Banish Coughs, Colds and Flu with Ayurvedic Remedies

Amrita Madevi, 46, has led a globetrotting, cosmopolitan existence and has decades of experience in the wellness realm. From giving birth in Uzbekistan to travelling in Vancouver, California and Mexico with her spiritual healer husband and three children she’s certainly living the dream. Since 2012 she’s been based in Majorca and after having done a Ayurvedic Diploma course she set up a cleansing retreat and Ayurvedic cookery school on this jewel-like island.

For those not familiar with Ayurveda its an ancient Indian system of knowledge whereby food is used as healing medicine. “Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga,” explains Amrita, “It’s about whole foods, cooking from scratch and treating the root cause of ailments, illnesses and health conditions. Amrita does bespoke work with most of her clients - ascertaining which of the 5 elements and doshas compose their bodies and constitutions and devising a diet for them that works with this combination. “Other diets are one size fits all but an Ayurvedic diet is unique for everyone.”

However the following remedies are recommended for everyone.

• Cinnamon ‘Lick’

  “Cinnamon really helps with phlegm on the chest and clearing airways,” continues Amrita. “It’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti fungal and anti inflammation. if you’ve got inflammation in your respiratory tract it will speed up the recovery time.”

  Simply mix 2 tbsp cinnamon powder with 4 tbsp raw honey (non processed/heated honey found in health food shops) until they form a smooth paste. Lick 4 tsp of this per day

• Turmeric Latte or Turmeric ‘Golden Milk’

  “Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and anti-microbial due to a substance in it called curcumin,” says Amrita. “Simply add a tablespoon of turmeric to milk and heat with a pinch of black pepper. You can also use almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk if you’re vegan or non dairy.”

• Ginger Tea

  “This is a treasured Ayurvedic recipe. It helps colds and coughs, cuts through mucus and warms up digestion - creates appetite via digestive enzymes. Simply macerate chopped up or grated raw ginger in hot water and drink.”

• Sage and honey cough syrup

  Mix fresh or dried sage with raw honey “It’s anti-bacterial and anti-microbial,” explains Amrita “and raw honey has amazing benefits for the respiratory tract.” She used to make this for her children when they were young.

And can I just add, I hope you all feel better!