Patna: A strong wave of cold has settled across the state, and many districts are reporting dangerous levels of air pollution. Hospitals and clinics have begun seeing more patients suffering from sneezing, coughing, sore throats, constipation and breathing problems. People who already have asthma, bronchitis or weak immunity are finding it even harder to cope with the sudden change in weather and rising pollution. Doctors are advising the public to take extra care this season and adopt simple habits that can easily be followed at home.
According to Dr Amarendra Kumar Singh from the Government Ayurvedic College, many winter-related problems can be reduced by following a seasonal diet and a proper daily routine. He explains that a light massage with mustard oil from head to toe helps maintain body warmth, while putting one or two drops of Anu oil or mustard oil in the nostrils every morning protects the respiratory tract. Sunbathing for half an hour boosts immunity naturally. He also recommends practising breathing exercises like Anulom-Vilom and Kapalabhati under expert guidance. Taking steam at night, he says, is a simple way to keep the lungs healthy during this polluted season.
Ayurvedic doctors emphasise that winter foods play a major role in protecting the body. Dr Arvind Kumar Chaurasia, Head of the Pediatrics Department, says that hot, liquid and slightly oily foods are best for this time of year. Amla, now in season, is an excellent source of vitamin C and should be included in daily meals. Turmeric milk is helpful for children, as it keeps colds and coughs away. Traditional remedies such as garlic and celery cooked in mustard oil, with a pinch of camphor added later, are widely used for massaging children to keep them warm. Foods like ginger-jaggery pudding, sesame laddus and small amounts of dry ginger help maintain body heat and energy.
Digestion often becomes weak in winter, and this can lead to constipation, heaviness and gas. Dr Arun Kumar Singh, Superintendent-in-Charge of the Government Ayurvedic College, explains that during cold weather, enzyme activity slows down and people also tend to drink less water. He advises drinking lukewarm water throughout the day and eating fresh, home-cooked meals with minimal oil and spices. Green vegetables, salads and warm foods support good digestion. Taking one teaspoon of ghee in warm water or cow’s milk before going to bed can also help. Eating soaked fenugreek seeds in the morning helps balance vata and kapha, which is beneficial for many winter health issues.
To ease sore throats, colds and the effects of pollution, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend several easy home remedies. These include dried ginger or raw turmeric cooked with jaggery, warm water mixed with celery or dried ginger, and sucking on small pieces of licorice for throat relief. A mix of pipri, dried ginger and black pepper can also help clear the respiratory tract. For overall strength, tonics such as Kanthakari avaleha, Chyavanprash and turmeric milk are advised. Doctors say that by adopting these simple routines and foods, people can stay healthier and more energetic throughout winter despite the harsh cold and rising pollution levels.
