Masuk Angin: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Relieve It
Have you ever experienced masuk angin? Indonesians believe that this illness occurs when wind enters the body. However, from a medical perspective, this is not accurate. It is not even recognized outside Indonesia.
However, this does not mean the symptoms you experience are invalid or not real. Only the term is different. Abroad, masuk angin is not recognized as an illness. It is better known as a common cold or flu because its symptoms, causes, and treatments are similar.
To help you understand better, here is a complete explanation of the facts and myths about this phenomenon that only exists in Indonesia!
Symptoms of Masuk Angin

There is a reason why people abroad are more familiar with this phenomenon as a cold. This is because the abdominal symptoms of masuk angin are not much different from the symptoms of the flu. Here are the common symptoms of the flu :
- Bloating
- Dizziness and fever
- Nausea
- Respiratory tract issues
- Fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort, frequent flatulence, and burping
- Chills
- Sore throat
In addition to bloating, the above symptoms may occur together when you have the flu. In severe cases of masuk angin, there will be one or two additional indicators, such as muscle and joint pain.
Causes of Masuk Angin

Although people generally believe that masuk angin is caused by wind entering the body, the fact is that it is not. This illness occurs when one or more viruses enter the body. For your information, there are more than 200 viruses in total.
Some viruses can cause fever and headaches, while others cause coughs and colds, and so on. Although they differ, almost all of these viruses share one similarity: they can survive in cold weather. This is why the onset of this illness is often associated with masuk angin.
In addition, most of these viruses can spread through the air. In fact, research shows that airborne transmission carries a higher risk than other methods of transmission.
When someone coughs or sneezes, droplets fall to the ground, while smaller particles remain in the air. These virus-containing particles can survive for a long time, especially in cold air. Therefore, it is the viruses, not the wind, that enter the body.
Excess gas production in the intestines can also cause masuk angin. This is because the digestive process is disrupted, and food accumulates in the stomach.
How to Relieve Masuk Angin
In general, there are three effective ways to relieve masuk angin:
1. Meet Your Daily Nutritional Needs

You should know that viruses can enter the body when the immune system is weakened. Therefore, you need to meet your daily nutritional needs to ensure proper immune cell production. Several foods can strengthen your immune system, including:
- Fruits (oranges, kiwi, guava)
- Vegetables (broccoli, spinach)
- Nuts (almonds, cashews)
- Milk
- Meat
- Fish
Don't forget to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Water also helps strengthen the body's overall immune system.
2. Warm Your Body

When you have masuk angin, you need to clear your respiratory system, especially your throat. Warming your body can help. However, avoid wearing clothes or using blankets that are too thick if you have a fever. It is even better to warm your body from the inside.
It is easy to do: you can drink a warming beverage or herbal medicine. One option is Jamu Komplit Tolak Angin, which contains ginger and ginseng. Both herbal ingredients have thermogenic properties that effectively make the body feel warmer.
In addition, its ginseng content effectively strengthens the immune system. It also contains flower honey and kencur rice, which can soothe an uncomfortable stomach.
3. Get Plenty of Rest

Don't forget to make sure you get enough rest. This is because sleep is essential when you are sick. As a tip, maintain humidity levels so the air does not become too dry. This way, you can sleep more comfortably because humid air can help you breathe more easily.
How to Prevent Masuk Angin

In addition to treating it, preventing masuk angin is also very important. In general, prevention is not much different from treatment. You need a sufficient intake of nutrients and water, as well as quality sleep. Don't forget to wash your hands regularly and wear a mask when going outside.
Read Also: Benefits of Jamu Komplit Tolak Angin & Its Ingredients
Maintaining your immunity to protect yourself from masuk angin is equally important. The easiest and safest way is to consume jamu regularly. Conveniently, Jamu Komplit Tolak Angin is now available for you to drink easily. However, don't forget to read the directions for use on the packaging!