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6 Ayurvedic Cold and Flu Remedies That Help Me Stay Healthy Every Winter

Writer's picture: Veena Haasl-BlilieVeena Haasl-Blilie

As winter and the holidays approach, the likelihood of catching a cold or flu increases, often disrupting our daily lives. Over the years, I've discovered many remedies, but nothing beats Ayurveda's approach. This ancient practice provides natural solutions that not only enhance immunity but also ease the symptoms of respiratory infections. Below, I share six Ayurvedic remedies that I rely on during winter to stay healthy and resilient.


Woman in a black beanie smiling in snowy forest at sunset. Sunlight glows through trees, creating a warm, serene atmosphere.


1. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk)


Turmeric milk, affectionately known as golden milk, is one of my top remedies. Turmeric contains curcumin, which research shows can reduce inflammation by up to 30%. This powerful antioxidant helps fight cold and flu symptoms.


How to Prepare:

  • Ingredients: 1 cup plant-based milk, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and honey.

  • Method: Warm the milk in a saucepan. Stir in the turmeric and black pepper. Once warm, add honey. Drink this soothing mix before bedtime as part of an Ayurvedic evening routine. It promotes better sleep and boosts your immune system.


Not only does turmeric milk provide warmth, but it also creates a natural barrier against infections.



2. Ginger Honey Lemon Tea


Ginger is widely recognized in Ayurveda for its health benefits, especially during cold and flu season. Studies show that ginger can enhance immune function, improve circulation, reduce ama, and balance agni. Whenever I notice early signs of illness, ginger tea is my first choice.


How to Prepare:

  • Ingredients: Fresh ginger root (1-2 inches), 2 cups of water, honey and lemon.

  • Method: Slice the ginger and add it to boiling water. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain, then add honey or lemon. All three ingredients work together to burn up ama, increase circulation, soothe sore throats, and clear mucus. Sip this tea throughout the day to stay hydrated and fight off illness.


    "Flush those toxins (ama) out with this power-water." -Veena


This warm beverage is not only soothing for sore throats but also serves as a digestive aid., stoking the important digestive fire, or agni.


3. Tulsi (Holy Basil) Infusion


Tulsi, often called holy basil, is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic qualities. It helps combat stress while enhancing the immune system. Rich in antioxidants, tulsi leaves exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it a formidable ally against colds and flu. It's also gently warming and relaxing.


How to Prepare:

  • Ingredients: Fresh or dried tulsi leaves, 2 cups of water or substitute tulsi tea bag.

  • Method: Boil water and add tulsi leaves. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and add honey. Regularly drinking tulsi infusion can uplift your mood and strengthen your immune response.


Incorporating this herbal drink into my Ayurvedic daily routine not only boosts immunity but also provides a calming effect.


Woman in green sweater inhaling steam from a bowl under a gray blanket. Bright room, relaxed expression, focus on steaming bowl.


4. Herbal Steam Inhalation


Nasal congestion is commonplace during winter. To alleviate this, I frequently use spiced steam inhalation. This method effectively clears sinuses and offers respiratory relief.


How to Prepare:

  • Ingredients: Boiling water, a handful of fresh mint leaves, a few drops of eucalyptus oil (optional).

  • Method: In a large bowl, mix boiling water with mint leaves and eucalyptus oil. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap steam, inhaling deeply for about 10 minutes. This method helps open nasal passages and offers a refreshing experience.


This simple ritual not only provides immediate relief but also warms the chest and sinuses, promoting overall comfort.


Ayurvedic Snot Analysis Chart with a nose illustration, showing mucus colors: clear, green, yellow, white, red, brown. Includes ayurvedic info.


5. Honey and Lemon


As winter rolls in, I turn to the refreshing mix of honey and lemon juice. Honey is known for its soothing, antimicrobial, and mucus breaking up properties, while lemon is packed with vitamin C, crucial for boosting immunity.


How to Prepare:

  • Ingredients: 1-2 tablespoons of honey, juice of 1 lemon.

  • Method: Combine honey and lemon juice in a glass of warm water. Drinking this tonic in the morning sets a positive tone for the day ahead and contributes to overall wellness.


This blend serves as both an illness deterrent and a natural cough suppressant, making it a must during winter.


6. Hot Water


"At the very first hint of feeling off, and you're coming down with something, start sipping hot water frequently throughout the day. Continue this for at least three days and hopefully you'll flush out that ama (toxins) that are building up and trying to take you down."

-Veena, Saumya Ayurveda


Related Reading: Ayurvedic Snot Color Chart


Staying Healthy This Winter


Experiencing winter and the holiday get togethers does not have to be overwhelming when you have these Ayurvedic remedies at your disposal. Each of these methods is easy to prepare and is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic principles, which emphasize balance and natural healing. Adding these practices to my winter seasonal regime has significantly helped me stay healthy and energized throughout the season.


When winter winds pick up and the risk of illness increases, these time-tested remedies are my go-to solutions for strengthening my immune system and alleviating seasonal discomfort. I encourage you to try these remedies this winter and discover the benefits for yourself!


Let me know how you do with my 6 Ayurvedic Cold and Flu Remedies That Help Me Stay Healthy Every Winter.



 

5 Ayurvedic Cold and Flu Remedies That Help Me Stay Healthy Every Winter


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“I highly recommend Veena Blilie (Saumya Ayurveda). She has helped me so much in leading a life of recovery.

I had been dealing with an ongoing illness since 2016 that could not be diagnosed--even after a slew of tests. Between 2016-2019, I was constantly getting sick with severe colds/flu that would last for 2-3 months, I was not able to eat more than a small amount of food.

I consulted with Veena at the beginning of 2019. Since then, I have only been sick a few times with it lasting only a few days.  This seems to only happen when I haven’t been following Veena’s recommendations.

I can’t emphasize how important this has been to me in building my immune system and staying healthy. Just wanted to share.”

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“Veena has helped my overall health improve in many ways. We addressed my health concerns using food, oils, lifestyle, and herbs that best support me. I used to have chronic sinus infections and in the first year of her care, I didn't have one. 

 

She also works with my emotional health.  My anxiety has decreased significantly and I'm almost completely free of it! Emotional ups and downs are gone.  

 

Veena teaches you what to eat and drink to maintain balance from one season to the next. I'm amazed that learning what foods to eat, which teas to drink, and the herbal treatments helped mental health as well and my physical body. 

 

I highly recommend seeing Veena if you are looking for better physical and emotional health.”       –M.B.,  Minnesota


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MEET VEENA: YOUR AYURVEDIC GUIDE

Veena is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and meditation teacher, and monk.


She is President Emeritus and teaching faculty of the Meditation Center.


Veena fell in love with the traditional medicine used in her family’s home, learning herbal remedies at her grandmother's knee.


An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Veena’s deep, intuitive knowledge of Ayurveda empowers her clients to reclaim their fullest, most vibrant lives –mentally, physically, and spiritually.


Veena individualizes treatment plans to each person, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, so it fits your life and becomes woven in your lifestyle, naturally.



Please note: Saumya Ayurveda does not recommend using herbs as if they were over the counter or prescribed pharmaceuticals. An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner will create you a custom herbal formula, special nasya, and customized Ayurveda plan to support the whole you.


Herbs are not Ayurvedic because it comes from India. Nor it is correct for you because it is organic. Herbs become Ayurvedic when used as part your customized Ayurveda plan which is carefully tailored for your constitution. An herb that is balancing to one person for a concern, may be imbalancing to another.

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