The Warm Cold:
The dry winter air is the perfect environment for cold viruses to thrive. It attacks suddenly with a tickling sensation in the nose and back of the throat making it dry and sore, accompanied by sneeze and cough. The head feels stuffed-up, the eyes starts to water and a profuse nasal discharge starts to pour. In the beginning, a chilling sensation is felt that leads to fever. The skin becomes hot and dry, the person now may feel thirst, dryness of tongue and loss of appetite. This is where other symptoms such as, low volume of darkened urine with temporary constipation occurs.
When it gets severe, there is shifting of pains in the back and limbs. The mucous membrane of nose becomes swollen resulting in mouth breathing. A thin, irritating secretion flows from the nose, making the edges of nostril tender and sore. The tear ducts and glands become swollen causing the eyes to weep and the conjunctive to inflame and redden. Now the person loses the sense of smell and taste temporarily. The voice becomes husky and the sore throat develops. Inflammation extends to the Eustachian tubes, leading to mild temporary deafness.
Usually, within a day or two, the nasal secretion becomes more profuse and swelling of the nasal mucosa subsides. Now the affected person is able to breathe through the nostrils again and within 4 to 5 days the symptoms disappear.
Unknown starting causes of common cold are Wet feet, Inadequate clothing when exposed to cold, Careless habits of elimination, Fatigue, etc.  |
The ‘Cold’ Diet for Recovery:
Sneeze out the cold with these simple home DIY remedies...
Few garlic and pepper added with turmeric to milk and boil it. Once the aroma of the ingredients fills the air then drink the milk mixture when warm. Do this until the sore throat pays off.
During cold, grind 1 clove to hot water and drink it instead of normal water.
To bring down the temperature, remove the seed of a tomato and make a juice out of it and drink it.
Cough can be constant and annoying. But you know what they say.. an apple a day, keeps coughs away. Consuming a ripe apple juice with 1 cardamom squeezed in to it, can ease the cough. For children, ripe mango juice can be given instead of apple if they refuse it. Â
For the tea lovers, tea leaves and ginger (peeled) can be boiled with water and drink it after straining. Jaggery can be added for palatability.
Sunflower seed decoction can be served to relieve the discomfort of cold.
Tamarind leaf juice can be given to beat off the symptoms of cold.
Prevention is Always Better than Cure:
Equal quantities of onion juice and honey can be consumed at least 3 to 4 times per day daily to increase resistance against cold during winter.
Tulsi leaf paste and bitter-gourd 'root' paste with honey (1 tsp each) can be consumed every night for a month to prepare your immune system to prevent the cold.
Cinnamon powder and a pinch of black pepper powder is boiled together with water to which honey can be added and consumed to prevent cold attack during rainy season.
Extra Tips for Extra Pre-caution:
Always Consume seasonal fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A and vitamin C boosts immunity, thus consume these sources in high quantities. Though resting physically and mentally is the best way for healing cold, there are certain techniques you could do to fasten the healing process,
Practice strict fasting with antar mouna (internal silence) until the convalescence is over.
Minimize all physical activity.
Voluntary isolation, as it is highly contagious during the early stages.
when it comes to battling the common cold, a combination of traditional remedies and preventive measures is key. Whether it's sipping on turmeric-infused milk or boosting immunity with onion juice and honey, there's a solution for everyone. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so try out different remedies and see what works best for you!
Stay healthy and hydrated, and may you find relief from the discomfort of cold symptoms!