There is no doubt that it is that time of the year… Colds and Flues. I’m not sure about you, but everyone around me is sick. Most of them have a runny nose and a soar throat. With the change of seasons, the instability of climate, and everyone else being sick, you are more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. The climate this time of the year tends to become colder and drier. Both of these qualities will aggravate Vata. Some external signs of an imbalanced Vata are dry skin, excess fatigue, itchy skin, dandruff, sinus and other upper respiratory infections, as well as soar throats. Most likely, your cold and soar throat will be due to an imbalanced Vata.

You know that it’s that time of the year and you know that you don’t have time to get sick. So here are some remedies or preventive measures according to Ayurveda that you can take when you feel like you may be coming down with something.

1) Drink lots of water.
2) Have lots of fresh fruit, such as oranges and pomegranates. Oranges are high in vitamin C and pomegranates are excellent anti-oxidants.
3) Keep an eye on your digestion. As long as your digestion stays strong, your immunity will not be compromised.
4) Sleep! In order for your body’s immune system to remain strong, it must have adequate rest to be able to effectively tackle foreign invaders.
5) Drink hot water with fresh holy basil leaves, ginger, and lemon. This combination will effectively battle any cold and soar throat.

Everyone may be sick around you, but taking just a little bit of extra care with your health will really help you out. Because remember, prevention is always easier and better than cure!