Seasonal flu, a common cold is caused by viruses. This is contagious and presents with common symptoms like running nose, fever (high or low), sore throat, body ache, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Ajwain (Carom seeds/Ajowan Caraway)
– 1-2gm of Ajwain (Carom seeds) powder should be put in steaming water and vapor should be inhaled 2 to 3 times a day. This relieves the nasal block.
Coriander
– 20ml of decoction prepared from 5gms of coarse powder of coriander seeds with sugar and turmeric powder thrice a day is useful in relieving cold and fever.
– The use of coriander powder as herbal tea every morning prevents cold. It is useful in cough and problems related to digestion too.
– 20ml decoction prepared from 5gms. Dhania seeds, 1gm Methi seeds, little turmeric powder should be mixed and taken 2-3 times a day.
Turmeric
– 2 gms of turmeric powder with warm milk and sugar (sugar candy) can be taken twice a day.
Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
– A warm decoction of 2gm of cumin seeds, 5 gm of coriander seeds, 1 gm of Haldi powder (turmeric), 1gm of Methi powder (powder of Fenugreek seeds), and little pepper should be taken with honey/sugar and lemon 2-3 times a day.
Lavang (Clove)
– 2gms of Lavang (clove) powder with honey in three divided doses is useful in fighting cold and cough.
Onion
– In children, the decoction made from a piece of white onion (Allium cepa) should be given with jaggery thrice daily.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
– 5-10ml Basil juice (Tulsi) with honey may be given twice or thrice a day.
– Crush a handful of basil leaves and a 1-inch piece of ginger. Place this paste on a sieve and press the paste to extract the juice. Take 1 tsp of this juice and add 1 tsp of honey. Mix well. This can be given to a child 4 times a day. It is useful in cold and fever.