Even during the classic cold season, the 5,000-year-old teachings of Ayurveda provide proven remedies to strengthen well-being and prevent illness. We explain how you can overcome coughs, colds and hoarseness naturally.
In Auyrveda we assume that all people carry three individually differently balanced energy types, called doshas: the airy Vata, the fiery Pitta and the earthy Kapha. The alternating cold and dry air in autumn and winter tends to lead to an excess of Vata, which can weaken the immune system and make it susceptible to viruses. “When the mucous membranes dry out, the body produces a ‘counter-fluid’ – the result is a runny nose. Microorganisms that otherwise ensure healthy breathing do not feel comfortable in this environment. This creates a breeding ground for colds and flu,” explains Ayurveda specialist John Douillard. Here you can read how you can slow down a cold with Ayurveda.
Smooth sinuses with sesame oil
To prevent excess vata from drying out the nasal passages, you can use the Ayurvedic technique of nasya and moisten them with sesame oil . Larissa Hall Carlson of the American “Kripalu School of Ayurveda” recommends warming the Vata-calming oil by moving it back and forth in the bottle under a stream of hot water at the first sign of a cold. Then lie down, tilt your head back and rub three to five drops of warm oil into each nostril. Alternatively, dip your fingers in the oil and rub the inside of your nostrils with it.
Clean lungs through the right breathing technique
Gently practiced full yoga breathing is suitable for relief in every phase of the cold. The deep breathing technique can even relieve severe blockages in the lungs and at the same time calms the part of the nervous system that produces stress hormones. This will give you deep relaxation in which you can regenerate. While the short breathing through the mouth that is typical of colds promotes stress and restlessness, with full yoga breathing you breathe in slowly and softly through your nose. First fill the bottom of your lungs near the abdomen with the air. Then expand your lower ribs and finally your chest. Then exhale in the opposite direction through the nostrils without pausing: the air leaves the chest, the ribs sink again and the navel pulls in.
You can read how correct breathing helps against anxiety and sleep problems in our article about 4-7-8 breathing.
Active immune system thanks to Tulsi tea
To prevent colds, drink a cup of tea made from tulsi, the “holy” basil from India, every day. If you are already coughing, sniffling or fighting a fever, it can be up to three cups. Tulsi reduces vata and dissolves excess kapha, which shows up as mucus in the lungs and nasal passages . It has also been proven to have antibacterial and anti-aging ingredients that can fight viruses and reduce stress.
Less stimuli: relax
Give your senses a break often, especially during cold season. “Many people increase media consumption during the dark winter months, flooding their already Vata-dominant minds with additional information that needs to be processed. This diverts significant energy from fighting viruses,” explains Larissa Hall Carlson. Instead of a film or series marathon, she recommends spending less time in front of the screen and more time in silence or with relaxation techniques such as yoga nidra or regenerative yoga .
Final tip: The Vata dosha represents the elements of air and ether, which when they become dominant can cause colds and flu. But how do you recognize too much Vata?
Look out for these signs:
❉ Dryness of skin, hair, nails, lips and respiratory tract
❉ Constipation, gas or bloating
❉ Insomnia
❉ Restlessness and hyperactivity
❉ Anxiety
With this in mind: stay healthy!
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