Ayurvedic Remedies To Relieve Flu

With winter comes flu. Before moving further, we need to understand what flu is. Flu, also called influenza, is a viral respiratory illness. The virus is microscopic and invades your body's cells and makes you ill. The flu is often confused with the common cold because of their similar symptoms, which include sore throat, cough and runny nose. However, the flu symptoms include fever, body aches, cold sweats, head pain, and exhaustion. The spread of flu among humans is through droplets expelled during cough and sneezing by an infected individual; personal contact increases the risk of transmission.  

The spread of the flu and common cold spiked during the pandemic. Ayurveda helped relieve all the symptoms through its 'science of life' remedies when every other stream of medicine fails. Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest holistic ("whole-body") healing systems. It is a 3,000-year-old natural medicine system that originated in India. Ayurveda has the remedy in the form of miraculous herbs, like tulsi, aloe vera, and Giloy.   

Also read: How To Boost Immunity In Winter With Ayurveda? 

Ayurvedic Home Remedies to ease flu and the common cold   

Flu season is in full force this year; for many, it's too late to talk about prevention. But Ayurveda has some time-tested tips and tricks to get you well sooner.  

1. Reduce Flu and Cold with Tulsi Tea  

In Ayurveda, tulsi is known by different names, such as "Mother of Nature and the "Queen of Herbs." It boosts the production of antibodies preventing the onset of any infections.  

Tulsi is one of the most purifying herbs that reduce flu and common cold symptoms like fever and headache, support digestion, and even relieve congestion. Research has found that tulsi helps loosen the phlegm (Kapha dosha) and improves symptoms caused due to allergies, asthma, or lung diseases.   

Mildly warming tulsi soothes the nerves, enriches mental clarity, and supports healthy emotions.  

How to take:   

• Chewing 4-5 tulsi leaves in the morning helps in boosting immunity.
• Tulsi leaves are made into a tea and drank at least one or two cups a day fight flu and colds.
• Tulsi must be avoided at the time of pregnancy or high-pitta conditions like acid reflux or hot flashes.

2. Boost Immunity with Turmeric Paste  

Turmeric is an immune-boosting spice; it has high antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Its natural and anti-viral properties fight against the flu and boost energy, mood, and digestion. Turmeric reduces inflammation due to excessive coughing and sneezing and helps in cleansing and detoxifying the body.  

How to take:  

• At the first sign of flu, mix equal parts of honey and turmeric powder, make a paste, and take 1/4th teaspoon of the paste every few hours.
• Turmeric-ginger tea also fights winter sickness.

3. Eliminate Toxins with Ginger Tea  

Ginger is considered a universal medicine in Ayurveda. It is a powerful expectorant and helps get rid of phlegm. Ginger is known to have antibiotic effects and clear congestion, and supports the immune system. Ginger contains bioactive compounds and also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.   

How to take:  

• Make a warm cup of ginger by adding three to five slices of fresh ginger in hot water. Ginge tea helps to expel congestion and bloating.
• Boil a teaspoon of dry ginger powder in three to four cups of water for 10 mins and sip slowly throughout the day to kindle the digestive fire and removes the toxic waste to clear the channels in the body.

4. Fight Flu with Ashwagandha  

This adaptogenic herb has been shown to reduce stress and boost the immune system. "An adaptogen helps restore the endurance, energy, and stamina required to fight the flu. Ashwagandha is an herb with overall nervine tonic benefits that energizes the body  during the day and calms the overactive nerves for comfortable and restful sleep at night."  

How to take:  

• Take ½ teaspoon of the whole root Ashwagandha powder with milk after meals or at bedtime to help fight the flu.

It is always wise to check with your physicians before taking any supplements.  

5. Take Multani Kuka Cough Syrup  

It blends the best ayurvedic ingredients like Tulsi, Pippali, Vasa, and Kulanjan. Kuka Cough Syrup gives relief from all types of cough. The tulsi in Kuka Cough Syrup improves body resistance to bacteria and other components that may cause coughing spells. Whereas pipali helps prevent cough, kulanjan dilates the airways and controls asthma.   

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How to take:  

• Two teaspoons of Kuka cough syrup can be taken three times a day.
• Children between 6 to 12 years of age should be given one teaspoon thrice a day.
• Half a teaspoon can be given a day, thrice for younger children.

6. Breathe and Stretch   

A good stretch and breathing exercise can help you feel better under the weather. Exercising during winter burns more calories than when you exercise in summer.   

Practicing mindful breathing can clear congestion, enhance blood circulation and restore a balanced energy flow throughout the body. Ayurveda recommends completing one to three minutes of Complete Yogic Breath or Three-Part Breath (Dirgha Pranayama) several times daily.   

Here's How You Can Perform Dirgha Pranayama

Part one: Begin with observing natural inhalation and exhalation. Once you're comfortable, start inhaling and exhaling deeply through the nose. On each inhale, fill the belly with your breath and softly move it into your lungs. Then exhale through the nose, let out the air from the belly to the nose, keeping abdominal muscles tightened, and draw the belly button to the spine to ensure all air is passed out from the belly. Repeat this procedure for about five breaths.  

Part two: Next, inhale, and fill up the belly with air, allowing the belly to expand, then allowing it to expand into the rib cage. On exhale, let the air squeeze out from the rib cage and then the belly. Repeat this procedure for about five breaths.  

Part three: Now take it further, inhale and fill the belly and rib cage with air, then invite the breath into the upper chest, all way up to the collarbone and causing area around the heart to expand and rise. Then slowly exhale fully. 

Some Quick Tips to Keep Cold and Cough at Bay  

• Wash your hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of cold viruses.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose.
• Sanitize your hands with alcohol-based hand gels after touching contaminated surfaces at the workplace, like door knobs, chair handles, etc.
• Keep a distance of 2 feet from people suffering from cold and cough.
• Wear a mask whenever you step outside the house or come in contact with people suffering from the flu.
• Increase your water intake by at least 2-3 liters a day and have hot tea and liquids.
• Do steam inhalation by adding 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water. Repeat 2-3 times daily to get relief from a stuffy nose.
• Strengthen your immune system by eating a balanced vitamin C diet.
• Lastly, indulge in some form of exercise or yoga to keep yourself active.

Ayurveda has always been an effective medical system for treating acute to chronic issues. Survive winter and combat viruses with good ayurvedic treatment. Healthy Bazar has some of the best Ayurvedic doctors who can help you treat many health conditions. Please do not take the flu lightly if you feel unwell for more than two days and the symptoms start worsening.   

HeathyBazar.com also has lifestyle tips and 9300+ AYUSH products to treat the end number of conditions. We don't just heal your body but your mind and soul too.