Protect yourself from the monsoon

COLD, COUGH & FLU

The monsoon heralds the arrival of a host of viruses and bacteria. In a city like Bangalore, where allergens and pollutants abound, people are prone to cold, cough and fever. A weak immune system can make one susceptible to colds and cough, especially when there are external factors like change in weather, stress, improper diet and lack of sleep.
  
Symptoms of a cold develop gradually. The main symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, bouts of coughing and sneezing, fatigue, fever, muscle ache and watery eyes.

Flu symptoms typically include a stuffy nose, chills and sweats, fatigue, muscle pain — especially in the lower back, arms and legs, headache and a loss of appetite.

Viruses are common causes of cold and fever. As they exhibit such diverse presentation even doctors are at loss about how to deal with them. Some presentations are typical like Hay Fever, some typically cause very high temperature and severe body pain, while others result in severe post viral arthritis and terrible weakness, which take a very long time to subside. Homeopathic medicines like Ledum, Rhus tox and Arnica are helpful to treat  symptoms like joint pain.

During dentition and teething troubles, children develop diarrhoea, which in turn lowers immunity and makes them prone to cold and cough.  Constitutional homeopathic treatment improves immunity and reduces the frequency of cold and cough.

The monsoon also weakens the digestive system. This season creates kapha, which needs to be balanced. It is therefore necessary to moderate one’s diet scrupulously. Taking adequate rest also helps the body to fight infection.

Home remedies

*Consume hot and nourishing soups.

*Drink kashayam, which is a mix of pepper, jeera, pan leaves, tulsi, dry ginger  crushed and boiled in water for about 10 minutes. Sieve this decoction. Drink it for three days in the morning on an empty stomach. This helps in flushing out the phlegm.

*Pranayama can help clear the respiratory tract and prevent a cold.

*Jalnethi, which is a yoga technique, helps to treat sinus troubles.

*Boil Coleus aromaticus leaves and drink up the water to prevent a cold.

*A decoction of tulsi leaves, dry ginger, black pepper with little honey can be taken twice a day.

*The juice of half a lemon, mixed in lukewarm water and honey, is effective in treating a cold.

*Take half a teaspoon of cumin powder and half a teaspoon of sugar candy powder. Mix well and consume this powder thrice a day.

*Make a decoction of dry ginger powder in water. Drink it to soothe a sore throat.

What homeopathy recommends

*Rhus tox 200: Three pills, four times a day, helps to treat a cold after exposure to rain.

*Ars alb 200: Three pills, four times a day, helps to treat colds and sniffles.

*Gelsemium 200: It is to be taken in frequent doses when one has flu with body pain, sneezing and runny nose, headache and extreme fatigue.

*Allium cepa 200: Helps to treat allergies that are accompanied by sneezing and itching of nose.

Preventing cold and flu

*Colds most commonly spread through contact, so be sure to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if you touch doorknobs and telephones, and use public restrooms.

*Eat healthy.

*Exercise regularly.

*Get enough sleep.

*Practise pranayama regularly as this helps to clear the respiratory tract and
prevents a cold from worsening.

*Avoid eating refrigerated food and drinks.

*Avoid over-ripe fruits, especially guavas.

*Drink boiled and cooled water.

Improving immunity

Having a strong immune system is important for good health.

*Alterative medicines are usually natural substances that boost the immunity of the person.

*Constitutional homeopathic medicines work towards preventing infections and diseases. These medicines should be taken under a physician’s guidance.

*To boost general immunity, take Kali mur — 6x 4 pills, twice a day.

*Cal phos — 6x 4 pills, taken twice a day, helps to boost resistance in children.

*Steam inhalation with tulasi and mint leaves can prevent a cold from worsening.

*One teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder taken every day helps to improve immunity.