Ayurvedic herbs and simple spices from the kitchen cupboard can have a positive effect on colds in a targeted manner. If we know the symptoms and possible uses of the appropriate substances, we can achieve good results with colds.
Cloves are particularly suitable for prophylaxis, but also support the healing process acutely. They promote mucus reduction, relax the airways and have proven effective in the treatment of various respiratory diseases. As a preventative measure, simply chew a clove several times a day during the cold season or, even better, prepare a tea: boil 5 to 10 cloves in a liter of water, covered, for 10 to 20 minutes and enjoy hot throughout the day.
Turmeric (turmeric) is an excellent remedy for colds and weakened immune systems, both for prevention and in the early stages and as an adjunct to treatment. It is warming and 'cleanses the blood'. Its bitter taste in particular has a positive effect on all forms of pathogens and is virtually 'antiseptic'. It is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and detoxifying. It is often used for frequent gargling in cases of tonsillitis. In general, however, the powder is used internally in a dosage of 2 to 3 g twice a day with warm water half an hour before a meal.
Ginger is also spicy, warms and boosts the metabolism. It also relaxes the airways and tones the voice. Especially in the early stages of colds, ginger should be taken in all forms (as a powder with honey, as a tea, as a spice), but it is particularly good to use half a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger with a pinch of rock salt just before meals, possibly with a few drops of the juice of an organic lemon.
Licorice plays an important role in colds. It reduces all three doshas, but should be used with caution if kapha dominance is pronounced. It is a restorative remedy (rasayana) and also strengthens and harmonizes the psyche. It has a particularly soothing effect on the throat in cases of hoarseness and sore throat. It promotes expectoration and can therefore also be taken for processes that are deeper in the bronchial tubes: as a tea 1 to 2g 2 to 3 times a day or chew the coarse root pieces. It is a kind of "mucous membrane care".
Calamus is available from the pharmacy. This pungent tuber strongly reduces kapha, but should only be taken with caution if pitta is dominant. It 'scrapes' the kapha out of the airways and dilates the bronchi. As a calming, nerve-strengthening herb, it is therefore particularly suitable for bronchial asthma. It is also good for the voice and relieves pain. The powder is taken in small doses: 0.5 g 2 to 3 times a day with honey.
Vasa is the classic medicinal herb in Ayurveda for illnesses associated with coughing and shortness of breath (e.g. bronchitis, bronchial asthma). It is therefore to be preferred when the symptoms have descended into deeper regions of the respiratory tract. It reduces kapha and pitta, is very bitter, promotes expectoration and dilates the bronchi. However, it is only available from Ayurvedic specialist shops. The dosage of the powder would be 3 to 5 g 2 to 3 times a day with honey. It is also available as a medicinal liqueur.
Indian Christmas smoke has caused a sensation among experts in the treatment of joint diseases. It is currently the subject of intensive research. However, it is little known that it is also particularly recommended for the respiratory tract with its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and pain-relieving effects. It promotes expectoration, reduces kapha and pitta and has been shown to increase local defenses in the respiratory tract. It is recommended for chronic inflammatory and suppurative diseases of the deeper respiratory tract (1 to 3g purified powder of the resin 2 to 3 times daily).
Bibhitaka is a famous tonic(rasayana) in Ayurveda and part of the Triphala ("the three fruits") combination. It is warming and reduces all three doshas. It has a particularly invigorating effect on bronchitis and bronchial asthma. It is often given in combination with other remedies for the respiratory tract. The powder is safe to take as a dietary supplement in a dosage of 3 to 6g 2 to 3 times a day with honey and is available from specialist retailers.
