The above mentioned common diseases are the biggest enemy of mankind. They are responsible for the highest number of working hours lost. Though they are not deadly, they make you most miserable. The common cold causes headache, coughing, sinusitis, tonsilitis, fever, bronchitis and when neglected may result even in deadly pneumonia. We must properly understand our body and ascertain the root cause of this common cold.
Our body consists of about 72% of water. Heat and cold have the same effect on the water inside our body as on the water outside. Our body also has an airconditioner as well as a heater. In summer or in winter, it maintains the temperature of 98.6° F (36.9°C). The water in our body gets heated during the day due to activity and due to outside temperature, while during the night, it cools down, creating moisture in the lungs or head. In Nature, it is thrown out in the form of dew. In the case of our body, it is thrown out by sneezing or watering of the nose in the morning. Therefore, sneezing in the morning is considered to be a sign of good health.
During the year the body tries to throw out excess water twice through sneezing and running of the nose, which is known as common cold. The phenomenon lasts for 3 to 5 days each time. One need not worry about such cold or try to stop it. It is jokingly remarked that in common colds if you take medicine, you will be all right within 6 days but if you do not take medicine you will be all right within 4 days.
Further, the water in the blood and the body is controlled by heat. The heat of the body depends upon one’s digestive power. So whenever the digestive system weakens the internal temperature goes down. This reduces the evaporation of water and gathering of excess water in the body. In turn this excess water reduces the heat, resulting in the congestion in the lungs, chest and throat. Whenever this water gets congested in the head, it causes headache. This cycle leads to tonsilitis, sinus trouble, bronchitis and fever. The excess of water is aggravated by cold drinks, heavy foods, sour things like curd, buttermilk, lemon and by exposing the body to cold winds or coldness through air-conditioning. All these add to the prolongation and aggravation of the disease.
Effect of the moon on the body : The moon is the satellite of the earth, and being very near to the earth, it has great effect on the water on the earth. The obvious proof of this is that the time of high and low tides changes daily alongwith the moon day.
From the rotation of the moon around the earth, you can observe that on the 4th, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, and 15th, 19th, 23rd, 26th and 29/30th of moon- days, the earth and our body come directly against the moon. At that time the water level in the sea and in our body rises. And so, on these moon days, in the Indian religions, particularly, in Jainism, people are advised-
( 1 ) to observe complete fast, (not to drink even water, if possible) or
( 2 ) to eat only once, or
( 3 ) to eat only twice, or
( 4 ) at least to avoid eating green vegetables (as they contain about 90% water) and thus control the water in the body, thereby reducing the chances of cold.
People suffering from chronic colds or sinus trouble or having allergy to cold should try to carry out as many of the above restrictions as possible. Moreover, these restrictions can be observed on a national scale in countries like U.K. and Japan where cold is quite common throughout the year.
It will also be observed that on the full moon day or the new moon day, the effect of the moon is most powerful. At that time owing to the aggravation of the water substance in the body, the heat in the body decreases and thereby the air content increases. It travels to the head and causes mental disturbances. Recently, a scientist in Chicago (U.S.A.) has confirmed the existence of such an effect of the moon on mental diseases. Therefore, the best treatment for cold is –
( 1) to reduce the intake of food containing much water.
( 2 ) to eat warm, light food.
( 3 ) to drink lukewarm health drink.
( 4 ) to gargle three times with salted lukewarm water.
( 5 ) to take the treatment on Point Nos. 1 to 7, 34 and 30.
( 6 ) to practise the sun pranayam.
Cold due to Heat : The other reason for headache and cold is sluggish hver. As a result of less biles, the food is not turned into alkali and so the acidity in the stomach and intestine which is called ‘Pitta’ increases. That leads to the warming of air in the stomach. This heated air occupies the empty spaces in the head and the face. Now during the day, whenever this heated air is cooled, due to the cold wind, the running of fan over the head or sitting in an air conditioned place, it gathers moisture and becomes water. This cooled water contracts the nerves leading to headache and sinus trouble.
When the accumulated cold starts coming down, it irritates the throat and the nose and leads to tonsils and causes sneezing and running of water through the nose. In such a cold, the chest is clear. Now, in such cases of cold, any pain reliever upsets the stomach and in the long run leads to ulcer and hyper-acidity. It is observed that this type of cold is aggravated in summer and autumn. At such a time, when pressed, there is a pain on Point No. 28 of the Adrenal gland.
The best way to remove this excess of heat from the system is to take Harde powder (powder of Terminalia, Chebula Retz). In 2 to 3 grams of this powder add 1 gram of sugar. Take this the first thing in the morning with lukewarm water. This may cause one or two loose motions. This treatment is to be continued for a week, and afterwards only once or twice a week. If such powder is not available, drink one glass of water or fruit juice or one cup of green juice the first thing in the morning after cleaning the mouth.
Secondly, all points connected with cold are to be pressed i.e. Nos. 1 to 7, 30 and 34.
Thirdly, the points of the Adrenal gland, liver, gall bladder, stomach and Solar Plexus i.e. Point Nos. 28, 23, 22, 27 and 29 are to be pressed.
Fourthly, in the case of an old complaint, it is useful to take the following medicine for 4 weeks. It helps the digestive system.
Nux Vomica 200-4 pills twice in a day but once a week
Nux Vomica 12 or 30- 3 to 4 pills – twice daily (Homeopathic medicine)
It is claimed by The Indian Ayurvedic Science that Harde powder is not habit-forming and can be safely given to small children duly mixed with honey. This can solve many a problem connected with constipation. Moreover, it is claimed that if Harde powder is taken regularly for 45 to 60 days the first thing in the morning and lukewarm water is drunk throughout the day, it helps a lot in reducing the fat in the body. During such a course, light food is to be taken only twice a day, after having at least two loose motions.