Monsoons tempt us to indulge in unhealthy food like fried snacks and roadside chaat. It also makes us susceptible to various ailments like colds, cough, sore throats and stomach-related ailments like indigestion. However, you don't have to pop pills each time you feel under the weather. Keeping a few herbs handy can help you cure these ailments in a jiffy.
Apart from that, remember to avoid junk food, raw food or food that has been left uncovered for long. Also avoid fried food items and aerated drinks. Here are some herbs that will keep monsoon-related ailments at bay.
Tulsi: Tulsi or the holy basil has multiple uses. It is proven to provide relief for respiratory problems, coughs and colds. It is also known to help movement of mucus and give relief from chest congestion. To cure cough, boil 8-10 tulsi leaves in a cup of water, add 1-2 cloves of garlic to it, a small piece of ginger and a few pepper corns. Add honey to this solution and drink it every morning.
Coriander: Coriander is another useful herb to stock during monsoons. It is a good digestive aid and has anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, if you tend to suffer from joint pains and headaches due to sinus, a brew of coriander powder with dry ginger in hot water will do you good.
Guduchi: Our immunity tends to lower with the onset of monsoons. Naturally, with increased breeding of bacteria and germs, one is prone to various infections. Guduchi is known to give your immunity a boost. It helps maintain sufficient levels of white blood cells that improves the body's ability to recover from an illness. Guduchi or Giloy can be had in juice or powder form. Either way, it is a great remedy for fever and indigestion.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is another herb that helps boost immunity and improve your energy levels. Ashwagandha powder, when mixed with warm milk and honey, can help you get peaceful sleep. It is also known to ease constipation and other gastronomical issues.
Mint: Mint can help you destress. It can also cure loss of appetite. Mint leaves posses anti-inflammatory properties and help treat headaches and asthma. Boil 3-4 mint leaves in a cup of water and drink it with or without honey.
Panikoorka: Mexican mint or panikoorka is another healing herb. Not only does it help cure urine infection and respiratory ailments, it is also a great remedy for painful sinuses. It is popular among parents as a cure for fever for kids, as it is natural and don't have any side effects. The leaves are crushed and mixed with jaggery for instant relief from cold and fever.
