Winter Ailments

Symptoms Of Winter Ailments

Winter Ailment Symptoms

People living in regions that experience severe winters are prone to frostbite, chilblains, and hypothermia if they do not take adequate precautions to shield themselves from the cold. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and circulatory disorders find that their symptoms become aggravated, making winter one of the most painful seasons of the year.

Causes Of Winter Ailments

Winter Ailment Causes

Due to a lack of sunlight the immune system suffers. Contrary to popular belief, colds, coughs, sinusitis and the flu are not caused by dipping temperatures, it is the lowered immunity that makes people more susceptible to these infections and allergies. Extreme cold can lower the body temperature below the required level and impair body functions leading to hypothermia. Fingers and toes often suffer from frost bite, which is painful and can cause irreparable tissue damage. People allergic to indoor allergens such as mold, dust mites, a protein found in skin flakes, saliva and the urine of pet animals, have a difficult time combating the symptoms. Since most of the time people tend to stay indoors to avoid the freezing cold, these allergies last long; sometimes for as long as the allergen is present. Runny and itchy noses, watery eyes, wheezing, coughs, dark circles under the eyes, and hay fever are all typical allergic reactions. Though antibiotics provide immediate relief from ailments, they lower immunity and have many side effects. Home remedies are best to treat ailments as they do not have any side effect and maintain essential bacteria which are required for overall immunity.

Home Remedies For Winter Ailments

Winter Ailments Home Remedies And Cures

1) To combat winter allergies, simmer half teaspoon each of Echinacea root and marshmallow in two cups of water. Remove from heat and add one tsp of chamomile flowers, half a teaspoon of peppermint leaf, and a quarter teaspoon of ginger rhizome. Allow this concoction to steep for 15 minutes before straining it to retain the essence. Drink a cup or two cups of this herbal tea as a remedy for skin allergies.
2) Another great home remedy is lime juice mixed with crushed poppy seeds and water in equal proportions. Rub this paste on affected parts.
3) The juices of herbs like cassia, henna, and holy basil can be applied topically to provide relief from skin allergens.
4) An all juice diet for four days coupled with herbs rich in vitamin C such as Acerola cherry and Rose hips help to build immunity and keep winter ailments at bay.
5) Breathing exercise provide ample oxygen to the body, which can flush toxins out of the body. Practice deep breathing for 15 minutes a day.
6) Two teaspoons of ginger juice mixed with one teaspoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric, if had two to three times a day, can help to relieve coughs.
7) Steam inhalations infused with Eucalyptus oil are a great way of clearing blocked sinuses.
8) Sage leaf provides relief from influenza related inflammation of the mucous membrane.
9) Two teaspoons each of honey and apple cider vinegar in hot water should be consumed every morning for relief from arthritic pains.
10) Hot vinegar or sandalwood paste can be applied topically to aching muscles and joints.
11) Ginkoba Biloba, Cayenne pepper, Evening Primrose Oil, Fish Oil, Rose Hips, and Acerola Cherry, taken orally, help to boost the circulatory system.

Diet for winter ailments

Winter Ailment Diet

The digestive capabilities are at their peak in the winter season and rich foods can be consumed with ease. Nutritious and energy rich winter foods must be consumed to help the body store energy for the remaining year. Warm foods such as soups, casseroles, stews, dried fruits, and fruits like papaya, pomegranate, and apples make for excellent choices. Milk and other dairy products are highly recommended since they have good bacteria, which build immunity. Add herbs like garlic, Echinacea, saffron, which build immunity and provide warmth to your diet. Sour and pungent foods, excess caffeine, and refined foods are best if avoided in excess. Shitkar, a well known fungus, is a natural vaccine for most diseases and can be taken everyday for increasing overall immunity.

Diet For Winter Ailments

Other Suggestions For Winter Ailments

Most importantly, ensure that you keep yourself warm and snug throughout these cold months. When you go out ensure that your head, ears, and chest are warmly covered. If anyone in the house has a cold, wash your hands every time you come into contact with that person. Keep yourself healthy, fit, and happy, and rejoice in the festivities that are a part and parcel of every winter.