The monsoon season has arrived, as have the numerous health issues that accompany it. Cough, cold, and throat problems are especially common in humid weather. Given the increased risk of contracting viral, bacterial, or fungal infections during the rainy season, it is critical to take adequate precautions. It is also critical to maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition and regular exercise.
There are numerous immunity boosters that can be found in your kitchen and can help you stay healthy. Turmeric milk, or combining the spice with black pepper and honey, can help prevent coughs and colds. Tulsi or ginger tea can also be beneficial. Gargling with turmeric-salt water 2-3 times per day is also advised. Aside from that, inhaling steam can be beneficial.
Dr Dixa Bhavsar, an Ayurvedic expert, recommends Ayurvedic remedies to avoid monsoon illnesses.
1. Honey and ginger
Take 1 teaspoon shonth (dry ginger powder) with 1 teaspoon honey three times per day, half an hour before meals.
For children, use 1/4 teaspoon of sage and honey.
2. honey, turmeric, and pepper
Take 1 teaspoon turmeric with a pinch of black pepper and honey twice a day, 30 minutes after meals.
Children’s dosage is half that of adults.
3. Drink various types of warming and throat soothing teas such as tulsi tea, fenugreek tea, ginger-mint tea, and liquorice tea.
4. Gargle 2-3 times per day with turmeric-salt water.
5. Licorice/Yastimadhu and honey: Mix 1 teaspoon of Yastimadhu (also known as Mulethi in general language) with 1 teaspoon of honey. Take it twice a day, 40 minutes after meals. Mulethi is not recommended for people who have high blood pressure.
For children, use half a teaspoon of mulethi and honey.
6. Inhale steam from water boiled with mint, ajwain, methi, and haldi.
7. Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day.
Dr. Bhavsar advises avoiding fatty foods, fried foods, stale foods, and street food in favor of light home-cooked meals. She also suggests doing Bhastrika, Anuloma viloma, and Bhramri Pranayama twice a day, in the morning and at night.
Ayurvedic formulas that work well for colds and coughs include:
- Honey Sitopladi Churna
- Honey-sweetened trikatu churna
- Honey talisadi churna
- Laxmivilas Ras diluted in warm water
- Tribhuvankirti Ras washed down with warm water
- Lavangadi Vati in hot water
- Khadiradi Vati in hot water
However, the Ayurvedic expert warns that these formulations should only be consumed after consulting with an ayurvedic doctor.
