What are the symptoms of common cold?

Change of weather always brings in attacks of cold with it. Viral cold attacks are very common these days. Common symptoms include itching of the nose tip, sneezing, heavy-headedness, blockage of ears and nose,  watering of the eyes, sore throat, hoarse voice, headache, mild fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and disturbed sleep. Few occasions present with an earache, toothache, etc. It is always to understand the symptoms and manage the situation with simple home remedies and proper rest

When to seek medical attention for the common cold?

Monitoring is required to see that the symptoms do not progress. If they do so medical advice and care have to be considered. Over medication for a simple cold is better avoided. The three principles to take care of cold is to have the right food, stay warm, and take adequate rest. Extreme symptoms of cold are severe throat pain, severe ear ache, splitting headache, high fever, continuous cough, and extreme fatigue. These are to be attended immediately by a doctor to avoid complications like pneumonia

How to take steam inhalation?

For ages cold has been managed through steam inhalation. Plain steam and herb infused fortified steams are used to treat cold. The most efficient and user-friendly steam inhalation device is a wide-mouthed common kitchen vessel with boiling water in it. Steam is inhaled by covering the head to retain the steam inside. Inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose and vice versa is the best means to take steam inhalation. Take steam till you break out into sweat all over the neck and face. It is always good to have intermittent gaps between bouts of inhalation. This eases the strain on the neck and also prevents the facial skin from getting irritated. Do not add any balms into the steam water

What to apply before and after steam inhalation?

Apply any cold balm with mint, lemon grass oil, or camphor on the forehead and warm sesame oil on the face before steam inhalation. Apply the balm and massage the forehead, above the eyebrows, above the nose, on the nose bridge, and the ala of the nose gently. In other areas of the face sesame oil or any cream may be used as a precaution for a possible burn and dehydration. Once you break out into sweat dab the face clean, sip a cup of warm water, and relax. While you sit with your eyes closed a herbal pack of turmeric and coriander powder mixed with warm lemon juice can be applied on the forehead for half an hour to get better results.

What herbs can be used for steam inhalation?

Tulsi leaves, (holy basil Ocimum sanctum), crushed black pepper, radish leaves, mint leaves, rosemary, eucalyptus leaves, cedar leaves, pine leaves, betel leaves, crushed ajwain seeds (betel leaf Piper betel) or a handful of diced cabbage may be used for steaming. Singularly or together. Any herb with a volatile oil is suitable for steam inhalation. Locally available fresh herbs like chrysanthemum, etc. can also be tried for steaming

What Ayurveda medicines are useful for steam inhalation?

Rasnadi Choornam, Karpooradi Choornam, Panchagandha Choornam, Trikatu Choornam, Karutha Vattu, Halin drops, etc. may be used for the purpose only with advice and prescription from an Ayurveda doctor

How does steam inhalation work?

The moist, warm steam helps to ease irritation along the respiratory tract right from the nose to the lungs. It reduces the swelling in the blood vessels and mucus membranes in the nasal passages. The moisture also helps to loosen and thin the mucus accumulated in the sinuses and enables easy drainage of mucus. The result is decongestion and easy breathing

What care should be taken while having steam inhalation?

Be careful as you are handling boiling water and you may scald to various degrees. Do not steam after a meal. Do not steam while you are very hungry or sleepy. Consult your doctor if you have diseases like diabetes, heart ailments, hormonal issues, vertigo, etc.

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SARATHY AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL DOCTORS PANEL

• Dr. Lathika PK-Specialist in Panchakarma, Stroke Rehabilitation and Ayurveda Cancer Care
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