Shweta Raamanujam
Have you wondered why people staying in villages fall sick less often than those living in cities? The answer is simple – Strong Immunity.
People living in the city live a very modern and fast-paced life. While modern-day lifestyle may look like a boon from the outside, but it has its own set of disadvantages. Processed food, adulteration, imbalanced diet, increased screen time, sedentary lifestyle are some examples that result in a weakened immune system.
Want to know if you are eating healthy? Check out this article!
[Source: Are you Eating Healthy?]
With Covid-19 showing no signs of dying, it is time we take charge of our health by taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. A strong immune system can help in tackling this deadly virus.
There are many Immunity boosting Ayurvedic herbs, and we are going to list out the most popular ones.
1. Moringa
According to Wikipedia, Moringa Oleifera is native to Northern India and parts of Africa. It grows in the Himalayan foothills but is widely cultivated across the tropics. Moringa has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousand of years. Moringa derives its name from Tamil word Murungai, meaning twisted pod.
Common Names – Moringa, drumstick, horseradish tree
This herb has potent nutrients required to boost immunity. As a start, Moringa is high in protein and it contains 9 times more protein than yogurt.
It is high in other important vitamins like Vitamin A, E,C, and also rich in a handful of B vitamins. These vitamins are known as antioxidants which help in boosting up the immune system. It also has minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and amino acids required for the healthy functioning of the body.
According to a study, it has been found that Moringa leaves provide 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 10 times more Vitamin A than Carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk and 15 times more potassium than a banana!
2. Giloy
Giloy is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used as immunity boosting ayurvedic herb from centuries. It is known as ‘Amrita’ which in Sanskrit means ‘root of immortality’.
Common name: Guduchi Satva
The stem of Giloy is considered highly effective because of its high nutritional content. It is used to treat various disorders and also helps to alleviate Vata and Kapha Doshas.
It is known to have strong anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and antioxidant properties. In short, this herb is the answer to almost all health-related problems. Giloy helps in reducing the frequency of recurrent infection. Therefore, it helps to prevent frequent cold and flu.
It is full of antioxidants and helps in releasing any forms of toxins from the body. It also fights disease-causing cells, bacteria and also helps purify blood without any side effects.
Giloy can be taken in both powdered form or juice form. Mix 10-20 ml of the juice concentrate with water and drink it 20 minutes after breakfast or as directed by the physician.
3. Amla
Amla also known as Indian Gooseberry is a small leafy tree grown throughout India. Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh cultivate Amla widely.
This fruit is loaded with many beneficial medicinal properties. It is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C – a common ingredient to fight off cold and flu. Amla is an age-old natural remedy for symptoms of cold and cough in India.
Amla is very beneficial in preventing aging, cancer, and cell damage caused due to free-radicals. It contains antioxidants which can help reduce free-radicals in the body thereby keeping diseases at bay.
It has notable amounts of flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols which are important constituents for showing the anti-microbial property. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces acid levels in the stomach and fights inflammation.
This makes Amla, an important immunity boosting ayurvedic herb in our country.
4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most important immunity boosting Ayurvedic herb in India. It has been used for over 3000 years to curb stress, increase stamina and improve focus.
The antioxidants and Withanolides present in this herb play a major role in boosting the immune system. They improve antibody production which is required to fight off bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
Antibodies are like soldiers that fight infections in body. Antibodies help in eliminating the toxins in body through mucus, sweat, urine and, feces.
According to a study, it has been found that Ashwagandha improves the body’s defense against disease by improving cell-mediated immunity. It also has potent antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Dosages vary depending on your needs, but 250–500 mg per day for at least one month seem effective.
To know more amazing benefits about the wonders of this immunity boosting ayurvedic herb, check out this article!
[Source : Shocking Benefits of Ashwagandha ]
5. Tulsi
Tulsi or Holy Basil as commonly called is rich in Vitamin C and zinc. Hence, it acts as a natural immunity boosting ayurvedic herb and functions as a protective shield against infections. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties which protect us from various types of infections.
A study has found out how powerful Tulsi is in regards to protecting organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise
It is often recommended to start your day by having two to three fresh Tulsi leaves on an empty stomach.
6. Neem
Neem or Azadirachta Indica (Scientific Name) is a native immunity boosting ayurvedic herb to the Indian subcontinent and to dry areas throughout South Asia. It is also known by the name “Indian Lilac”.
Every part of this immunity boosting ayurvedic herb , including bark, leaves, and fruit has tremendous medicinal properties.
Neem consists of a prominent chemical called “Terpenes” which is responsible for the strong odor of this plant. This compound is found in other plants like pine, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon.
This organic chemical compound gives rise to its natural insecticide and repellent properties.
Science has proven that Neem is a natural “immunomodulator” meaning, it supports the immune system to self-regulate in times of defence.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most common ingredients found in the kitchens of Indian households. The most important and active ingredient of this immunity boosting ayurvedic herb is curcumin which contains medicinal properties. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and wound-healing properties.
It helps in boosting immunity and eliminating cold, cough, and chest congestion if any. Studies have shown the inhibitory action of turmeric extract against several pathogenic microbes, such as gastric – ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori. The absorption of curcumin improves by 2000% when paired with pepper.
Dosage: Add raw turmeric and boil it with one teaspoon of ghee (Molten butter) and have it every morning. It helps improve immunity and cure dry cough.
These are some of the easily available and very effective immunity boosting ayurvedic herbs in India!
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