Jwara (fever) is the body’s natural way of burning ‘ama’. Generally the common cold is often associated with the cold and damp qualities of kapha and ama (toxins), which cause symptoms such as low appetite, nasal or chest congestion, malaise, and sometimes mild to moderate fever.

Colds are caused by viruses in the upper respiratory tract. Many young children can get 6 to 8 colds per year. Symptoms of a cold (including runny nose, congestion, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, watery eyes, fever) may last for up to ten days. Green mucus in the nose does not automatically mean that antibiotics are needed; common colds never need antibiotics. However, if a sinus infection is suspected, your doctor will carefully decide whether antibiotics are the best choice based on your child's symptoms and a physical exam.

• Ayurveda suggests Warm Mahanarayan or sesame oil mixed with a pinch of rock or black salt, can be massaged onto the chest followed by a eucalyptus steam inhalation to relieve severe congestion.
• It is really helpful to do fumigation or *pottali sek* (warm poultice) with carom seeds. It helps to open the blocked airways. Carom seeds are the seeds of the ajwain herb or Trachyspermum Ammi. They are common in Indian cuisine.
• Although referred to as “seeds,” carom seeds are the fruit of the ajwain herb. Carom seeds have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. They also improve airflow to the lungs.

Sore throats are common in children and can be painful. However, a sore throat that is caused by a virus does not need antibiotics. In those cases, no specific medicine is required, and your child should get better in seven to ten days. In other cases, a sore throat could be caused by an infection called streptococcal (strep throat).

Strep cannot be accurately diagnosed by simply looking at the throat. A lab test or in-office rapid strep test, which includes a quick swab of the throat, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of strep. If positive for strep, your paediatrician will prescribe an antibiotic. It's very important that your child take the antibiotic for the full course, as prescribed, even if the symptoms get better or go away. Babies and toddlers rarely get strep throat, but they are more likely to become infected by streptococcus bacteria if they are in child care or if an older sibling has the illness. Although strep spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes, your child can also get it by touching a toy that an infected child has played with.

Tulsi water works great in strep throat if your baby is above 6 months. Licking honey with *yastimadhu* (Liquorice) churna has the capacity to soothe the throat, reduce inflammation and soothe irritation. Breastfeeding again is the best way to overcome this infection as it consists of antibodies to fight off the virus.