It is a catarrhal and inflammatory condition
of upper respiratory tract due to viral, allergic or mixed
infection. In Ayurveda it is known as PRATISHYAYA mainly due to
vitiation of DOSHAS (Vata, Pitta & Kapha).
Symptoms & Causes
Due to vitiation of Kapha upper Respiratory
tract is inflamed and congested. Sneezing, coughing, running
nose, heaviness of head followed by inflammation of mucus
membrane of nose, body aches, chill and loss of appetite.
Allergens, Virus. Bacteria are the common causative factors of
this disease. A cough may be caused by the inflammation of the
larynx or the pharynx and develop in the chest due to change in
weather. The real cause of this disorder is clogging of the
bronchial tubes with waste matters.. The reason for higher
incident of cough during winter than other seasons due to intake
of catarrh - forming foods such as white bread, meat, sugar,
porridge, puddings, and pies .Hay fever, flu, sinusitis etc are
the associated causes of this disease. According to Ayurveda
Pratishyaya is classified in to VATAJ, PITTAJ, KAPHAJ and
TRIDOSHAJ types. In Vataj type there is pain in sinus cavity
with sneezing, pittaj type is with fever and in kaphaj type
there are whitish secretion and dull headache.
Herbs which is useful :
Elaichi (Amomum subulatum) :
Elaichi is an effective remedy for cold & cough caused due to
throat irritation. Three peepers sucked with a pinch of
caraway seeds and crystal of common salt with Elaichi powder
helps dilution of thick cough and its allied problems like
bronchial congestion providing a demulcent and soothing effect
on respiratory tract.
It prevents reflex coughing and stimulates normal
mucous secretion.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) :
Apart
from the religious significance, it also has substantial
medical significance and is used in Ayurvedic treatment. Tulsi
has antimicrobal properties since it is also anti -
inflammatory. It is useful in respiratory tract infection.
Ursolic acid, present in tulsi, has anti-allergic properties.
The plant can play a role in the management of immunological
disorders such as allergies and asthma. Holy basil was brought
to this country by Indian immigrants. The juice of the leaves
are used against fever and as an antidote for snake and
scorpion bites. It's anti-spasmodic properties, relieves
abdominal pains and it helps in lowering the blood sugar
level.
Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda) :
The
leaves of the plant contain the alkaloid vasicine (C11H12N2O),
which is responsible for the small but persistent
bronchodilatation, and an essential oil which is chiefly
responsible for the expectorant action. The leaves and roots
contain other alkaloids, vasicinone, vasicinolone and vasicol,
which may contribute to the bronchodilatory effect through
anticholinergic action on the vagal innervation of the
bronchii. The bronchodilation effect is considerably increased
after atropine administration. Studies have also shown vasa to
be effective in the treatment of amlapitta (dyspepsia) and
pyorrhea .
The juice expressed from the leaves and the decoction of the
leaves and roots are useful in asthma, bronchitis, and other
chronic coughs. Dried leaves are used in dhoomapana (smoking)
in the treatment of bronchial asthma. The leaf decoction is an
excellent expectorant when decocted with punarnava (Boerhaavia
diffusa) and then combined with ginger juice and black pepper.
Another effective preparation for the treatment of asthma is
the decoction of vasa, guduci (Tinospora cordifolia), and
kantakari (Solanum surratense) mixed with honey.
Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Garlic
has proved effective in certain diseases of the chest. It
reduces foetidity or stinking of the breath in pulmonary
gangrene. Garlic is also useful in the treatment of
tuberculosis.
In Ayurveda a decoction
of garlic boiled in milk is considered a wonderful drug for
tuberculosis. One gram of garlic , 250ml of milk and a liter
of water are boiled together till it reduces to one fourth of
the decoction.
It should be taken thrice a day. Taken in sufficient
quantities, it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale ) :
Ginger
is other excellent remedy for cold and cough. Ginger tea is
good for fever, cough and cold. Dried ginger powder 1/2 tsp,
2-3 black pepper cones, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom, 1/2 tsp
Cummins seeds should be boiled and add little tea leaves and
sugar or honey and can be had hot. It gives good relief of the
throat pain, cold and cough. It can be taken two to three
times in a day.
Diet :
-
A limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats
and proteins.
-
A liberal amount of alkali-forming foods –
fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds and grains.
-
Avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm –
rice, sugar, lentils and curd.
-
Avoid difficult-to-digest foods – strong
tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles,
sauces and all refined and processed foods.
Life Style :
