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A common cold is called so because
it's the commonest of all ailments and affects most of us more frequently than
any other disease.
Throat irritation and blockage of the nasal passage usually
accompanies a cold. It may also be accompanied by a cough, which is the secretion
of mucus due to infection of the lungs. |
| What
causes Cold and Cough? There
is no exact reason for the cold and cough. Its causes can vary from an allergy,
influenza, sinusitis or a viral infection. However the most common reasons are: |
Top
| |
| 1.
| Low immunity |
| 2.
| Exposure to cold or dust |
| 3.
| Other irritating inhalations | | 4. | Allergies |
|
|
| 1.
| Runny nose |
| 2.
| Secretion of mucus |
| 3.
| Throat Irritation |
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Here are some soothing natural remedies that will help keep the doctor away.
| 1.
|
Vitamin C rich fruits: Vitamin C rich fruits such as orange, sweet lime, strawberries,
lemon etc. are extremely effective in treating and keeping cold and cough away.
The high vitamin C in these fruits increases the body's resistance to virus and
decreases the duration of the illness. An easy way to enhance your intake of vitamin
C is to squeeze a lemon in a glass of warm water, sweeten it with a teaspoon of
honey and drink it twice daily for at least 3 days. | |
2. |
Ginger (adrak): Cut about 10 grams of ginger into small pieces and boil in a cup
of water. Strain, add a teaspoon of sugar and drink it when hot. Alternatively,
ginger tea is also an effective remedy against cold. Check out the recipe of Spicy
Masala Tea. | | 3.
|
Garlic (lehsun): Garlic is a real immunity booster. Finely chop 2 to 3 cloves
of garlic and swallow it like any other medicine. It can also be used raw into
salad dressings. Crushing a clove of garlic into soups, stews etc. is also effective
and greatly enhances their flavour. See the recipe of Garlic Vegetable Soup. |
| 4.
|
Turmeric powder (haldi): Turmeric is most effective in curing throat irritation
during colds. Fresh turmeric powder and ajwain (carom seeds) mixed in a glass
of warm milk taken once or twice a daily is the most useful curative measure.
See the recipe of Ajwain and Turmeric Milk | |
5. |
Tamarind (imli) and Pepper (kali mirch) mixture: This is a an effective remedy
used in South India for centuries. Dilute 50 grams of tamarind in 250 ml of water.
Add half a teaspoon of pepper powder and a teaspoon of ghee. Boil it for a few
minutes and inhale the vapours of this steaming mixture thrice a day to clear
the nasal blockage during colds | | 6. | Tulsi
(Indian basil): A mixture of a teaspoon of juice of tulsi combined with one teaspoon
of ginger juice and ¼ teaspoon of honey helps to ease cough. |
|
|
Cold beverages, aerated drinks
and ice-creams
Deep fried foods
Confectionery and mithai |
|
|
1.
|
Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as they abound in nutrients which
strengthen the immune system. Try not to cook the vegetables for a longer period
as it results in loss of volatile nutrients like vitamins B and C. |
| 2.
|
Drink plenty of fluids (water, vegetable soups and fruit juices) as it helps to
replenish the fluids lost during the illness. | |
3.
|
Eat hot and spicy foods. These types of foods your nose will start to run and
the mucus will begin to clear. Spicy foods work just like a natural decongestant
without any side effects. Try out the Mangalorean Tea and one Spicy Chinese Delicacy,
Mein Chow Soup | | 4. | Avoid
smoking as it aggravates the throat and interferes with the infection-fighting
activity of the cells. | | 5. | Get
plenty of rest and relaxation, as it gives your body a better chance to fight
the virus. | | 6. | Stay
away from a dusty environment as that can aggravate the situation |
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|
Mangalorean
Tea
Mein Chow Soup |
