Ayurvedic remedies for the cold season
Dr Violeta Pîrvu, mspecialist in family medicine
Competence in aphytotherapy, ayurveda
The body's natural resistance to various infections or conditions known as immunity needs to be boosted, especially in the cold season. The Ayurvedic system, gives us the opportunity to understand what is going on inside the body when it faces the various seasonal changes and what Ayurvedic methods and remedies are used for the human body to
What diet helps us in winter to boost immunity?
In order to prevent excessive growth of cold and dry qualities in the body (qualities that are amplified in winter) Ayurvedic medicine recommends that the diet in winter should be rich in hard and unctuous but also hot qualities, in order to maintain internal heat at normal parameters.
Thus the consumption of dried legumes (beans, mung beans, peas, green lentils, red lentils, soya, chickpeas) roots (celery, parsnips, parsley, carrots, beetroot, potatoes) seeds and nuts, sour foods (pickles), cold-pressed vegetable oils, spicy condiments, natural milk, ghee ("clarified butter") or natural honey, greatly helps to maintain the body's internal balance during winter, increasing resistance to various infections or diseases.
Herbs used in Ayurveda for immunity
Remedies used in Ayurveda for increasing immunity and vital force in the body (called Ojas-
Amalaki -
It is a plant very rich in citric acid and therefore has a high vitamin C content. In addition to this it contains high amounts of calcium, iron and phosphorus, but also carbohydrates and carbohydrates, so necessary in winter. Used as a powder taken internally from 2-
Sweet wood -
It is an excellent tonic and revitalizer of the body, which can be used in winter to boost immunity. Taken daily as a powder, or mixed with ghee or natural honey or warm milk, it is an excellent Rasayana remedy, used both for immunity and against aging.
Ashwagandha -
Known in Ayurveda as one of the best Rasayana tonics, it boosts immunity, increases life force in the body, energizes and tones the body, and is also used in rejuvenation cures. Taken internally between 3-
Turmeric-
It is widely used in Ayurveda for various ailments, and in the cold season it is used to increase the body's resistance to various infections. Good antiparasitic but also detoxifying the body, it soothes joint pain that worsens in winter and stimulates digestion. It can be used in a dose of 1-
Ginger-
A true gift of Nature in the cold season, ginger is an excellent remedy for colds and flu, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, hoarseness or fever. Effective in boosting immunity but also a good analgesic used in joint pain, it is found in the form of dried or fresh ginger root (with a particular flavour). It can be eaten in winter as a powder (1g 3 times a day) taken sublingually, or in warm milk or hot tea sweetened with ginger syrup.
Tulsi-
The plant has sacred values in Ayurveda and is widely used for respiratory ailments and to boost immunity in winter. Fresh juice from the leaves mixed with honey is a highly effective remedy for increasing resistance to disease. It can also be taken as a powder 1g 3 times a day, sublingually, but also as teas, capsules or tablets.
Cardamom-
Native to southern India, it is widely used in both food and Ayurvedic remedies. Taken in warm milk in the evening at bedtime, it is an excellent sedative, and used in the daily diet it stimulates digestion and increases the body's natural resistance to disease.
In order for these remedies to be as effective as possible, it is advisable to seek the advice of an Ayurvedic specialist, who will be able to give recommendations as to how to administer these remedies, depending on the constitution and associated conditions of each patient.