Rather than taking medicine, I prefer to build my immune system the old-fashioned way – with foods, herbs, and natural, Ayurvedic remedies! Ayurveda, a holistic form of medicine, dates back to 3,000 years ago in India and Sri Lanka.
Ayurvedics believe illness occurs when there is an imbalance in your body. These natural, Ayurvedic remedies are what you need to regain your balance and prevent further illness from occurring.
the 13 ayurvedic remedies:
1. coriander
More commonly referred to as cilantro, coriander is known to benefit respiratory problems and ease pain due to sinus congestion and headaches.
Coriander can be consumed raw (the leaves) or as seeds. To drink as tea, crush or grind the seeds, use 1/2 teaspoon of seeds to 1 cup of boiling water and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and if you wish for additional flavor, add fresh lemon to taste.
2. peppermint
Peppermint is commonly used as a decongestant for colds and sinus blockage. Place fresh or dried peppermint leaves in a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam.
To make an infusion, use 10 fresh leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried) to 1 cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. If desired, strain the leaves prior to drinking.
3. horseradish root
Horseradish is known for its strong effect on the nasal passages and its strong flavor. We all know a little goes a LONG way, but it’s an amazing remedy for clearing out the sinuses. Grate fresh (not dried) horseradish root directly into 1 cup of boiling water and add fresh lemon juice and honey to taste.
The amount of root varies but typically a 3-4 inch sized piece works best. The horseradish can be strained prior to drinking; however, if you want the full effect, I suggest consuming the root with the tea.
4. onion
While the use of onion to cure cold symptoms is debated in the modern world, it goes without saying that onions have dozens of health benefits regardless. However, the traditional remedy to rid yourself of your cold symptoms is to slice 1 whole onion and place it in a bowl of water for 8 hours, or overnight, and drink 2-3 oz of the water 2-3 times per day. I agree – gross.
Instead, eating onion raw is always a great alternative, but drinking onion water directly is more beneficial for your body.
5. celery seed
Celery is beneficial for colds, sinus problems, congestion, respiratory infections and bronchitis. To use – eat celery raw, inhale as a steam or drink as a tea.
To make as a tea, first – grind or crush the seeds. Then combine 1/2 tablespoon of seeds to 1 cup of boiling water, allow to steep for 10-15 minutes and strain.
6. cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is a spicy, chili pepper commonly used in cooking. As a remedy, it is used to relieve mucus and congestion. Add cayenne pepper (fresh or dried) to your food for flavor and additional spice to help clear the sinuses.
To create a “tasty” drink, combine 1 teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water. Try not to drink it before bedtime – it may make you feel energized instead of sleepy!
7. cinnamon
Cinnamon helps with colds, sinus congestion and bronchitis. While you can simply add it to your favorite desserts, drinking as an infusion is the preferred method when you have cold symptoms.
Place 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon powder) in 1 cup of boiling water, allow to steep for 10-15 minutes and add lemon or honey to taste. Drink hot or cold. In addition to easing your cold symptoms, this infusion doubles as an aid in weight loss. Win-win!
8. turmeric
Turmeric is considered the holy grail of Ayervedic remedies. Turmeric is used to help your cough, and it can be consumed as a flavor in your food or as a tea.
Use 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1 cup of boiling water. For additional flavor, add honey, milk (or milk alternative) and a tiny pinch of cane sugar – that’s my favorite!
9. cardamom
Cardamom is a natural remedy for cough, colds, bronchitis and loss of voice. You can eat it in food, drink it in tea, or add to your bath water.
For tea, add 2 cardamom pods (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried cardamom powder) to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 8-10 minutes and strain. If you have ulcers, use with caution.
Interesting fact! If you add cardamom to coffee, it neutralizes the caffeine!
10. licorice
Black licorice candies might be what comes to mind when you hear licorice, but this is quite different in flavor. Fresh licorice root is sweet and delicious, while black licorice is no good (my opinion).
Licorice has many qualities but is commonly used for cold and cough symptoms. You can purchase licorice root tea from the grocery store or opt for the homemade version. For homemade tea, combine 1/4 oz of dried licorice root to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes and strain. Add honey to taste.
11. cloves
Before learning about Ayurvedic remedies, I never thought twice about cloves. If you’re like me, cloves only come out when I’m baking a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Surprisingly, cloves are great for helping with colds, coughs, and vomiting.
Add 3 teaspoons of ground cloves to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 3-5 minutes and strain. Add fresh ginger for a boost in immunity and flavor.
12. basil
Basil is a timeless remedy for curing an array of symptoms, cold and flu being among them. Basil not only eases fear and sadness, it also eases pain and discomfort due to colds, cough, congestion, headaches, and fever.
Eat basil raw, drink as an infusion or inhale as a steam. For an infusion, gently muddle (with a muddler or end of a wooden spoon) 5-10 basil leaves (use 5 large or 10 small) and pour one cup of boiling water over the leaves, steep for 5-7 minutes, and drink,
13. ginger
Ah, the holy grail of the natural remedies. Ginger is commonly used for cold, flu, cough and vomiting. Fresh ginger works best, but ground ginger is a good alternative.
Use a 1-2 inch sized piece of ginger root and slice into small pieces, add to 1 cup of boiling water, allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes and strain. Add lemon and honey to taste.
As with anything, too much of one thing is never a good thing. Overuse of a specific herb can cause damage to your body. For your own safety, always use these herbs and Ayurvedic remedies sparingly or as needed.
are ayurvedic remedies for you?
When it comes to natural remedies for cold symptoms or general health, you may be thinking it’s all mumbo jumbo or that it doesn’t work. On the contrary, studies show that natural, herbal remedies are just as effective as medicine (and have fewer side effects)!
Years ago, I was a take a Tylenol for my headache type of person. Now, instead of using medicine, I listen to my body and understand its cues. To properly use Ayurvedic remedies, you must first understand your inner balance.
Disclaimer – these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Remember to always consult with your doctor or primary care physician before taking any new medical advice. If you are pregnant or nursing discuss with your doctor before use. None of these remedies should be given to children under the age of 2.
If you’re interested in learning more about your health, discover How to Live to 100. Hint: it’s easier than you think!
