Supporting Colds and Flu with Ayurveda

Colds and Flu Seasonal Support

by Kottakkal Support October 11, 2023

Kottakkal_Ayurveda_USA_Supporting_Colds_and_Flu_with_Ayurveda

As summer quickly fades into the cooler weather of the autumn many of us experience lower energy and appetite. This is when colds and flu become commonplace for many people. During the summer, our bodies become weakened by the long hot days, from traveling, or too many late night gatherings. These activities disturb restful sleep and unbalance our digestive power. Hence the reason why many of us feel reduced energy which sets up for catching colds or flu.

In Ayurveda, both vata and kapha dosha cause colds and flu and when they are out of balance it weakens our immunity. Excess kapha dosha has the qualities of coolness, heaviness, and moistness. When these qualities are in excess it causes a runny nose, sneezing and congested cough with a lot of phlegm. Excess vata dosha has the opposite qualities of dryness, lightness and moves fast which causes sudden colds or flu with chills, fever and dry cough.

Ayurveda recommends the following diet and lifestyle changes to help bring the aggravated vata and kapha doshas back into balance.

Stop consuming heavy, cold, foods like ice cream, yogurt and ice water. This includes all dairy, uncooked raw foods and juices. When the weather turns cold you want to increase the warmth in your diet with all cooked foods.
Increase the amount of spices in your cooking. Be sure to use cumin, black pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. These are thermogenic (heat-producing) spices that help stimulate proper digestion.
Do not skip meals. Especially if you have a cold that comes with a dry cough, having regular meals is important to calm vata dosha. Skipping meals weakens digestion. If you are not feeling hungry at all then have a clear vegetable broth with turmeric, sea salt, and ginger and add nutrient dense vegetables like leeks, bok choy or broccoli.
Do not overeat. Overeating is just as bad as not eating. Overeating disturbs and weakens digestion by causing bloating, gas, indigestion, and even constipation. This will also lower your immunity.
Eat fresh, cooked foods. Favor organic seasonal vegetables, legumes, and grains that are easy to digest like winter squashes and gourds, red rice, mung bean and quinoa. Kichari is a great choice for both prevention and recovery from illness. A soupy mixture of rice, salt, turmeric and ginger is a perfect choice for breakfast when feeling sick or recovering.
Drink 1 – 2 glasses of warm water with a little honey each morning after waking up. This simple practice stimulates digestion to flush out excess kapha and promotes healthy bowel movements. It is warming for the body and good for cold mornings.
Stick to a regular schedule. Try to be in bed by 10 or 11 pm at the latest, especially if you are already sick. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day and eat meals at the same time as well. This is very important for balancing the movement of vata dosha.

Support for Respiratory Congestion

Dasamulakatutrayadi Kwatham balances both vata and kapha dosha. The main herb dasamula supports respiratory health, helps reduce excess mucus from the chest and eases breathlessness.

Talisapatradi Vatakam supports and balances kapha dosha. The main ingredient is Talisapatra (Abies spectabilis) which helps reduce ama and mucus from the stomach and chest area, eases breathlessness and hoarseness.

Vyoshadi Vatakam The main herb trikatu balances both kapha and vata dosha, helps expel kapha mucus from the chest area, soothes sore throat, and supports respiratory health.

Vasakot Syrup balances kapha dosha and helps calm inflammation, eases breathlessness, and helps decrease congestion from the chest area.

Vidaryadi Kwatham balances both vata and kapha dosha. The main herb is vidari kanda which helps support and nourish the respiratory system and supports healthy weight gain.

Support for Fever

Shadangam Kwatha Churnam The main herb is chandan which has cooling qualities that balance pitta and is also helpful for kapha dosha. Chandan helps support fevers, excessive thirst, boosts appetite and digestion

Sitajvarari Kwatham balances pitta dosha. The two herbs tulsi and black pepper help lower body temperature, ease colds and flus and increase appetite.

Support for Respiratory Strength

Agastya Rasayanam balances kapha dosha. The main herb haritaki helps support healthy respiratory system, heart health, helps remove excess mucus and eases breathlessness.

Chyavanaprasam balances all three doshas, especially kapha dosha, the main herb amalaki rejuvenates all seven dhatus (body tissues), supports coughs and lung health, helps to increase weight, and promotes healthy skin and hair.

C-Health Granule granules balance all three doshas, supports immunity, strengthens overall body, especially muscle, bone, and nerve health.

AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION

Kottakkal is committed to offering the highest quality Ayurvedic Healthcare. We offer two ways to have an Ayurvedic consultation. 1. Free 15-minute Consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner, Julie Wardwell for when you need a product recommendation for a basic health problem. 2. In-depth Consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Vaidya Vishwanath Guddadar for when your condition is chronic with multiple symptoms.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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Kottakkal Support

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