Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. Various viruses are known to cause this condition. Symptoms typically include a runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, and sneezing. While it is not considered life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort in breathing. In Ayurvedic medicine, the common cold is believed to arise when the digestive fire (Agni) fails to eliminate bodily toxins (Ama), leading to the production of phlegm. A diet that pacifies Kapha is recommended for those suffering from a common cold.

EARLY-MORNING

Warm water

BREAKFAST

– Veg Semolina (Veg upma) / broken wheat porridge (Veg Dalia) / Veg Vermicelli (Sewian) / Veg poha (Rice flakes) / Veg Idli / Brown Bread Sandwich / Besan pancake (gram flour) / Stuffed Chapatti / Chapatti with Veg or Dal / 1 Egg white portion

MID-MORNING

Fruit / Fruit juice / Herbal tea / Coconut water

LUNCH

Chapatti + Vegetable / Dal + Salad

EVENING

Herbal tea / Green tea / Roasted Grams / Rice flakes snack

DINNER

Chapatti + Vegetable + Dal

DIET INSTRUCTIONS

ALLOWED TO TAKE	AVOID
CEREALS	CEREALS
Barley, Granola, Rye, Amaranth, Corn, Millet, Buckwheat, Quinoa, Wheat	White rice
FRUITS	FRUITS
Apple, Cranberries, Pomegranate, Apricots, Papaya, Litchi	Prunes, Cherries, Figs, Grapes, Mango, Melons, Orange, Peach, Pear, Raspberry, Strawberry, Banana, Date.
VEGETABLES	VEGETABLES
Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Asparagus, Carrot, Chard, Cilantro, Green beans, Lettuce, Mushroom, Peas, Onion, Cauliflower, Radish, Potato, Sweet potato, Ginger, Garlic	Okra, Eggplant, Taro roots
PULSES	PULSES
All pulses can be consumed	Nil
Dairy Products	Dairy Products
Cow ghee	Cottage cheese, Milk, Sour cream, Yoghurt, Buttermilk, Sour cream, Cheese, cream, Ice cream
OILS	OILS
Mustard, Safflower, Sunflower, Ghee, Peanut, Sesame, Almonds, Coconut	Cream, Palm oil
SPICES	SPICES
Black pepper, Cardamom, Cloves, Mustard, Turmeric, Asafetida, Basil, Cinnamon, Cilantro, Cumin, Fenugreek, Parsley, Mint, Nutmeg, Red chilly in limited quantity	Nil
Drinks	Drinks
Coconut water, Homemade soups, Green juice, Herbal tea	Whole milk drinks, canned soup and packaged soup, Alcohol, Sweetened drinks, Squashes, Carbonated drinks, Caffeinated drinks
DRY FRUITS & SEEDS	DRY FRUITS & SEEDS
Almond, Raisins, Ground Nuts, Walnut, Peanuts, Pistachio, Cashew, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds.	Nil
FLESH FOODS	FLESH FOODS
Egg white, Chicken (Once in a week)	Processed and fried meat, Red meat- (Beef, Lamb, Pork), Fishes –( Tilefish, Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, Marlin, Bluefin Tuna), Duck, Turkey
OTHERS	OTHERS
Honey, Jaggery, Soya milk	Bakery and Processed Foods, Fried Food, Junk Food, Pickles, Artificial Sweeteners, Packed Soups, Refined Sugar

DIET TIPS

Do not skip meals.
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid over eating.
Avoid simple crabs and saturated and Trans fats.
Do not use refined sugar.
Avoid consumption of packed foods.

HOME REMEDIES

Basil leaves – Chew 2-3 basil leaves or boil leaves in cup of water and drink it in the morning.
Ginger – Add 2-3 slices of ginger in cup of water and boil it for 5 minutes. Drink this decoction.
Garlic – Put some cloves of garlic in mustard oil and heat the oil for some time. Apply oil on chest.
Gargling – Add pinch of salt in water and boil the water for 2-3 minutes.
Black pepper – Mix 1 tsp of black pepper with jaggery. Prepare a mixture and have it 2-3 times in a day.

Things in this diet chart may vary patient to patient due to the Associated Health Issues, so better to consult Ayurveda Experts for better results.