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Common
Cough & Cold
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 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 :
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.
Vasa has also been used to treat skin conditons by combining
it with triphala and using the decoction both internally and
externally. Vasa was also indicated in the treatment of
internal hemmorhage; for this indication it was ususally
decocted with haritaki, made into a ghrita, or taken alone
as the leaf juice. A famous passage from the Harita Samhita
states: "In the presence of Vasa why should those
suffering from intrinsic hemmorhage, wasting, and cough be
doubtful that there is hope for survival?".
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 :
Ayurvedic Supplements :
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