It is a catarrhal and inflammatory condition of
upper respiratory tract due to viral, allergic or mixed
infection. In Ayurveda it is known as PRATISHYAYA mainly due to
vitiation of DOSHAS (Vata, Pitta & Kapha).
Symptoms & Causes
Due to vitiation of Kapha upper Respiratory
tract is inflamed and congested. Sneezing, coughing, running
nose, heaviness of head followed by inflammation of mucus
membrane of nose, body aches, chill and loss of appetite.
Allergens, Virus. Bacteria are the common causative factors of
this disease. A cough may be caused by the inflammation of the
larynx or the pharynx and develop in the chest due to change in
weather. The real cause of this disorder is clogging of the
bronchial tubes with waste matters.. The reason for higher
incident of cough during winter than other seasons due to intake
of catarrh - forming foods such as white bread, meat, sugar,
porridge, puddings, and pies .Hay fever, flu, sinusitis etc are
the associated causes of this disease. According to Ayurveda
Pratishyaya is classified in to VATAJ, PITTAJ, KAPHAJ and
TRIDOSHAJ types. In Vataj type there is pain in sinus cavity
with sneezing, pittaj type is with fever and in kaphaj type
there are whitish secretion and dull headache.
Herbs which is useful :
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
Amla
, or Indian gooseberry, is a popular fruit that has long been
valued for its rejuvenating properties, according to traditional
Ayurveda. Amla is used for all Pitta diseases. Preliminary
evidence suggests that amla may help boost the immune response,
presumably due to its vitamin C content.
It also helps increase red blood cell count and helps regulate
blood sugar.
Alma is a good Cardio Tonic and its mild stimulant action on
heart helps to control blood pressure. Phyllanthus Emblica is a
very good hair tonic.
Elaichi
(Amomum subulatum) :
Elaichi is an effective remedy for cold & cough caused due to
throat irritation. Three peepers sucked with a pinch of caraway
seeds and crystal of common salt with Elaichi powder helps
dilution of thick cough and its allied problems like bronchial
congestion providing a demulcent and soothing effect on
respiratory tract.
It prevents reflex coughing and stimulates normal mucous
secretion.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) :
Apart
from the religious significance, it also has substantial medical
significance and is used in Ayurvedic treatment. Tulsi has
antimicrobal properties since it is also anti - inflammatory. It
is useful in respiratory tract infection. Ursolic acid, present
in tulsi, has anti-allergic properties. The plant can play a
role in the management of immunological disorders such as
allergies and asthma. Holy basil was brought to this country by
Indian immigrants. The juice of the leaves are used against
fever and as an antidote for snake and scorpion bites. It's
anti-spasmodic properties, relieves abdominal pains and it helps
in lowering the blood sugar level.
Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda) :
The
leaves of the plant contain the alkaloid vasicine (C11H12N2O),
which is responsible for the small but persistent
bronchodilatation, and an essential oil which is chiefly
responsible for the expectorant action. The leaves and roots
contain other alkaloids, vasicinone, vasicinolone and vasicol,
which may contribute to the bronchodilatory effect through
anticholinergic action on the vagal innervation of the bronchii.
The bronchodilation effect is considerably increased after
atropine administration. Studies have also shown vasa to be
effective in the treatment of amlapitta (dyspepsia) and pyorrhea
.
The juice expressed from the leaves and the decoction of the
leaves and roots are useful in asthma, bronchitis, and other
chronic coughs. Dried leaves are used in dhoomapana (smoking) in
the treatment of bronchial asthma. The leaf decoction is an
excellent expectorant when decocted with punarnava (Boerhaavia
diffusa) and then combined with ginger juice and black pepper.
Another effective preparation for the treatment of asthma is the
decoction of vasa, guduci (Tinospora cordifolia), and kantakari
(Solanum surratense) mixed with honey.
Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Garlic
has proved effective in certain diseases of the chest. It
reduces foetidity or stinking of the breath in pulmonary
gangrene. Garlic is also useful in the treatment of
tuberculosis.
In Ayurveda a decoction of garlic boiled in milk
is considered a wonderful drug for tuberculosis. One gram of
garlic , 250ml of milk and a liter of water are boiled together
till it reduces to one fourth of the decoction.
It should be taken thrice a day. Taken in sufficient quantities,
it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale ) :
Ginger
is other excellent remedy for cold and cough. Ginger tea is good
for fever, cough and cold. Dried ginger powder 1/2 tsp, 2-3
black pepper cones, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom, 1/2 tsp Cummins
seeds should be boiled and add little tea leaves and sugar or
honey and can be had hot. It gives good relief of the throat
pain, cold and cough. It can be taken two to three times in a
day.
Diet :
-
A limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and
proteins.
-
A liberal amount of alkali-forming foods –
fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds and grains.
-
Avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm –
rice, sugar, lentils and curd.
-
Avoid difficult-to-digest foods – strong tea,
coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, sauces and
all refined and processed foods.
Life Style :
