With our modern lifestyle of eating junk and packaged foods, taking an imbalanced diet, and increased screen time, we invite weak immunity. Today it is very important to improve our immunity and stay healthy to enjoy the best of our life. Some Ayurvedic herbs can help you enhance your immunity. Read below to discover some common Ayurvedic herbs to boost your immunity.
11 Common Ayurvedic Herbs To Boost Your Immunity:
Ayurveda originated in India, is a 5000- years old medicine system. Certain theories have also considered Ayurveda is the oldest healing science. Ayurveda primarily uses herbs, roots, and spices with medicinal value for treating various conditions. These herbs, roots, and spices might be used either alone or mixed with other ingredients for managing the levels of vata, pitta, and kapha in our body. This aids in maintaining a healthy immune system. Below are some of the common Ayurvedic herbs to boost immunity.
Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha is an essential herb in Ayurveda. It has a great ability to give strength and the unique fragrance that it carries. The extracts or powder of its leaves and roots are used for several purposes. Ashwagandha can help in reducing cortisol levels, blood sugar levels, and symptoms of inflammation and depression. The herb also helps in increasing strength, improve brain function, and increase muscle mass.
Neem:
Neem is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and a potential spermicidal agent. It can also help in boosting your immunity. You can take 5 grams of these leaves and grind for making a fine paste and swallow it. Make sure to take it on an empty stomach and also do not drink or eat anything for one hour after having this Neem paste.
Note: Do not take it for more than 15 days. Moreover, Neem should be avoided by pregnant women, elderly people, and children.
Holy Basil Or Tulsi:
Holy Basil or Tulsi is a commonly found plant, which is known to an excellent immunity-boosting herb. There are many variants of Tulsi, such as Krishna tulsi, Rama Tulsi, and Vana Tulsi; and you can consume all these varieties for various health benefits. In general, Tulsi herb is essential in relieving lung-related issues, such as bronchitis, asthma, congestion, flu, and many more. Tulsi is also essential in treating gastric disorders, cramping, controlling blood pressure, and several skin-related problems too.
Brahmi And Giloy:
Other common Ayurvedic herbs to boost your immunity that can be used are, Brahmi and Giloy. These herbs, when incorporated into your daily regime, would help you boost your immunity, strength, intelligence, and memory power.
You can take Brahmi and Giloy juice, which are available in the market or can take these herbs in capsule form.
Gooseberry Or Amla:
Gooseberry or Amla is packed with benefits of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and is loaded with a fair source of antioxidants, which aids to boost immunity. You need to take 1 amla daily on an empty stomach.
Astragalus:
Astragalus is an important herb in Chinese medicine, that has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has suggested that the root of this herb can boost resistance to infection.(1)
Some animal studies have been performed that have indicated that astragalus can regulate the immune responses of the body.(2)
A study conducted in 2020 has also revealed that consuming Astragalus can be used to prevent infections with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is now common in China. But, there is still no evidence that herbs can combat SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 disease.
Phyllanthus Niruri:
Phyllanthus Niruri is an herb that can also be used to enhance your immunity. The leaves of this herb is used to dissolve kidney and gall bladder stone. They are also helpful in strengthening the liver, fighting Hepatitis B, and improving body’s immunity.
You can take 5 grams of these leaves and grind them to prepare a fine paste and swallow it on an empty stomach. You can also take this in a capsule form.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is known to be one of the most effective Ayurvedic herbs as this has certain bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. Curcumin is one of the most active compounds present in turmeric, which has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is known to improve the functioning of the brain and lowering the risk of heart diseases. This herb is also known for its anti-cancer and fast healing properties.
Ginger:
Ginger has got strong anti-inflammatory effects and also might be able to help in easing muscle pain.(4) The herb is also known for its antioxidant properties. This herb stimulates the body’s metabolism and aids to boost your immunity.
You need to take ½ inch of freshly peeled ginger before food.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is a popular herb in the Ayurveda, which acts as a natural anti-oxidant and also strengthens the immune system. Herbal tea prepared with Fenugreek, honey, and lemon is a traditional remedy for treating fever.
Andrographis Paniculata:
Andrographis paniculata is known as the King of bitters, is a major herb that is used in 26 different Ayurvedic formulations. This herb has been used in tribal medicine in India since ancient times. It is most commonly used for treating cold and flu symptoms. This herb is also known to act as a natural immune-booster.
Conclusion:
These Ayurvedic herbs can help in enhancing your immunity. However, make it a note that these herbs generate heat in the body. So to reduce this effect, you must drink buttermilk after lunch.
Though these are some of the most common Ayurvedic herbs to boost your immunity, there are many more herbs and other alternative ways to improve your immunity that you can try. It is always good to talk to your healthcare professional and take the best immune-boosting herbs or capsules.
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