New Delhi: Patanjali founder and yoga guru Baba Ramdev often shares tips on staying healthy using natural remedies and yoga. According to him, colds and coughs are common problems that can occur in any season, summer, winter, or monsoon.
Baba Ramdev explains that colds and coughs mainly happen due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas in the body. People with a Vata constitution are more sensitive, and consuming oily, cold, or sour foods can increase Vata, leading to cough and cold.
Home ingredients for relief
Similarly, an increase in Kapha dosha can produce excess mucus, affecting not just the respiratory system but the whole body. It may lead to heaviness, sleepiness, sluggishness, and even inflammation. He emphasizes that these issues should not be ignored.
Instead of giving children medicines for minor colds and coughs, Baba Ramdev suggests using natural remedies. Some effective ingredients include turmeric, ginger, tulsi (holy basil), clove, black pepper, cardamom, jaiphal (nutmeg), javitri (mace), and mulethi (licorice).
Most of these are easily available at home or local markets. For example, grinding nutmeg, mace, and clove lightly or chewing roasted cloves and black pepper can provide immediate relief. These can also be boiled in water to make a herbal decoction. Turmeric milk helps boost children’s immunity and protects them from viral coughs and colds.
Pranayama for immunity
Baba Ramdev also recommends pranayama (breathing exercises) such as Siddhasana, Bhastrika, and Kapalbhati to maintain overall health. These exercises help balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, improving immunity and reducing the need for medicines.
While practicing pranayama, sit comfortably in Siddhasana, Sukhasana, or Padmasana, keeping your body relaxed. Follow the correct pace—normal, medium, or fast—according to your strength. Guidance from a specialist is recommended for beginners to ensure safety and effectiveness.
By combining natural remedies and regular pranayama, cold, cough, and other minor health issues can be managed effectively, keeping the body strong and balanced.