Soothing Common Illnesses & Symptoms with Ayurvedic Rituals
Ayurveda, often called the “sister science” to the entire Yogic system, finds its roots in ancient India. But, its methods and specificity to an individual’s unique makeup, lifestyle, and needs has allowed it to remain relevant and accessible in modern times.
The entire system of Ayurveda can act as a vast world of alternative medicine, or a means of complementary medicine. Some folks benefit from using Ayurveda for all its riches, while others take a bit of the magic and weave the rituals into their usual Western medicine. Either way, Ayurveda can be of immense benefit.
Ayurveda carries wisdom relating to flushing out a runny nose and extends so far to hold practices that can heal your entire digestive system. Simple fixes, such as a runny nose or stuffy head, can be treated rather quickly thanks to Ayurveda. Let’s explore some practices that might mend a common cold, flu symptoms, general congestion, seasonal allergies, skin irritation, or stomach irritability.
Symptoms & Remedies
Common cold
Are you experiencing a runny nose and a bit of a foggy brain? Such symptoms can be linked to Kapha, the Dosha of earth, and water. Notorious for its ground nature, Kapha shows up when mucus and lethargy, or extended stillness, arise in your being.
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend a specific tea blend that can boost immunity, decongest, and brighten up your mind. The more you drink this blend, the better you will feel.
The blend includes:
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Two teaspoons fresh ginger
- Teaspoon ginger / 1 cinnamon stick
- Five peppercorns
- One tulsi tea bag
Sore throat
Ayurveda offers another, slightly sweeter, blend for individuals with a dry or sore throat. The blend is best consumed before bedtime as its warm temperature prepares one for deep sleep.
The blend includes:
- Warm milk (alternative or dairy)
- Turmeric
- Honey
- Optional additions: Ghee, cinnamon, and ginger
Sipping warm milk for bed soothes your being and balances your Agni or ‘digestive fire.’ During Vata season, which occurs throughout late Autumn into Winter, warm milk might be especially beneficial.
General congestion
The Neti Pot stands as one of the most beneficial, and rather disgusting (to some), Ayurvedic rituals. With this method, you can flush out your nasal passages, loosen mucous membranes, and detoxify a bit. You need a Neti Pot, a specific saline solution, and non-iodized salt. Once acquired, combine 1 cup warm water with the amount of required non-iodized salt for your desired results.
The contents of your Neti pot, which resembles a teapot, will be poured into one nostril with your head tilted at a 45-degree angle. Open your mouth and breathe only through your mouth.
Pour the Neti Pot contents into one nostril and allow the water to move through to the opposite nostril. Mucus and bacteria will flow out of the opposite nostril. Practice this ritual over a sink and have towels nearby to clean up any potential mess.
Nausea
One of the more known methods that you might not have realized stems from Ayurveda relates to curing nausea.
Ginger, in any form, soothes nausea.
- Sniff ginger essential oil
- Rub some of the oil onto your temples
- Chew on ginger
- Sip some ginger tea to feel the effects.
Ginger also aids in digestion, so if your nausea connects to stomach irritability, you might feel a soothing impact on your belly, as well.
Are you feeling a mix of the above symptoms? Don’t be afraid to overlap some methods. The best way, though, to treat yourself with Ayurvedic rituals can be done if you know your Dosha. Your Dosha is your unique Ayurvedic constitution and can lead you down a wildly healing path.
