Fever, Common Cough & Cold

Fever

Fever refers to a condition of the body in which the temperature goes beyond the normal .It is also characterized by disturbance in the normal functioning of the systems. It is a common ailment, which occurs both in children and adults. The average temperature of a healthy body ranges between 98.4 degree F and 99.5 degree F. Common symptoms are that it generally begins with slight shivering, pain in the head and various parts of the body, thirst and great lassitude. The flow of urine is scanty. As the fever rises, the pulse and respiration become faster. Finally, there is profuse sweating, a copious flow of concentrated urine, and general relief of symptoms.

The patient should be put on a fruit juice and water at the beginning of the treatment. The procedure is to drink the juice of an orange in a glass of warm water every two hours from 8am to 8 pm. After the temperature has come down to normal for a few more days. In this regimen, he should take three meals upon a well balanced diet according to his age, with emphasis on fresh fruits, and raw or lightly cooked vegetables. While the patient is on an orange juice fast, a warm water enema should be given daily to cleanse the bowels. Cold compresses may be applied to the head in case the temperature rises. Complete bed rest is advisable.

Common Cough & Cold

It is a catarrhal and inflammatory condition of upper respiratory tract due to viral, allergic or mixed infection. In Ayurveda it is known as PRATISHYAYA mainly due to vitiation of Kapha. Due to vitiation of Kapha upper Respiratory tract is inflamed and congested. Sneezing, coughing, running nose, heaviness of head followed by inflammation of mucus membrane of nose, body aches, chill and loss of appetite. Allergens, Virus. Bacteria are the common causative factors of this disease. A cough may be caused by the inflammation of the larynx or the pharynx. and develop in the chest due to change in weather. The real cause of this disorder is clogging of the bronchial tubes with waste matters..

Main herbs used in the treatment are Vasaka, Garlic, Ginger. In case of severe cold and cough and when fever is present the patient should abstain from all solid foods and only drink food and vegetable juices diluted with water. After this the patient should adopt an all fruit diet for two to three days. Taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits such as apple, pears, grapes, oranges, pineapples, peaches and melons. For drinks unsweetened lemon water, or cold or hot plain water may be given. After the all fruit diet, the patient can gradually embark upon a well balanced diet, with emphasis on whole grain cereals, raw or lightly cooked vegetables and fresh fruits. The patient should avoid soft drink , candies, ice-creams, and all products made from sugar and white flour.