Indian Remedies for Cold and Flu

Being sick is a terrible experience for everybody all around. The flu and cold may be common, but there’s no reason to suffer through it longer than you have to. If you are tired of taking over the counter medicines to ease and treat your symptoms, it might be time to consider trying alternative medicines. India has a long history of remedies to treat illness, including the flu and cold. Most of these remedies are part of Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal practice of India. Many of them can be made at home using the ingredients you have in your pantry. Keep reading to learn some of the best Indian remedies to help you get rid of the cold and flu.

1. Drink Tulsi tea to reduce congestion and fevers

Tulsi is an herb known as The Queen of Herbs in India where it has been utilized as an immune booster for centuries. Not only does it help to strengthen one’s immune system, but it also has anti-aging and detoxifying properties, making it the perfect weapon to fight the cold or flu. If you steep the herb in water and turn it into a tea, it can help reduce headaches, alleviate fever and congestion, and improve digestion. Try drinking one to two cups a day while sick. Avoid drinking tulsi tea if you’re pregnant though.

2. Create a turmeric paste

Turmeric, the iconic orange spice, is one of the best substances to consume while sick. Many of its natural properties are perfect for fighting off the common cold and the flu. Turmeric has anti-viral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It’s also known to boost a person’s energy, digestion, and mood, all factors that could use some help while you’re sick. The paste is easy to make as well. All you need to do is combined honey and turmeric together at a 1:1 ratio. Consume one teaspoon of paste every few hours.

3. Eliminate toxins using ginger tea

Most people consume ginger tea to help with their digestion as it has the ability to improve your gut biome. Ginger tea is also great for eliminating phlegm because it is a powerful expectorant. Consume a cup of ginger tea to improve blood circulation, reduce gas, and expel congestion. You can buy premade ginger tea packets in stores, but the tea is most effective when you prepare it yourself. All you need to do is steep three to five slices of fresh ginger in a pot of hot water. Avoid drinking ginger tea if you are suffering from ulcers, bleeding disorders, or inflammatory skin conditions.

4. Consume Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as, Indian ginseng or winter cherry is a fantastic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is great for treating the cold and lfu because it is an adaptogenic herb. During the day, it energizes the body, and during the night it induces a calming effect to overactive nerves which promotes sleep and good health. The herb does all of this while not being a stimulant; instead it is a nervine tonic, so you can replace your caffeine boost with a healthy alternative. Consume 500 milligrams of the whole root after every meal to receive maximum effectiveness.

5. Consume Chyawanprash

Chyawanprah is a super nutrient dense jam that has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for millenia. The name, Chyawanprah is a combination of two words, prash and chyawan. Prash is Sanskrit for specially prepared food, and chyawan is named after the sage, Chyawan. Legend has it that two ancient Ayurvedic sages made chyawanprash to restore the life and vitality of the elderly sage, Chyawan; it was supposed to reverse his age. While it may not have defeated aging, chyawanprah has been shown to have amazing restorative properties.

It is a great supplement for treating the cold and flu because it boosts the immune system by supporting the body’s ability to produce white blood cells and hemoglobin. The primary active ingredient, amalaka also helps in the elimination of toxins while supporting the body’s vital organs and respiratory system. Take it every day after you become sick with the cold and flu and you will find yourself recovering in no time.