Immunity

Top 6 Herbs For Immunity Building

 

 

 

 


Many herbs are known to act wonderfully to uplift the working of the body, while increasing the body’s immunity. Ayurveda relates the body’s
immunity to Ojas— that is the essence of the seven tissues that make up our body. The ancient Indian therapeutic science of Ayurveda strongly counsels that we take care of the Ojas or the vital energy for good health and holistic well-being.

Life And Existence

The seven tissues or dhatus are believed to make up the human body. These are Rasa [juice], Rakta [blood], Mansa [muscle], Medha [body fat], Asthi [bones], Majja [bone marrow] and Shukra [semen]. While Ojas, which is regarded as the prime source of natural immunity, is the core extract of these seven body tissues and is highly vital to life and existence.

    Top 6 Herbs For Immunity Building

Herbs such as amla, mulethi, ashwagandha, ginger, basil, harad, turmeric, brahmi and large cardamom are beneficial for your immune system. Also, unctuous foods like honey, cow’s milk and desi ghee (clarified butter) work as natural rejuvenators.

 

1. Amla

 

 

Immunity

 

Amla or the Indian Gooseberry, is the richest and best natural source of vitamin C. It also contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, albumin, cellulose, fibre, carbohydrate, sugar and water.
According to Ayurveda, the fruit of amla helps reduce all the three doshas—vata, pitta and kapha (air, fire and phlegm); which, when aggravated above their normal limits, cause a disease.

 

How Amla Benefits

  • The special properties of rejuvenation and revitalizing of the entire body systems makes Amla highly beneficial for increasing the body’s resistance power. 
  • Eating amla in raw form may not be easy for all, but you need not fret. You could feast on amla murabba, chutneys or even amla jams.
  • You could prepare or acquire the powder of dried amla [which is readily available]. This could also be taken mixed with honey, twice a day.
  • You could even extract fresh juice from the amla fruit and add it to salads or mix with other juices to balance the sourness. 
  • Try taking Chyawanprash, which contains amla along with other herbs, is a well-known formulation that can be taken for long periods as a tonic to do away mental and physical fatigue.

 

 

Immunity

Turmeric is used widely in India both for cooking and for medicinal purposes. It is believed to be able to destroy the aggravation in all the three doshas or the basic humors of the body. Therefore, turmeric is recommended in a large variety of ailments and also as a potent immunity-boosting herb.

How Turmeric Enhances Immunity

  • Turmeric can be used to relieve ailments such as common cold, dry itchy skin, joint pains and swellings.
  • The best part is that it can easily be included in your daily diet so as to equip your body to fight maladies.
  • About 1 – 3 grams powder of raw turmeric is recommended and can be supplemented with warm water or milk.
  • Likewise, the powder can also be mixed with oil and massaged onto the skin.
  • Haridra Khanda, which is an effective Ayurveda formulation of turmeric may be taken after consulting your physician.

 

3. Ginger

Immunity
According to Ayurvedic texts, as ginger is hot in action, it therefore helps in decreasing the aggravated vata or the Air and kapha doshas (Phlegm body humor). Ginger helps fight infections, and boost immunity levels.

How Ginger Supports

  • Ginger can be used for hot fomentation for a number of ailments especially relating to body pains.
  • This includes ailments such as arthritis, gout, odema and other forms of joint and muscle pain.
  • A powder of dry ginger mixed with sesame oil and massaged on the joint provides good relief and relaxation.
  • Also, the herb of ginger helps find relief in almost all types of respiratory disorders like cough, cold, pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis.
  • Moreover, it can be consumed in any form—fresh, dried, powdered or juiced.

 

4. Tulsi

 

Immunity

 

Tulsi or the herb of Holy basil contains specific anti-asthmatic as well as anti-infection properties. Ayurveda recommends holy basil to empower respiratory resistance.

 

How Tulsi Helps

  • So as to find relief, you can easily consume fresh tulsi juice made by pounding leaves of the herb, twice a day.
  • Also, add a few drops of ginger and some honey to this to increase its efficiency to build resistance.

 

5. Mulethi

Immunity

 

Roots of the herb of Liquorice or yashtimadhu make an excellent home remedy for relieving a number of disorders. According to ayurvedic texts, mulethi, being heavy, slimy and sweet helps in decreasing the aggravated vata dosha or the air body humor. Therefore, liquorice or Mulathee is helpful in treating the diseases relating to vitiation in air body humor.

 

How Liquorice Helps

  • Mulethi is a natural revitalizing herb.
  • A number of liquorice formulations are available on the market that can be taken for strengthening the body systems and as well for increasing immunity.
  • The powder of this root, when taken with honey and ghee (in unequal quantities), is sufficient to revive your immunity levels.
  • Not only this, mulethi also acts as a general as well as brain tonic and it also prevents early aging.

 

 

Immunity

Ashwagandha is a natural herb that is beneficial in boosting immunity and restoring energy levels. It also delays the process of ageing.

How It Boosts Immunity

  • As mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, the herb of ashwagandha is regarded both as a natural stimulator as well as a rejuvenator.
  • A powder prepared by pounding the roots of Ashwagandha can be taken in a dose of 3 – 6 grams along with a glass of warm and sweetened cow’s milk.

Article published here

 

Watch Video: Understanding Ayurveda Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha with Chart Presentation

 

About the Author:

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people
/ institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon

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