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Winters in India are not uniform across the country. While the northern parts of the country experience colder winters, the south is typically more tropical and does not experience extreme temperature variations. This situation is changing; the extreme climate change that has gripped the world has not left the country unaffected. On the one hand, the northern winter has become colder, foggier, and more polluted, whereas the southern winter has drastic temperature variations with colder nights and comparatively warmer days. The population’s health has suffered as a result of the unbalanced climate outside.
A few examples include the common cold, cough, and chest congestion that affect the respiratory system.
Because they have a weaker immune system, these are more common in small babies and school-aged children. A blocked nose, running nose, cough with or without sputum expulsion, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, wheezing, rhonchi sounds while breathing, chest congestion, and sometimes sinus headaches are symptoms. Keeping warm and taking hot potency medications is the general relief mantra. Minor colds and related respiratory problems can be effectively treated at home, but if the symptoms are severe, it is always best to consult a doctor.
Home Remedies:
. Gargling repeatedly with hot water added with salt, turmeric or Triphala Choorna is very beneficial in case of throat pain and hoarseness of voice.
. In babies below six months of age, medication is not really advised but the medicines can be given through breast milk by medicating the mother who in most cases may also be suffering from the same symptoms.
Vacha (Vach)/ Sweet Flag is a very effective herb that can help improve immunity, digestion, and intelligence in babies and can even be given to newborns (Acorus calamus). A small amount of this dried herb is rubbed on a rough surface, and the paste can be given with a little ghee.
. Dry ginger is also an excellent remedy for colds and congestion. It can be added to masala tea, boiled with drinking water, or chewed in small amounts by both children and adults.
Parnayavani (Sanskrit)/ Panikoorka (Malayalam)/ Karpooravalli (Tamil)/ Doddapatre (Kannada)/ Pathar Choor (Hindi)/ Indian borage/ Mexican mint is another important plant for cold, fever, and chest congestion in both children and adults. To extract the juice from this plant’s leaves, they are slightly warmed and crushed. This juice can be combined with honey. The leaves can also be used to flavor water.
. Tulasi is another effective treatment for this set of symptoms. Tulasi water reduces fever, colds, and congestion while also improving immunity. Tulasi leaves can also be eaten raw after being washed.
Trikatu is a combination of three dry spices that is commonly used to treat winter illnesses. It is made up of powdered dry ginger, dry black pepper, and dry long pepper. This polyherbal is used in many ayurvedic formulations and is the main component of Dashamoolakatutraya Kashaya, which is specifically prescribed for cough, cold, and chest congestion.
Exposure to steam is the most effective way of unclogging the nose and relieving congestion in the chest. Sudation is the process of steaming and inducing sweat. Steaming can be accomplished by exposing the chest and face to hot water vapours. For better liquefaction of the sputum herbs like Tulasi and Parnayavani can be added to the water.
Precautions
Even though many effective treatments are available for respiratory issues during the winter, it is always better to prevent such symptoms. Here are a few precautionary measures that can keep you healthy during cold spells.
. Always try to stay warm with a proper winter wardrobe.
. Especially cover the ears during travelling and at night.
. Do not drink cold water or eat anything refrigerated.
. Drink hot water preferably boiled with beneficial herbs.
. In places with high pollution and fog, it is essential to wear a mask for protection.
. Do not take a shower in cold water and do not sleep with wet hair.
. Children should be taught personal hygiene ethics so that they do not get infected by contact with sick kids at school.
Source:IANS
