Weather Health Alert: Battling Cold and Cough During Climate Change? Try This Ayurvedic Home Remedy
Dr. Namita Parekh, Dr. Bhagyashree Zope
With the changing seasons, many individuals are experiencing a rise in health issues such as cold, cough, and mild fever. Experts suggest that this is not just a viral infection, but a result of a natural phenomenon in Ayurveda known as Ritusandhi – the transition period between two seasons.
In the words of the late Shri Guru Dr. Balaji Tambe, “The roots of Indian tradition lie in healthcare.” He explained that just as a train makes a rattling sound while switching tracks, the body experiences stress during seasonal shifts. This transitional phase often brings physical imbalances that can lead to symptoms like cold, cough, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a bitter taste in the mouth.
According to Dr. Namita Parekh and Dr. Bhagyashree Zope, while many people turn to antibiotics for relief, these medicines may disturb the body’s internal balance, especially affecting probiotic bacteria in the stomach which are essential for digestion. Such disturbances can have long-term health consequences.
Instead of immediately resorting to medication, Ayurveda recommends natural preventive and healing remedies. A time-tested solution is a homemade herbal decoction (kadha) using ingredients easily available in Indian households.
Tulsi Kadha: A Traditional Remedy for Seasonal Illness
Ingredients:
5–6 Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves
2–3 Parijat (Night Jasmine) leaves
A small piece of ginger
1–2 cloves
2–3 black peppercorns
A small piece of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
1–2 green cardamoms
One spear of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
One root of Ashwagandha
Preparation: Crush all the ingredients using a mortar and pestle. Add the mixture to two cups of water in a pan. Boil the mixture on medium heat until it reduces to half a cup. Strain the liquid and add a little sugar and honey to taste. Make sure the decoction is lukewarm before adding honey, as heating honey is not recommended in Ayurveda.
Usage and Benefits
This herbal remedy is effective not only as a treatment but also as a preventive measure. Those prone to colds and coughs during seasonal changes can begin consuming this kadha 2–3 days in advance. If symptoms persist beyond three days, medical consultation is advised.
The specialty of this kadha lies in its immediate soothing effect and its ability to support immunity naturally without the side effects of synthetic drugs.