It’s better to avoid curd during cough and cold
HELLO ARCHANA,
In Ayurveda , your child’s complaints fall into a Kapha-dominant imbalance with Agni-mandya (weak digestion) -Recurrent cold and cough=> Kapha dosha is aggravated (produces excess mucus and phlegm) -Low appetite and poor weight gain=> weak digestive fire, so food is not digested properly, leading to poor nourishment -Intolerance to cold foods/AC/Banana=> shows kapha-prakriti sensitivity -Low immunity=> weak Ojas (the essence of nutrition and immunity)
In modern terms, this means the child’s digestion, metabolism and respiratory immunity are weak, making him prone to repeated infections and poor growths
TREATMENT GOALS -DEEPAN-PACHAN= improves appetite and digestion -KAPHA SHAMANA= reduce phlegm formation and cough -RASAYANA THERAPY= enhance immunity and overall strength -BALYA= support proper weight gain, strength, and development -PREVENTION= reduce recurrence of cold, cough, and infections
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) ARVINDASAVA= 10ml with equal water after meals twice daily =improves appetite, digestion, and weight
2) KUMAR KALYAN RAS= 125m with honey once daily =strength giving, immunity booster
3) CHYAWANPRASHA= 1/2 tsp daily with warm milk =excellent rasayana for children
4) SHITOPALADI CHURNA= 1 pinch with honey after meals if cough present =reduces cough, strengthens lungs
5) DRAKSHARISHTA= 5ml with water once daily =for weight gain, energy, and nourishment
DURATION= 3 months
EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) OIL MASSAGE= Bala-Ashwagandha oil2-3 times a week before a warm bath =improves muscle tone, immunity, and growth
2) NASYA= 1 drop of Anu taila in each nostril occasionally =helps prevent recurrent cold and nasal blockages
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -early bedtime before 9:30pm, adequate sleep -outdoor play in sunlight- vit D, immunity, appetite -Regular warm baths, gentle oil massage -Emoțional stability, reduce stress
AVOID -AC, sudden temperature change -Cold foods- curd, ice cream ,banana, refrigerated items -Junk/processed foods
YOGA ASANAS= child friendly -Balasana= calms mind and improve digestion -Bhujangasana= opens lungs -Tadasana= improves posture and growth
PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= 3-5 minutes, playful way -Bhramari= improve lung function
DIET -warm, freshly prepared food -rice + moong dal khichdi with ghee -wheat chapati with ghee, vegetable soup -cow’s milk with turmeric or dry ginger- boiled, served warm -Dry fruits= soaked almonds, raisins, figs, dates -Homemade laddoos with wheat + jaggery + ghee + dry fruits
AVOID -curd, cold milk, banana, guava, junk food -excess fried/spicy food -food kept in fridge
HOME REMEDIES -tulsi + honey (2-3 drops) for cough and immunity -Ajwain water= 2 tsp warm for cough -Dry ginger + honey paste= for cold -Haldi milk at bedtime for immunity - warm water sipping throughout the day
If child’s weight is significantly low or cold/cough is very frequent do basic test -Hemoglobin for anemia -Vitamin D, vitamin B12 levels -CBC -Stool test= to rule out worms
-This is kapha-agni imbalance with weak immunity -With diet correction, regular ayurvedic support, lifestyle discing, and home remedies your child can gain proper weight, appetite, and stronger immunity -Patience is key= it usually takes 2-3 month to see improvement in immunity and appetite -Avoid forcing food- instead improve digestion, when Agni is kindled the child will eat naturally
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Mix sitopaladi churan 1/2tsp + 1/2tsp yastimadhu churan to mix with honey and take twice daily after food Giloy satva 1/4 tsp mix with milk and give once daily Chyavanprash 1/2 tsp daily before food with milk once. Avoid citrus fruits, fried foods, cold foods, drinks. Yes curd can be given but should be of room temperature and to be given only in the afternoon.
Hello Archana ji, I recommend the following treatment plan for your son- Treatment - 1. Syrup Koflet - 1tsp thrice a day 2. Sitopaladi churna-1 tsp with honey at bedtime
Diet- . Avoid cold food items like icecream, colddrink, banana. . Avoid curd. .Avoid fried food and fast food. .Take hot milk with 1/2 tsp turmeric.
Yoga- Anulomvilom, Bhastrika -5-5 mins each Other tips- . Gargle- Add a pinch of salt in hot water and gargle twice a day. . Apply lukewarm mustard oil or Vicks over the chest area at bedtime.
FOR WEIGHT GAIN- .Don’t give him snacks before meals. .Try to make him finish meals using techniques like-feed him by distracting with storytelling or music,give food arranged as playful patterns,give a small reward for finishing food quickly. .Give him calorie dense food like oats,khichdi,banana. .Once the cough and cure gets treated, you can give banana also.
Follow these and he will get relief. Regards, Dr. Anupriya
Can Curd be Given to the Child?
According to Ayurveda, curd (dahi) is generally not recommended for a child with a regular cold and cough, especially when there is mucus or congestion.
Qualities of Curd: Curd is described in Ayurveda as being “heavy” (guru), “oily” (snigdha), “sticky” (picchila), and “hot” (ushna) in potency. It increases Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Reasoning: The heavy and sticky nature of curd can increase the production of mucus and phlegm, worsening a productive cough and congestion. While it is considered beneficial for strength and weight gain, its Kapha-increasing properties make it counterproductive when a child is already prone to colds.
Instead of curd, Ayurveda suggests alternatives like:
Buttermilk (Takra): This is considered a much safer and healthier alternative. Buttermilk is light, easy to digest, and helps to balance all three doshas, particularly Kapha.
Warm, spiced milk: For a child who needs to gain weight, a cup of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric, ginger powder (sonth), or black pepper can be beneficial. This combination helps to counter the cold and Kapha-increasing nature of milk.
Permanent Cure for Cold and Cough & Boosting Immunity
The key to a permanent solution lies in a holistic approach involving diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.
1. Diet (Ahar):
Avoid Cold and Kapha-Aggravating Foods: Strictly avoid foods that can increase Kapha and mucus production. This includes cold foods and drinks, ice cream, banana, cheese, and other dairy products (other than buttermilk and warm spiced milk).
Focus on Warm, Light, and Easy-to-Digest Foods: Offer your child warm soups, khichdi, and freshly cooked meals. Use spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon in cooking, as they are warming and help to reduce Kapha.
Honey: Honey is a powerful remedy for cough and cold in Ayurveda. You can give a teaspoon of honey mixed with a pinch of black pepper or ginger juice. Honey helps to loosen mucus and soothe the throat. (Note: Never give honey to children under one year old).
2. Lifestyle (Vihar):
Avoid AC: As you’ve observed, AC aggravates the condition. Avoid prolonged exposure to air conditioning and cold winds.
Warm Baths and Steam: Give your child a warm bath. Steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a pinch of carom seeds (ajwain) can help clear nasal passages and chest congestion.
Regular Routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine (Dinacharya) with fixed times for waking up, eating, and sleeping.
Daily Massage (Abhyanga): A gentle massage with warm sesame oil on the chest and back before a bath can help to strengthen the respiratory system.
3. Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies:
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Known as “Mother Medicine of Nature,” Tulsi helps to boost immunity and fight infections. You can give your child Tulsi kadha (a decoction made with Tulsi leaves, ginger, and black pepper) or a few fresh Tulsi leaves to chew.
Ginger (Adrak): Ginger has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. A small piece of ginger with a pinch of salt or honey can be very effective.
Turmeric (Haldi): Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it excellent for respiratory health. A glass of “golden milk” (turmeric milk) is a well-known remedy.
Chyawanprash: A traditional Ayurvedic jam that is a powerful immune booster. It is particularly beneficial for children with a tendency for recurrent colds and coughs. There are many kid-friendly and sugar-free options available.
How to Increase Weight and Immunity
The two issues are often linked. When digestion (Agni) is weak, the body cannot absorb nutrients properly, leading to poor weight gain and weakened immunity.
Focus on Agni (Digestive Fire): The most crucial step is to improve your child’s appetite and digestion.
Serve warm, freshly prepared meals.
Avoid junk food, processed snacks, and excessive sweets, as they dampen Agni.
Give your child food only when they are hungry. Forcing them to eat when they have no appetite will only further weaken their digestion.
Include digestive spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, and asafoetida (hing) in their food.
Nourishing Foods: Once the digestive fire is strengthened, introduce nourishing and wholesome foods.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee is highly valued in Ayurveda for its nourishing and strengthening properties. Add a teaspoon of warm ghee to your child’s dal or rice.
Dry Fruits: Soaked almonds and dates are excellent for nourishment and building strength.
Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats like avocado and coconut oil in their diet.
Herbs for Weight Gain and Immunity:
1) Ashwagandha: syrup
This herb is an excellent tonic for children. It helps to reduce stress, improve appetite, and promote healthy growth.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C and is a key ingredient in Chyawanprash. It strengthens the immune system and aids in digestion.
In summary, the Ayurvedic approach is to:
Stop: Avoid curd, cold foods, AC, and bananas.
Start: Introduce warm, light, and easily digestible meals with warming spices.
Heal: Use home remedies like Tulsi kadha and honey to soothe the cough and clear congestion.
Strengthen: Improve digestion (Agni) to enhance nutrient absorption and boost immunity, which will in turn help with weight gain.
When it comes to consistent cough and cold issues in children, while managing weight and immunity, Ayurveda can offer insightful remedies. For a child whose respiratory system appears sensitive, it’s important to consider the imbalance associated with Kapha dosha, often characterized by excess mucus and sluggish digestion.
Firstly, maintain a warm environment and avoid cold, refrigerated foods and beverages, including cold milk products. Curd can aggravate mucus production, so it’s best avoided when cold and cough symptoms prevail. Instead, fresh warm meals are advised - opt for boiled, warm vegetables, light grains like rice and mung dal (moong dal) which are easy to digest and nurturing.
Boosting immunity involves supporting digestion or ‘agni’ - the digestive fire. Daily use of ginger, either fresh or as a mild tea, can stimulate digestion and clear excess Kapha. Consider a teaspoon of honey with a dash of turmeric as a morning tonic after breakfast, as honey, according to Ayurveda, helps liquify Kapha and turmeric boosts immunity.
For improving weight, emphasize on nourishing, balanced meals. Foods like ghee, soaked almonds, and khichdi (rice and lentil preparation) enriched with ghee can be profound. Give preference to seasonal fruits (excluding bananas in cold seasons) and vegetables to ensure well-rounded nutrition. Mushrooms cooked with minimal spices and ghee are excellent for weight gain.
In Ayurvedic practice, strengthening the digestive system is foundational to increased immunity. Chyawanprash, an herbal jam enhancing bodily constitution and strength, can be a daily intake – one teaspoon in the morning with warm milk can be effective for children.
Ensure the child remains active, as regular physical activity enhances both digestion and immune health. Simple yoga poses, like child’s pose and deep breathing techniques, could be introduced in a playful manner, benefitting both physical and mental states.
It’s essential to note that any persistent health issue should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. Ayurveda complements but doesn’t replace indispensable medical diagnostics and treatments. If symptoms persist or worsen, consultation with a pediatric professional is recommended.
It’s essential to consider the possible root causes of your child’s symptoms. In Siddha-Ayurvedic terms, the symptoms you’re describing could indicate an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, as cold and cough, as well as reluctance to eat, align with Kapha’s qualities. For a child frequently experiencing cold and cough, maintaining a diet that avoids cold foods and includes warming, easily digestible meals would be beneficial.
Begin with dietary adjustments to encourage balancing your child’s Kapha dosha. Avoid cold, heavy, oily, and very sweet foods. Instead, focus on warm, freshly-cooked meals. Thin soups with ginger, black pepper, and turmeric can help improve digestion and reduce mucus. Honey with a pinch of cinnamon can also support respiratory health, but ensure it’s not given to children under one year.
To boost immunity, integrate Ayurvedic herbs known for their immune-enhancing properties. Ashwagandha or Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) might be suitable for boosting immunity and vitality. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for a dosage suitable for children.
For weight gain, consider adding ghee or olive oil in small amounts to meals, as healthy fats support weight gain and nourishment of the dhatus (body tissues). Offering cravings for nutritious snacks like almonds and dates can also support weight increase.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial, as a thorough examination and possibly immediate medical attention may be required to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Always prioritize safety and avoid delaying appropriate medical treatment.
Hello Archana,
Better to avoid curd in cold and cough
Kindly start
Sitopaladi 1/4 tsp with honey twice daily
Chyawanprasha - 1/2 tsp with milk in morning
Arvindasava - 10ml with water twice daily
Avoid cold Ac exposure Avoid cold water ice creams
Drink warm water
Give turmeric+pinch of pepper in milk at bedtime
Thank you
Dr Hemanshu mehta
