Sneezing, coughing, running nose or stuffy nose, fever, headache, sore throat and body aches, everyone has experienced these symptoms in their life once or many times. Flu (influenza) is the most common viral infection which is due to influenza viruses. Normally flu gets resolved on its own in few days but in severe cases it may lead to the serious health complications like pneumonia, bronchitis and sinusitis. Encephalitis may also occur which is manifested when flu viruses enter the brain and may cause the bleeding and damage to nerve cell.
To manage the symptoms of flu, there are various herbs in ayurveda like Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shirish (Albezzia lebbock), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Anantmool (Tylphora asthmatica), Twak (Cinnnamomum zeylanica), Bharangi (Clerodandrum serratum), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Haridra (Curcuma longa) which are very beneficial to manage the flu. These herbs are packed with antipyretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to provide relief in the symptoms associated with flu. Moreover these herbs help to maintain the healthy immune system and increase the body's capability to fight against the bacteria and viruses. Though herbs take time to show their effects but their results are long lasting without any side effects.
Flu or influenza is the viral infection which mainly affect our respiratory system. For most of people, influenza resolves at its own but in severe cases complications associated with influenza can be deadly. Flu occurs due to influenza virus type A, B and C in which type A and B are responsible for seasonal epidemic of flu. These viruses are contagious as these are present as droplet air and spread from person to person through talking, sneezing and coughing. Some people get infected by coming in contact with contaminated objects.
According to Ayurveda there are three energies - vata, pitta and kapha which are important to maintain a healthy body. Imbalance of any of three energies results in the health complications. Flu (influenza) is the due to the imbalance of kapha and vata energies. Vitiation of kapha dosha results in the nasal congestion and sneezing. Whereas vitiation of vata impairs the body's digestive fire which results in chills and fever.
From the Ayurvedic perspective management of flu, is done by pacifying aggravated kapha and vata dosha.