The Common Cold

Neti Pot: Add a little ginger powder to your neti pot to treat mild colds and congestions. This is wonderful if you are experiencing the first stages of a head cold. Add the following spices: Ginger Licorice Basil Cloves Mint Ginger

Common Cold The viruses that create colds are always present. Sometimes, if your elements are out of balance, your body becomes weakened and you can no longer destroy the viruses effectively. The result is the common cold. Prevention is best by following the diet and routine for your element. Take the Element Quiz to find out your element or dosha. Once cold symptoms appear, follow the routine below. As soon as you feel a cold coming on, you should begin to rest and follow the Wind Reducing Body Plan. Taking the time to rest at the first signs of a cold instead of waiting until you are bedridden will actually save you time in the end. Keep yourself warm and keep your face covered with a scarf if you are going outside. Wearing a shawl or scarf indoors is also a good idea. Your diet should be simple, easy to digest and served warm. Lemon and Ginger are your best friends especially in hot water. Diet Day 1 Fast. Fasting can include hot herbal teas and heated broth. Teas Fresh ginger and honey Fresh lemon and honey Cinnamon tea with ½ tsp. of powdered turmeric added Day 2 - 7 Eat a bland diet of easily digestible foods. Avoid Salt Avoid Raw Foods Routine Rest Dress warmly Open the windows and let fresh air in, unless it is very cold outside Go for a slow walk outside Soak your feet in hot water while covered with a blanket before bedtime Follow your elemental routine Herbal Therapy Trikatu combo of black pepper and dry ginger with pippali (three spices) Ginger Add fresh ginger to hot water If you are taking Ashwagandha, ginseng or shatavari then stop taking these herbs until your cold is healed. Yoga Pose Sirsasana Balasana or Child's Pose Sarvangasana or shoulderstand Uttanasana or hand to foot pose Paschimottanasana or seated forward fold Kurmasana or tortoise pose Ujjayi Pranayama with inhalation retention Legs up the Wall Pose or Vipariti Karani

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