what to eat in cold and cough - #36179

For cold and cough, turning to Ayurveda can be very beneficial. Your focus should be on pacifying the vata and kapha doshas, which tend to get aggravated during respiratory disturbances. You did right with the warm water and herbal teas; keep it up as hydration is essential.

Warm, easily digestible, and slightly spiced foods are ideal. Start your day with a warm bowl of porridge or oatmeal; it’s nourishing and gentle on the digestion. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for its warming properties. Garlic soup was a great choice! Keep it in your routine as garlic has antimicrobial properties.

Consider incorporating ginger tea: boil fresh ginger slices in water and add a little honey once it’s cooled. Ginger is known to reduce inflammation and ease the throat. Honey and lemon, as you mentioned, are also beneficial, especially honey for soothing the throat. However, avoid honey for children under 1 year of age.

Light kichadi (a mixture of rice and mung dal) is also excellent. Cook it with ghee, a bit of turmeric, and cumin for a satisfying meal that nourishes without overwhelming digestion.

Avoid cold, heavy, and greasy food that can further aggravate kapha. Dairy can be mucus-forming, so reduce that, though some find a little warm milk with turmeric at bedtime soothing unless congestion worsens. Cold drinks, refined sugars, and fried foods should be avoided as they can worsen the congestion and slow down the healing process.

Ensure rest and manage stress, as the body repairs best in a calm environment. If symptoms persist or worsen after a few more days, consider seeking medical attention as sometimes, it warrants modern medical intervention. It’s vital to listen to your body and adjust as needed.