Haridra or Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a well known herb known to the whole world in terms of its medicinal and therapeutic actions it has on various ailments. Indians need to feel really proud for having it as a basic essential in their kitchens. It is also auspicious and divine as per Indian standards, used in many rituals and ceremonies like worshiping Gods on a daily basis and in Marriages.
Haridra: Turmeric
Haridra and Haridra Choorna: Turmeric and its powder
One of the common health problems which is frequent and most disturbing is Coryza / Rhinitis. This is a condition which features excessive discharges or build up of mucus in the nose or throat caused by common cold or hay fever, associated with swelling (inflammation) of the mucous membrane of the nose (catarrh).
Common cold and its symptoms like nasal discharges, sneezes, blocks, throat irritation, mild to moderate fever and cough etc are generally seasonal or caused due to pollution or one or the other type of allergy.
There is no chance that we might have missed out on this torture and most of us would have had many visits..and anticipating many more in lifetime….
Have you tried smelling Turmeric during a cold attack?
If not….it is worth trying….
You would have tried many remedies and would have been fed up with taking medicines, wetting handkerchiefs and taking leave’s during cold attacks…
Haridra Dhooma or Turmeric fumes have quickly relieved millions of troublesome noses in India since ages. All uneducated and educated granny’s over a period of evolution have advocated this simple and yet highly effective remedy for cold.
What do we need?
- ¼ to ½ spoon of Pure Turmeric powder
- Small piece of cotton
- Small Earthen Crucible
- Matchbox
- Big Blanket
- Spit bowl
- Kerchief or Tissue papers or napkin
How to do it?
- Take a pinch or more of pure Turmeric powder.
- Place a small piece of sterile cotton in an earthen crucible
- Put the Turmeric powder over the cotton piece
- Lit fire to the cotton
- As the fumes arise cover the blanket atop your head and inhale the fumes deep in
Note: After litting the fire to the cotton you may close the crucible with another crucible with a small slit at the centre. This will monitor the quantity of fumes coming.
Effect:
- As you inhale the fumes, discharges from the nose start flowing aggressively
- Throat secretions start coming up along with a couple of bouts of cough
- Keep spitting in the spit bowl
- Use napkin or tissue or handkerchief to clean your nose and wipe the sweat from face
- Take short breaks in between and continue taking the fumes until the head, nose and throat gets light and clear
Uses:
- Relieves symptoms of Catarrh / Cold / Rhinitis / Coryza – like Running nose (Discharges from the nose), Throat discharges and irritation, Nose blocks due to swelling of mucus membrane (congestion) etc
- Useful in Allergic Rhinitis also
- Useful in mild to moderate wheezing or phlegm blocks in the chest as in Asthma etc.
Caution:
- The procedure might look weird and it really takes on your nerves while doing it, but the relief you get at the end is worth experiencing. If you feel chocked or suffocated at the beginning, just give up
- Do not try it on infants and children, they might get scared
- Those having chronic illness pertaining to heart, chest and brain should take caution. Better to avoid or do it under supervision
- Pregnant women may avoid doing the Dhooma procedure
- Close your eyes while taking the fumes
- After the procedure do not take anything cold nor wash your face immediately with cold water
Disclaimer:
- Though it is an age old healing tip, not everyone will tolerate the procedure
- Know your disease before trying anything, Take tips from an experienced Ayurveda doctor before trying
- The procedure will definitely relieve the local symptoms and make you feel better but you may require some disease modifying herbal medicine and something for your immunity. Your Ayurveda doctor will be the right person to guide.
- Essential diet and lifestyle corrections is necesary
Prevention or intervention…when you think of handling things in a natural way…think of AYURVEDA
For Health Awareness
By: Dr Raghuram Y.S.
MD(Ayurveda)
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Ph: +91-9480071422
Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com
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