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Respiratory Infections • Ayurveda

Influenza (Vāta-Kapha Jvara)

Viral illness causing fever, cough and body aches. Ayurveda relates flu patterns to cool, moist Kapha with disturbed Vāta, digestive fire (Agni) suppression and toxin (Āma) build-up. Explore definition, causes, symptoms, lifestyle guidance, and home remedies.

Sanskrit terms are always shown.

Definition

Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms are typically stronger than the common cold.

In Ayurveda, seasonal fevers are grouped under Jvara. Flu commonly presents a Vāta–Kapha pattern: excess cool, moist Kapha with disturbed Vāta and dampened Agni, allowing Āma (toxic residue) to accumulate.

Causes

  • Infection by influenza A/B viruses
  • Spread via droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces
  • Higher risk with close contact, crowded indoor spaces
  • Weakened Agni → formation of Āma that stagnates in respiratory srotas
  • Aggravated Kapha (cold, damp) and disturbed Vāta (chills, dryness)
  • Seasonal, sleep and diet errors lowering Ojas (vital resilience)

Symptoms

  • Runny/blocked nose, sore throat, cough
  • Fever, chills, fatigue, headache
  • Aching muscles and joints

Ayurvedic View

Pacify Kapha, stabilize Vāta, rekindle Agni, clear Āma, and support Ojas. Gentle sweating, warm fluids, and light easily digested foods are typical first-line measures.

Care focuses on clearing mucus (kapha śamana), restoring peripheral circulation and digestion, and rest. Where appropriate, clinicians may individualize therapies including steam inhalation, warm gargles, and light pācana (digestive herbs).

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

  • Sleep 7–8 hours; maintain hydration with warm water, broths, and herbal teas.
  • Prefer light, warm meals (soups, kichari, soft-cooked grains/vegetables). Avoid cold, heavy, oily foods.
  • Moderate movement only; rest more on feverish days.
  • Consider gentle steam inhalation and warm saline gargles for throat/nasal comfort.
  • If advised by your clinician, observe home isolation to reduce spread.

Home Remedies

Tea

Ginger–Fennel–Cinnamon

Add just under ½ tsp each ginger powder, fennel seeds, cinnamon and a pinch of clove to a cup of hot water; steep ~10 min, strain, sip warm.

Support

Honey–Ginger

Small spoon of ginger juice with honey a few times daily may soothe cough*.

Traditional

Neem (seasonal use)

Some traditions use 3–5 fresh neem leaves for cleansing. Discuss with a practitioner first.

*Honey is not for children under 1 year. Remedies are supportive and not a substitute for medical care.

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