Physiology of Common Cold

It is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by different type of viruses, contagious, self-limiting, often required no treatment unless superimposed by a bacterial infection. There are more than 200 different types of viruses known to cause the common cold. Cold is the most common reason for missing school. Though the common cold usually occurs in the winter months, the cold weather itself does not cause the common cold. Most cold will resolve within 10 days, some people have a shorter or longer duration of illness depending on the strain of the virus causing cold.

Many people confuse the common cold with influenza (the flu). Flu is caused by the influenza virus, while the common cold is not. Patients with the common cold typically have a milder illness than patients with the flu. Patients with the flu usually appear iller and have a more abrupt onset of illness with fever, chillsheadache, substantial muscle and body aches, dry cough, vomiting, and extreme weakness.


  • Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, Adenovirus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Parainfluenza virus
  • Infants and young children are more likely to develop the common cold due to an immature immune system.
  • Individuals more commonly acquire the common cold during the winter, or during the rainy season due to rapid spread since these climates limit a person to indoors
  • Immunocompromised individuals are more prone to common cold and subsequent bacterial infection.
  • Stress and fatigue also cause a common cold



Treatment in Allopathy

There is no treatment for the common cold as it is self-limiting; supportive treatment is given to reduce the symptoms.

  • Rest and plenty of fluids to reduce fatigue and maintain hydration
  • Throat lozenges to relieve itchy throat
  • Cough syrup
  • Gargling with warm salt water may help people with sore throats.
  • Decongestant or antihistamines may be used for nasal symptoms
  • Antipyretic can be used for fever
  • Antibiotics should be used if symptoms worsen and in suspected bacterial infection
  • Saline nasal sprays may also be beneficial.
  • The treatment for infants and small children with the common cold is supportive as well.
  • Nasal bulb suctioning may be used to clear nasal mucus from the nasal passages in infants.


Ayurveda and cold

According to Ayurveda common cold results mainly from the imbalance of Kapha and Vata doshas. Sneezing and running nose is predominantly due to Kapha dosha. Hence Kapha and Vata pacifying  diet and lifestyle should be followed.

Treatment of cold in Ayurveda


  • Consume freshly cooked meals and heavy diets such as fried food and sweets should be avoided
  • Dairy products are better avoided as it increases Kapha dosha in the body
  • Keep away from tomatoes, eggplant and banana as they slow down Agni and aggravate cold
  • Preserved and canned foods should be avoided
  • Consume fibre rich diet to avoid constipation as it can aggravate Kapha and Vata dosha
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables boost immunity and very effective to prevent cold
  • All three meals of the day should be consumed at an appropriate time to avoid the aggravation of Vata dosha, no meal should be skipped

Lifestyle modification

  • Make sure to receive enough rest, as rest builds essential energy and boosts immunity
  • Avoid exposure to dust and smoke as it can aggravate symptoms
  • Avoid exposure to dew and snow or cover yourself when such circumstances arrive as it aggravates Kapha dosha
  • Practising yoga and pranayama regularly can prevent chronic cold

Ayurvedic therapies for cold

Nasya:   It involves installation of medicated oils through nostrils, oil drops relieves nasal blockage and opens up the clogged sinuses

Shirodhara: A thin stream of liquid, mostly oil is poured over the forehead. When the oil is poured continuously, it causes vibration in the forehead, which allows our mind and nervous system to experience a deep state of mental rest as well as increases blood circulation and clears clogged respiratory passage and relaxes the body and mind.

Nirodha vasti: Herbal enema to cleanse the gut and eliminate Vata dosha

Raktamokshana: Toxins in the body are removed using leech (leech therapy), known to balance all the three doshas and improve immunity.

Ayurvedic herbs used in the treatment of cold

Curcumin (Curcumin longa): It has anti-inflammatory property and antibacterial properties, hence great herb to treat cold

Amalaki (Phyllanthus Emblica): It is rich in vitamin c which is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti allergy properties and a magic herb to strengthen the immune system and balance the three doshas

Pippali (piper longum): It purifies the blood and strengthens the immune system against disease.

Black pepper:  It contains piperine which is known to inhibit the growth of a foreign organism, hence very effective in the cold due to secondary infections

Ginger (zingiber officinale): It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic property and is very effective in cold as it  facilitates clearing of the nasal passage.

Yoga and Pranayama

Asanas beneficial for cold

Uttanasana (standing forward bend): It increases blood supply to head, respiratory system and clears the sinuses

Salamba Setu bandhasana (support bridge pose): It increases blood circulation to the upper body, thus relieving respiratory systems

Viparita karani (legs up the wall pose): It improves breathing and relieves cold symptoms

Salamba baddha konasana (supported bound angle pose): It improves circulation and opens up the blocked sinuses

Dhanurasana (bow pose): It improves breathing

Shavasana (corpse pose): It relaxes and energises the body and improves the immune system

Pranayama beneficial for cold

Dirga: It increases lung capacity and relieves the symptoms of cold

Nadi shodhana or Anulom-Vilom It  helps open up blocked nose and increases lung capacity

Kapalabhati: It improves blood circulation to the lungs and unclogs the respiratory tract

Bhastrika pranayama: It clears the nasal passage of mucus

Ujjayi pranayama: It increases lung capacity and expels toxins from the body

Naturopathy and Cold

Naturopathy aims at building the immunity. A healthy immune system is the best to prevention against cold and nutrition is the key to a healthy immune system.

Treatment of Cold in Naturopathy


“Eat healthy and light”, low fat and low carbohydrate diet is advised during an episode of cold

  • Hydration is the weapon used to fight a common cold; it could be in the form of fruit or vegetable juices, ginger tea, soup or just plain warm water.
  • Dairy, alcohol, bottled beverages are to be avoided completely.
  • Food rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, bioflavonoid, beta carotene and zinc should be taken to prevent an episode of cold or can be taken in the form of dietary supplement.

Lifestyle modifications

  • Avoiding triggers factors is the best way to avoid cold
  • Maintaining a clean surrounding is of utmost importance
  • Breathing exercise and yoga can be beneficial to reduce chronic cold
  • Practising nasal irrigation with warm salt water every morning and night clears congestion by removing the mucus and reduces inflammation.

Botanical herbs

Astragalus, Echinacea, Licorice, Lomatium, St John’s Wort herbs have potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory and an immunomodulator properties.

Osha: It strengthens the immune system and clears the airway of mucus

Oregon grape: It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.

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