We will feature ayurvedic tips how to beat bad breath and on teeth whitening.

NEXT WEEK . . . SUGGESTIONS FOR COLDS, COUGHS AND SINUS CONGESTION

DECREASED immunity, excess of water/earth (Kapha) in the body due to improper food and activities, dry or irritated sinuses and mucous membranes, and poor digestion leading to toxins in the body are some of the reasons for colds, coughs and sinus congestion.

HOME REMEDIES

To help prevent a cold from developing:

Favour warm foods that tend to reduce congestion, such as non-creamy soups, steamed or lightly sautéed vegetables, whole grains and less oily foods; introduce more of the bitter, pungent and astringent tastes into your diet.

Reduce cold food, oily food, milk, cheese, eggs and yoghurt; desserts made from flour, sugar and fat; fatty meats, and food with sweet, sour and salty tastes.

Sip hot water throughout the day.

Place two drops of warm sesame oil into your nostrils. Repeat this 2-3 times daily, especially before taking a bath or shower or eating.

Use natural immune boosters such as triphala and ginger.

Warm up your internal environment by enjoying regular moderate and appropriate exercise.

Regular massages can also strengthen immunity.

Eat lightly, and only when you are hungry, or fast for a day, if that feels comfortable.

Gargle with salt water or a quarter teaspoon of turmeric dissolved in hot water.

Make a strong tea of cinnamon, cloves and ginger and use as a facial steam inhalation.

Make a paste using a quarter to half teaspoon of turmeric and honey, or ground black pepper with honey, which can be taken 2-3 times a day.

One cup organic milk boiled with a third of a teaspoon of turmeric and a little dry ginger powder is a delicious and effective remedy for congestion.

For sweating, take a very hot salt bath, drink a spicy herbal tea and get straight into bed under blankets.

Boil a teaspoonful of ginger powder or eucalyptus leaves in a litre of water and inhale the steam.

Apply eucalyptus oil to the sides of your nose or inhale a pinch of calamus root powder.

Add a pinch of salt with two pinches of turmeric powder to a glass of warm water and gargle.

Chew a clove with a piece of rock candy.

Take basil decoction or basil juice with honey.

For a persistent cough, put a half teaspoonful of ginger powder, a pinch of clove, a pinch of cinnamon powder and honey in a cup of boiled water and drink it as tea.