Acharya Charaka has mentioned life as a combination of the body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda focuses on maintaining the health of all these three entities. But several people are prone to diseases when they break their dietary plan or due to climatic changes, while some are healthy in spite of changes in their dietary plan and climatic change. What causes such differences?
This is because many microorganisms enter the human body via air, food, and water but fail to give rise to disease, due to the immune response of that individual. The immunity of the body is an important thing in relation to health and disease. In Ayurveda “Vyadhikshamatva” is the concept that correlates with immunity. The word Vyadhikshamatva is made up of two words: “Vyadhi” which means “disease” and “Kshamatva” which means “to suppress”. Vyadhi occurs when there is a balance between Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas. While these factors are in a normal state, they are responsible for maintaining physical and psychological health. If the diet and daily routine of an individual is not adjusted as per change in season, the Amas or toxins are accumulated in the body and prevent the immune system from becoming stronger. Thus, along with proper diet and lifestyle, there are several herbs described in Ayurveda that help in boosting immunity. These herbs strengthen, nourish, and repair the Dhatus of the body. Some ayurvedic herbs are mentioned below;
1. Tulsi:
It is known as the queen of herbs and is a leaf found in almost every home has powerful immunity-boosting and anti-viral properties. It is used to cure respiratory infections, anxiety, stress, fatigue, asthma, bronchitis, cold, and flu. It has a high concentration of antioxidants, and thus, helps to detox the body. Fresh leaves of Tulsi are known to help with chronic fever when they are taken and combined with honey and Ginger juice. It also is useful in treating coughs. Tulsi is taken in the form of bru by simply boiling a few leaves in water and sipping it warm.
2. Guduchi:
This herb provides longevity, enhances memory, and improves health. It supports the body’s immune system by promoting vitality. It activates white blood cells like macrophages and supports the normal functioning of the immune system. Traditionally it is used to treat bronchitis and chronic cough. It Pacifies the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, which makes it useful against asthma. Also promotes a stronger digestive system. The guduchi powder can be consumed daily with lukewarm water.
3. Ashwagandha:
It is known as “Indian Ginseng”. Over thousands of years ashwagandha has been used to ease pain, inflammation, treat insomnia, and other similar conditions. Helpful in managing stress and is proven in anti-inflammatory activity, which helps in management of inflammatory joint disorders. Ashwagandha can be consumed in the form of a capsule, powder, or tablet with lukewarm water or milk.
4. Amla:
It is also known as Amalaki. It is useful mainly to cure health problems related to the respiratory tract. It also supports the healthy functioning of the liver, heart, brain, and lungs. It is a rich source of nutrients such as vitamin C, amino acids, pectin, and antioxidants. It has properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and gastroprotective. The herb is known to improve the overall immune system of the body. Amla can be consumed in raw form, powder, or pickles.
5. Mulethi:
Mulethi is an ayurvedic herbs that is sweet in taste, slimy and heavy, and is effective in Vata-related disorders. It is used to cure coughs and colds. It is known for its anti-microbial action. The root of mulethi is powder and mixed with honey or ghee which helps to improve immunity. It is also an anti-aging agent and shows positive effects on brain functions.
6. Ginger:
It is a potential herb and reduces the aggravation of Vata and Kapha dosha. It can be consumed fresh or in powder form, dry candy, juice form, or oil form. Dry ginger powder can be mixed with sesame oil and is used to relieve joint pain and muscle pain. It can also be used in arthritis, gout, and oedema. Due to its anti-microbial activity, Ginger helps to fight infection and boost immunity levels. It is also recommended for use in many respiratory alignments like cough, pneumonia, asthma, cold, and bronchitis.
7. Neem:
Neem has been used widely as an immunity booster. It is very effective in keeping the body safe from the attack of pathogens due to its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It keeps our body clean and purifies the blood by flushing away toxins. It can be consumed in powder form with warm water.
8. Turmeric:
Since ancient times turmeric has been used to boost immunity and strengthen health. Turmeric contains the element curcumin, which is a phytochemical that can help to remove toxins from the body and fight off germs and bacteria. Turmeric is consumed with warm milk and can be added to every food being cooked in the kitchen.
9. Black cumin:
The black cumin extract helps to fight against a range of viruses and bacteria that harm our immune system. It acts as an antioxidant and helps to flush out free radicals that weaken the immune system. The oil form of it can be massaged over the body or can be soaked in water and later that water is consumed.
10. Giloy:
It is a versatile herb that is used to eliminate toxins from the body, clean the body, and battles illness caused by microbes. It has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It can be consumed in the form of Kadha mixed with several other spices.
Our home is packed with ayurvedic herbs that will promote our health and well-being. Everything has its own specialty, and Ayurveda coins the same in natural ingredients in order to keep diseases away from a human beings. Thus, Ayurveda is a natural cure for diseases and a tool to boost immunity.
