Cold / Rhinitis

Today we explain cold, Rhinitis and excessive phlegm (kapha accumulation) in the respiratory tract from the Ayurvedic perspective, including its causes, symptoms, dosha involvement, and general treatment approach.

Condition Overview: Cold with Excessive Phlegm (Kapha Pradhana Pratishyaya)

In Ayurveda, common cold with excessive phlegm is often categorized under Pratishyaya (rhinitis), with a predominant involvement of the Kapha dosha, sometimes combined with Vata or Pitta depending on the nature of symptoms.

Dosha Involvement

• Kapha Dosha – Primary; causes mucus overproduction, congestion, heaviness.
• Vata Dosha – Often associated; causes sneezing, dryness, or chills.
• Pitta Dosha – May be involved if there is yellow mucus, fever, or burning sensation.

Causes (Nidana)

Ahara (Dietary factors):

• Excess intake of dairy (milk, curd, cheese).
• Cold, heavy, oily, or sweet foods.
• Excess cold drinks, ice cream.

Vihara (Lifestyle factors):

• Exposure to cold wind or weather.
• Sleeping during the day (divaswapna).
• Inadequate sleep or excessive wakefulness.

Other Triggers:

• Allergens, pollutants, or seasonal changes (especially Shishira and Vasanta Ritu—late winter/spring).

Symptoms (Lakshana)

• Nasal congestion.
• Runny nose (clear or thick white mucus).
• Chest congestion.
• Productive cough.
• Sneezing.
• Heaviness in head and chest.
• Occasional low-grade fever (if Pitta is involved).

Ayurvedic Samprapti (Pathogenesis)

Due to the above nidanas, Kapha gets aggravated and accumulates in the respiratory tract, particularly in the Uras (chest), Kantha (throat), and Shira (head) regions, obstructing normal Vata movement. This leads to excessive mucus production, congestion, and cough.

Management (Chikitsa)

The treatment focuses on Kapha-Vata shamana (pacifying Kapha and Vata) and Amapachana (digesting toxins).

 1. Shodhana (Detox – if strong patient)

• Nasya (Nasal drops) with medicated oils like Anu Taila or Shadbindu Taila.
• Vamana Karma (therapeutic emesis) – in chronic or recurrent cases.

 2. Shamana (Palliative treatment)

Herbal Remedies:

• Sitopaladi Churna – Balances Kapha, improves respiration.
• Talisadi Churna – Useful in cough and throat irritation.
• Trikatu Churna (Dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper) – Powerful Kapha-reducer.
• Vyoshadi Vatakam – Effective for chronic cold and cough.
• Haridra (Turmeric) with honey or warm milk.
• Tulsi, Ginger, Black Pepper tea for daily support.

Kashayam (Herbal Decoctions):

• Dashamoola Kashaya
• Kantakari Kashaya
• Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) – Excellent for clearing phlegm.

Lepa (external applications):

• Warm mustard oil with camphor applied on chest and back.

 3. Pathya-Apathya (Diet & Lifestyle):

 Pathya (Recomended):

• Warm water and food
• Light, easily digestible meals (mung soup, rice gruel)
• Herbal teas (ginger, tulsi)
• Steamed vegetables, warm spices

Apathya (To Avoid):

• Cold or refrigerated food/drinks
• Milk and milk products (esp. curd, cheese)
• Heavy, oily, and sweet food
• Daytime sleeping

 Supportive Therapies

• Steam inhalation with tulsi, lemon leaves, Ardathoda leaves or eucalyptus.
• Pranayama like Anulom Vilom and Kapalabhati to clear the sinuses and strengthen the lungs.
• Yoga Asanas: Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, and Matsyasana are helpful in clearing respiratory congestion.

Summary Table