What is cold?
Cold is a very common viral infection, which occurs throughout the year. It is most common in winter and during falls.
What causes cold?
Common cold is caused by viral infection. There are various types of viruses that cause cold, the most common being the nose virus (rhinovirus).
What are the symptoms of cold? Runny nose Sneezing Sore throat Headache Dry cough
Alternative treatments
Ayurvedic remedies: - Add about 2 teaspoons of cloves in a cup of boiled water. Stir it well. Allow it to cool and then drink it.
- Powdered cinnamon, licorice, basil or cloves can be mixed with honey and consumed.
- By mixing ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, cinnamon, ginger powder and a pinch of clove in a cup of boiled water, a tea can be made. This is then allowed to steep for 10 minutes and then it is strained. This tea can be consumed many times in a day. It works wonders.
Home remedies: - Crush two garlic cloves. Boil them in water containing ½ teaspoon turmeric powder. This is a simplest, yet a magic formula for subsiding cold.
- Ginger juice mixed with sufficient honey plays a good role in subsiding cold.
- Squeeze 2 half cut lemons in a glass of boiling water. Sweeten it with honey. This is an effective remedy for bad cold.
Homeopathy: - Comb J (This medicine is recommended very commonly to alleviate the symptoms of cold)
- Kali bichromicum (This remedy is recommended when the mucus-discharge is in excess)
- Rhus toxicodendron (This remedy is recommended when the symptoms of cold are noticed in winters)
Aromatherapy:
The following essential oils play important roles to subside cold: - Orange (Citrus aurantium) - 5 drops of this essential oil can be added to bath water.
- Wild tansy (tanacetum vulgare) - 5 drops of this essential oil can be added to bath water.
- The following essential oil formula proves beneficial when added to hot water for bathing: 2 drops thyme oil, 2 drops tea tree oil, 1 drop Eucalyptus oil and 3 drops Lemon oil
Yoga:
The following yoga excercises are defensive against cold: - Kapalabhati breathing
- Mountain pose
- Sun Salutation
- Lotus pose
- Locust pose
- Boat pose
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