What is the best medicine for common cold in India?

Question

Every time there is a weather change, I catch a cold. It starts with a runny nose, then turns into sneezing, a blocked nose, and sometimes even a mild fever. I’ve tried home remedies like honey, ginger tea, and steam inhalation, but the cold still lasts for a week or more. I want to know the best medicine for common cold in India that actually works fast.

There are so many options available—some people recommend Ayurvedic medicines like Chyawanprash, Sitopaladi Churna, or Tulsi drops, while others say allopathic medicines like Cetirizine or Dolo 650 help. Which one works best for quick relief?

Also, does taking antibiotics help with the common cold, or is it unnecessary? Many doctors say cold is viral, so antibiotics don’t work. If that’s true, then what’s the best natural medicine for common cold in India to boost immunity and prevent frequent colds?

Another thing—some people say drinking milk during a cold makes it worse, while others say turmeric milk helps. Which one is true? Should I completely avoid dairy while having a cold?

If anyone has a tried-and-tested remedy or medicine for common cold in India that gives fast relief, please share your experience! What works best for you? Any Ayurvedic or homeopathic solutions that are effective?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

For a common cold, the best approach can vary depending on whether you prefer Ayurvedic, homeopathic, or allopathic remedies. Here's a breakdown of different options:

1. Ayurvedic Remedies:
Chyawanprash: A great option for boosting immunity, especially when taken daily during cold weather or seasonal changes. It is rich in Vitamin C and other herbs that help strengthen the immune system.
Sitopaladi Churna: This is effective for relieving nasal congestion, coughing, and general respiratory issues. It also boosts digestion and supports immunity.
Tulsi Drops: Known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Tulsi can help clear congestion and improve overall immunity. It's great as a preventive measure or to reduce the severity of symptoms.
2. Allopathic Medicines:
Cetirizine: An antihistamine that helps with sneezing and a runny nose, but it doesn't treat the root cause of a cold. It can also make you feel drowsy.
Dolo 650: A common pain reliever for fever and body aches. It doesn't cure the cold but can provide temporary relief from the symptoms like fever and headaches.
3. Antibiotics:
Not recommended for a common cold: Since most colds are caused by viral infections, antibiotics won’t help and should only be used if there's a secondary bacterial infection, like a sinus infection or bacterial pneumonia.
4. Natural Remedies:
Ginger, Honey, and Lemon Tea: A combination of these helps soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and clear mucus. Ginger has antiviral properties, while honey is soothing and helps in cough.
Steam Inhalation: Helps loosen mucus and clears nasal passages. Adding eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil can enhance the benefits.
Turmeric Milk: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Turmeric milk is a good option unless you're sensitive to dairy. If dairy causes more congestion or discomfort, avoid it.
5. Milk During a Cold:
Some people feel that milk increases mucus production, while others find turmeric milk to be very soothing during a cold. If milk makes you feel worse or leads to more congestion, you might want to avoid it. Otherwise, turmeric milk is an excellent choice for its healing properties.
Conclusion:
For quick relief from cold symptoms, Ayurvedic remedies like Tulsi drops, Sitopaladi Churna, and Chyawanprash are good options. You can complement these with ginger and honey tea and steam inhalation. Dolo 650 or Cetirizine may offer temporary relief for symptoms like fever and sneezing. However, antibiotics should be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor for a secondary infection.

If you're looking for preventive measures, focusing on strengthening your immune system through natural remedies like Chyawanprash, good nutrition, and proper hydration can help reduce the frequency of colds.

Feel free to try out the remedies mentioned and see which one works best for you!

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Catching colds with weather shift is super common, and it's no fun when they stick around, huh? It's great you've tried different approaches like honey, ginger tea, and all, but I can see you're searching for something that gives more immediate relief. In Ayurveda, it's crucial to understand your body's nature, or *prakriti*, to get to the root of the cause. If you're frequently catching colds, there might be an imbalance in your Kapha dosha, which tends to accumulate more during changes in weather.

For quick relief, consider trying Ayurveda methods: Sitopaladi Churna is excellent for alleviating cold symptoms and reducing congestion. You can take it with honey—maybe twice a day. Chyawanprash, on the other hand, is more preventive and great for boosting immunity in the long run. Would take it regularly, not just when you catch a cold. Tulsi (holy basil) is another great option; it helps in managing symptoms and boosting immunity, so taking Tulsi drops can work wonders.

About antibiotics—yeah, they're not much help for colds since they're viral. Antibiotics won't beat a viral cold. Better to focus on boosting immunity and managing symptoms. Cetirizine can help with sneezing and runny nose as it's an antihistamine, but it's symptomatic relief, not tackling the cause.

Now, milk—it's a bit of a mixed bag. Some people who have a Kapha-dominant constitution might find milk increases congestion. But turmeric milk can be soothing because it's anti-inflammatory. Best to see how your body reacts; if you feel it worsens your symptoms, maybe skip it during colds.

Lastly, keep doing simple things like steam inhalation, gargling salt water, and keeping hydrated. These efforts aid in clearing mucus and easing discomfort. Don't ignore health precautions and take good care of yourself, and monitor how each practice works for you to truly individualize the remedy!

What is the best medicine for common cold in India? - #12559

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