It’s the end of the year, and the theme has been upper respiratory viruses and sinus type of colds. Every client I have seen this month is struggling with a cold or upper respiratory issues. There’s definitely a theme going on here, so I feel it’s only appropriate to share some of the tips I have shared with them, with all of you.
I want to share with you some practical Ayurvedic remedies you can easily make from the comfort of your home to turn that cold around and feel better quickly.
Are you ready?
Read on for all the tips!
Cold Prevention ‘candy’ ~
- Add 1/2 cup raw honey to the cutting board.
- Add 3 tbsp. turmeric powder (you can dry roast it first in a skillet for added benefit).
- Add 2 tsp. ginger powder
- Add 1/2 tsp. cloves
Cut the spices into the honey with the knife until you have a smooth texture. Add more spices for desired taste.
*Note – you can dry roast the turmeric powder for a minute or two for added potency.
Consume 1 tsp a day for prevention, or 1 tsp 2x a day when you’re fighting a cold.
Basic Cold remedy tea ~
- 2 Parts dry ginger
- 3 parts cinnamon
- pinch of cardamom
Bring a couple of cups of water to boil, add herbs, simmer for approximately 5 minutes, strain. Once it has cooled down a bit, you can add some raw honey to taste.
Ayurvedic tea for coughs and colds ~
- 10 pieces of whole black peppers
- 1 inch grated ginger
- 5 pieces of cardamom pods
- 5-6 pieces of cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Jaggery (if not available use raw honey after tea cools down)
- Bunch of fresh basil leaves
Mix all ingredients and crush well. Heat 2 cups of water for 1 minute, add mixture in hot water and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for another 20 minutes. Strain and sip slowly.
Anti-inflammatory tea ~
- 5 cups filtered water
- 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 Tbsp turmeric (fresh or powder)
- 1 Tbsp dried licorice root
Bring water to a boil, add all herbs and spices, reduce heat and simmer for approximately 10-15 mintues. Strain and sip.
For the Vata Dosha here’s an easy and super effective tea to overcome the common cold:
Turmeric + ginger tea with a pinch of black pepper is my go to cold remedy.
For the Pitta Dosha, go colder: echinacea tea or supplement.
My go to Pitta antiviral tea formula:
3 parts Echinacea
3 parts Burdock
3 parts Paud’arco
2 parts Turmeric
1 part cardamom
Directions: Add 1 oz herb to 5 cups water, boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat, cover & steep 30 minutes or more (you can add some raw honey to sweeten once its cooled down a bit).
More tips….
Sprinkle cinnamon everywhere – it’s anti-viral and great for colds and flus (again in tea)
Consider taking Amla powder which can be taken in churna or in capsule form; and you might consider adding a Vitamin C supplement ~ 4000-10000 mg.
If you’re experiencing a less productive cough (dry cough) and even constriction in your lungs, then add in steam therapy either by purchasing a humidifier or use your shower. Add Eucalyptus, peppermint, or thyme in your steam as they are considered effective bronchodilators.
Eat lightly, take in lots of teas, fluids, and rest. Consider soups and kichari in small quantities during the day. The agni is often shot and needs a boost. I also love soups made with lots of garlic to knock out colds.
Here’s a couple of great soup recipes to try: http://www.italianfoodforever.com/2017/03/40-garlic-clove-soup-for-colds-flu/, https://wellnessmama.com/35668/garlic-soup/) (They should knock out any parasites or vampires that have found a home in your body.
May you heal quickly and may you feel full of energy and vitality.
I am so grateful to my mentors, especially Mary Thompson, CAS, for helping create some of these recipes for you.
Let me know how these cold recipes worked for you, I love to hear from my readers!
Thank you, I’m sharing the cold candy recipe widely for friends and their little ones. Xo
Thank you for sharing!