The Monsoon brings a respite from the summer heat. However, a plethora of infections and diseases like flu, cough, cold, malaria, typhoid, dengue, pneumonia is also common during this time of the year. With the entire world already fighting a pandemic, this year the monsoon brings forward a bigger challenge than before.
Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, Sowa-Rigpa and Naturopathy agree on the fact that this time of the year, with changes in weather and increase in microorganisms, our body’s immune system becomes weak. This makes us more susceptible to all kinds of viral, bacterial and fungal Infections. By following some simple precautionary measures and making some simple changes to our lifestyles, we can easily improve our immunity and prepare the body to fight the common monsoon ailments.
Some common monsoon ailments, their preventions and treatments.
1. Common Cold and Cough:
Symptoms include running nose, sneezing, headache, and recurrent sore throat.
Prevention: These can be prevented by keeping the body warm and washing hands frequently. Intake of golden milk (haldimilk), concoctions and warm foods strengthen the body’s immunity. Yoga asanas like kapalbhati and pranayama improves respiratory health.
Treatment: Gargling with warm saline water, steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil and hot foot bath relieves chest congestion, reduces headache and soothes inflammation. Homoeopathic medicines like Aconite, Belladonna and Euphrasia can be taken in consultation with a Homoeopathic physician.
2. Stomach Infections Including Amoebiasis:
Common symptoms are stomach ache, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, headache, fever, lack of appetite.
Prevention: Can be prevented by avoiding eating out, drinking only clean water and washing hands before every meal.
Treatment: One needs to stay hydrated by taking plenty of fluids. Consumption of Ginger by adding it to food or tea helps reduce nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Applying a paste of hing (a safetida) or hing water in and around the naval is known to relieve pain. In Homoeopathy, medicines like NuxVom, Ipecacuanha can be used to get relief.
3. Mosquito-borne Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunia are quite common during the monsoon due to accumulation of water. The common symptoms are fever, fever with chills, muscle pain and weakness.
Prevention:
The best way to fight mosquito-borne diseases is by preventing it. Applying karpooradi thailam (Neem oil) on exposed skin parts works as an excellent mosquito repellant. Fumigation with lemongrass, nochi leaves and neem leaves repels mosquitoes from home. Not letting water accumulate in the surroundings, using a mosquito net, and spraying DDT in drains are other ways of prevention.
Treatment:
General treatment includes taking rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Papaya and giloy juice can be taken as they increase platelet count and improve immunity. Fenugreek water is also beneficial since it is known to bring down fever and boost immunity. Homoeopathic medicines like Natrum Muriaticum and Eupatorium Perfoliatum can be taken in consultation with a Homoeopathic physician.
Ref – AYUSH
