturopathy, should consist of nutritive food, or sattvic, and non-deep fried food. Sattvic food is predominantly “alkaline food” ripened by sunlight, and not by any artificial means. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. Sattvic food includes sprouted wheat and grains and foods that contain fibre or roughage.
It will also help if you include raw juices of lemon, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, carrot, onion [recommended to relieve sinusitis], papaya [vitamin C], strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, tomatoes [for bronchitis], broccoli, celery and spinach. Raw juices should be taken every 3-4 hours in high-intensity colds. Chopped pieces of onion, carrot, tomato and fenugreek, as part of your anti-cold diet, would be just as useful.