COMMON COLD (PRATISHYAYAM)

Common cold is a disease that affects people of all ages. This condition is known as Pratishyayam or Peenasam in Ayurveda.

Diseases are caused by imbalance of the three doshas in the body. Excessive heat on the head, exposure to dust and smoke, extreme cold climate and suppression of vegas (natural urges) can cause cold or running nose.

Primary symptoms of cold include:

Heaviness of head, burning sensation inside nose, sneezing, body pain, body tremors. etc.

Secondary symptoms of cold include:

Stuffy nose, nasal blockage, watery nose, dryness of throat and mouth, pain on both sides of forehead, hoarseness of voice, thirsty feeling, etc.

Applying appropriate oil on head according to one’s body constitution helps to reduce the occurrence of cold.

Applying Rasnadi choornam on the crown (central part of head) i.e. (bregma) soon after bath will help prevent/cure cold.

Intake of water boiled with Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) leaves, pepper, etc. gives relief.

Cold which is old should be treated with Nasyam or instillation of medicated oil drops through nostrils under observation of a physician. Common cold if not treated properly may lead to secondary infections like sinusitis, respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, etc.