Ayurvedic Protection Against Colds and Flu

A cold often comes on gradually so that you hardly notice your stiff neck and sinus congestion. After an exhausting week, after being caught in the rain without proper clothing, or after hearing depressing news, you may feel under the weather. If exposed to germs, you may develop a sore throat. Colds penetrate defenses unless you regularly defend immunity.

With Ayurveda, the traditional natural medicine of India, we aim at preventing illness by promoting health. Chills, aches, and fever indicate the body is fighting fatigue and infection. In general, if you smoke, eat richly and/or have underlying problems with Kapha (mucus congestion, poor digestion, weakness and edema) and/or Pitta (inflammation/fever), it is best to prevent colds/flu by continually building immunity: Cleanse, reduce impurities to increase resistance. Prevent and treat infection-related discomforts with a warm lemon tea and hand wash adding fragrant antimicrobial organic tea tree oil, oregano oil or pine oil. Oregano and pine oil (antibacterial and antiviral) also come in capsules. Take yogurt or acidophilus when using any antimicrobial.

COLDS – Prevention

During stressful times, if your family is sick, or when traveling, increase these foods to build a defense against weakness and bacterial infections, including colds:

• Tibetan goji berries, one of our best sources of essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to boost immunity, energy and youthful vigor.

• Vitamin C from lemon and orange juice increase adrenal energy and defense.
• Amla (East Indian gooseberry) is rejuvenating and rich in revitalizing tannins and acts as an anti-acid for digestion. Add 1 tsp. amla daily to water, juice or tea.
• Garlic and parsley oil capsules – are anti-microbial, fortify circulation. The capsules are odor-free. Pickle raw garlic with vegetables, omitting sugar, salt, and vinegar; and dice and smash raw garlic into salad dressings.
• Fermented foods and supplements, especially fermented soybean which contains probiotic bacteria, isoflavones, saponins omerga-3 fatty acids, and phytosterols, help to build immunity by maintaining peak levels of natural killer cells and macrophages (white blood cells) and by supporting cytokine production, which responds to infections.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables – watercress, celery, cucumber, scallions, walnuts, and orange or grapefruit sections make a refreshing, cleansing salad.
• Hemp nuts and oil provide all 10 essential amino acids and a good source of Omega 3 and 6 EFAs.
• Green tea – provides antioxidants and boost energy. It is cleansing. You might use 10 drops of the extract three times daily for weight loss and detoxifying the body. One cup of green tea provides 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. The high antioxidant activity of green tea makes it beneficial for protecting the body.
• Neem pills detoxify the body, reduce fever conditions and rashes, and protect immunity.

Rest and Regroup

To prevent a cold, get adequate rest when possible, get regular gentle, relaxing massages, avoid cold, damp rooms and sick people, and stay warm to prevent muscle pains from fatigue.

• After a swim or when chilled, add 3 Tbsps of powdered ginger to your bath to increase sweating.

• Drink cinnamon tea to reverse hypothermia. If you feel weak and look pale or grayish after being outside in cold rainy weather, after an exhaustion day, if you feel chills deep inside you, the best treatment is sweating and rest. Wrap up in warm clothing, drink a hot tea or cinnamon water and go to bed to sweat it out. You will feel better after your body temperature feels normal.

Homeopathic Cold-Prevention for Weakness and Aches

For exhaustion, weak muscles and body aches from the early stages of a cold, a good remedy to stop it in its tracks is Homeopathic Gelsemium 30C. Made from yellow jasmine, it picks you up and gives you courage and deepens shallow breath. For that reason, it is also recommended for stage fright and nervous disorders. Take the recommended dose as directed between meals until you feel much stronger. Then stop using the remedy and let it work for you.

Colds – Treatment

Reducing Kapha in the body will improve vitality and weight loss, but may not directly affect colds. However, reducing Kapha in the head increases oxygen intake: Sniff the contents of a gotu kola capsule to clear a sinus headache. Marichyadi Bati, made by Baidyanath, combines a proprietary blend of anti-Kapha herbs along with piper longam and ficus to ease congestion from colds.

FLU

Flu symptoms are often sudden and dramatic: fever, sore throat, a rattling cough with abundant phlegm or a dry cough and chest ache. Exhaustion or emotional stress, of course, lower resistance, but anyone can catch the flu if exposed to the germs by being close to an infected person who talks or sneezes in a confined space such as a car, room, airplane or elevator. Flu germs may live in such an environment for hours after the sick person has left. Flying has become more hazardous because bankrupt airlines are firing their cleaning staff. You are likely to find left over food and bad smells when you fly. Garbage and sick people breed super germs. One health expert I know takes along essential oil of lavender on her handkerchief or facemask when she travels.

Anti-microbial Essential Oils for Personal Cleansing

Wash your hands, objects you handle, and fresh fruits and vegetables with water and one drop of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal Australian Tea Tree Oil. Even organic produce is sprayed with some pesticides and may be handled by people infected with flu. Germs may live in wax used to protect foods. If you prefer the aroma, use essential oil of wild oregano or white pine because they are anti-viral and available in most health food stores.

To clear sinus congestion and (very important!) to kill germs daily, gently swab the inside of each nostril with a Q-tip moistened with a little aloe vera gel and 1 drop of one of these essential oils: Tea tree oil, organic essential oil of eucalyptus, pine (Pinus sylvestres) or wild oregano. They are strongly antimicrobial. You might want to use the oils as a safety screen against flu germs. Add 5 drops of your preferred anti-microbial oil to 1 Tbsp of aloe gel and use it as a skin and scalp treatment.

Flu Away is an anti-microbial instant beverage made by Yin/Yang Sisters available online at www.eastearthtrade.com. Add 1-2 foil-wrapped packets of the powdered herbs to water or juice one to three times daily. It contains honeysuckle flower, forsythia bark, vitex, and licorice to soothe sore throat, fever, and cough. Breathe Free, for sinus congestion, and Gorgeous You, which builds immunity, are made by the same company.

Protect Your Home and Family

After returning home from outside and/or possibly being exposed to germs, remove and wash your clothing and shoes. Or keep your shoes away from the family. Pets and toddlers are especially susceptible to carpet and floor germs. Invigorating essential oils can be used in your clothes closet and for housecleaning. Essential tea tree oil is effective for killing germs, for refreshing the body and cleaning your home. Add some to an oil-based house cleaning liquid. You can also add 5 – 10 drops to 1 tsp milk in order to dissolve the oil in your bath.

Letha Hadady is the author of Asian Health Secrets, Personal Renewal, Healthy Beauty, and Feed Your Tiger. Her website is www.asianhealthsecrets.com