In today’s world for every ailment, there is a quick-fix pill to pop to ease your symptoms. These pills come with their own side effects. Ayurveda is effective for treating common ailments by addressing the root causes of illness without side effects. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on symptom management, Ayurveda aims to cure and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. Ayurveda uses a wide range of herbs and natural substances with proven therapeutic properties for treatment.
Ayurveda is a big advocate of a good lifestyle and emphasizes following Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal routine) to maintain health and prevent common ailments. It also offers a variety of natural remedies for everyday health issues, using commonly found herbs, spices, and oils :
- Cold and Cough
- Herbal Tea/ Kadha : Herbal teas and kadha are pretty effective for colds and coughs. You may prepare using tulsi, ginger, mulethi (licorice), and cinnamon Boil in water for some time and drink the extract to relieve symptoms of cold and cough.
- Ginger and Honey: Mix ginger juice with honey and take it to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and honey is soothing and antimicrobial.
- Turmeric Milk: A warm glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric (haldi) can help relieve cough and congestion due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Chyawanprash : Take 1-2 teaspoons of Chyawanprash daily, preferably with warm milk. Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic herbal jam that strengthens immunity and helps prevent colds.
- Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom and Kapalbhati help in clearing nasal passages and improving lung function. Pranayama enhances respiratory health and reduces congestion.
- Indigestion and Acidity
- Jeera (Cumin) Water: Boil cumin seeds in water and drink them after meals to aid digestion and reduce bloating.
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is rich in vitamin C and helps in digestion. Consuming amla juice or powder can help relieve acidity and improve digestion.
- Fennel Seeds: Chewing fennel seeds after meals can help reduce indigestion and heartburn. Fennel is soothing to the digestive tract and helps in the production of digestive enzymes.
- Headache
- Peppermint Oil: Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples can help relieve tension headaches due to its cooling and calming effects.
- Ginger Tea: Drinking ginger tea can help reduce headaches caused by indigestion or inflammation. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Triphala: Taking Triphala, a combination of three fruits, helps cleanse the digestive system, which can reduce headaches caused by digestive issues.
Yoga practices like balasana, Bhramari pranayama, Anulom Vilom pranayama and meditation may also help in headaches
- Insomnia
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better sleep. Consuming ashwagandha powder with warm milk before bedtime can be beneficial.
- Warm Milk with Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg powder mixed with warm milk can help induce sleep due to its mild sedative properties.
- Lavender Oil: Diffusing lavender oil or applying it to the temples before bed can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Meditation before sleep may also help people suffering from insomnia.
- Skin Issues (Acne, Rashes)
- Neem Paste: Applying a paste made from neem leaves can help treat acne and rashes due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Turmeric Paste: A paste made from turmeric and water, or honey can be applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Aloe Vera: Fresh aloe vera gel applied to the skin can soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
- Joint Pain and Inflammation
- Turmeric and Ginger Tea: Both turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and can be consumed as tea to reduce joint pain.
- Castor Oil Massage: Massaging the affected area with warm castor oil can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
- Guggulu: Guggulu is an Ayurvedic herb that helps reduce inflammation and is often used to treat arthritis and joint pain.
- Turmeric, ginger, and fenugreek seeds powder mix: This is a very effective remedy for joint pain. Mix in equal quantities and grind to make a fine powder. Take one spoon with warm water twice a day or as directed by an ayurveda practitioner.
- Constipation
- Triphala: Taking Triphala powder with warm water before bed helps cleanse the colon and promote regular bowel movements.
- Flaxseeds: Soaking a tablespoon of flaxseeds in water overnight and consuming them in the morning can help relieve constipation due to their high fiber content.
- Psyllium Husk (Isabgol): Mixing psyllium husk in warm water or milk and drinking it before bed can help ease constipation by adding bulk to the stool.
- Stress and Anxiety
- Brahmi: It helps reduce stress and enhance cognitive function. Consuming Brahmi tea or powder can calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
- Ashwagandha: It is known for its stress-relieving properties and can be taken in powder or capsule form to help manage stress.
- Jatamansi: It is a calming herb that helps reduce anxiety and promote mental clarity. It can be taken as a powder or used as an essential oil.
- Ayurveda oil massages for aches and pains
- Mahanarayan Oil: Ideal for joint pain, muscle stiffness, arthritis, and chronic back pain. contains herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Bala, which are effective in reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving joint flexibility.
- Dhanwantharam Oil: Commonly used for postnatal care, as well as to relieve general body pain, muscle aches, and joint pain. This oil is made from herbs like Bala and Sida Cordifolia, known for their rejuvenating properties.
- Kottamchukkadi Oil: Effective for relieving muscle spasms, sprains, and chronic pain, particularly in the back and shoulders. The oil contains herbs like ginger, garlic, and tamarind, which help reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and enhance blood flow.
- Cuts and wounds
- Murivenna oil: It is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation renowned for its powerful healing and soothing properties, particularly in treating wounds, burns, and skin inflammation. Made from a base of coconut oil infused with medicinal herbs like Aloe Vera and turmeric, Murivenna oil offers anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and cooling effects.
These Ayurvedic remedies are generally safe when used appropriately, but it’s always recommended to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.