To fight against the bacteria and
various viruses, one should develop strong immunity power. According to
Ayurveda one with quality liver functioning, good digestion, strong
metabolic fire (Agni) and a balanced endocrine system generally have
more immunity power. To maintain a healthy body and immune system, one
should be conscious about the intake, a balanced diet as well as mental
health is equally important.
While keeping in mind about other aspects, let’s quickly check out
Indian ayurvedic herbs that are known to boost immunity power. With
natural ingredients that come from all these ancient medicinal herbs
listed below, we can get the necessary nutrients to keep the immune
system strong.
1. Andrographis
Commonly known as Creat or Green chiretta, Andrographis
is a bitter-tasting herb that can be found in 26 different Ayurvedic
formulations. Andrographis is rich in compounds known as
andrographolides. Andrographolide can modulate the innate and adaptive
immune responses by regulating macrophage phenotypic polarization and
Ag-specific antibody production. (source) Andrographis is most widely used
to treat cold and flu symptoms. Andrographis is also said to act as a
natural immune-booster. According to research published in 2017,
scientists found that Andrographis appears to be beneficial for
relieving symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections.
Andrographis was also found to shorten the duration of cough, sore
throat, and sick days compared to standard care.
2. Tulsi – Holy Basil
Tulsi or Holy basil is an aromatic perennial plant which is one of the
best medicinal herbs in Ayurveda. Tulsi is an antibiotic, germicidal,
fungicidal and disinfectant agent and effectively protects our body from
all sorts of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It contains
phytochemicals, bioflavonoids and anti-oxidants compounds like
rosmarinic acid, which is an anti-microbial agent for treating
infections in the respiratory tract.
Gargling with tulsi decoction helps to reduce throat pain and mouth
ulcers. During fever, applying the paste of Tulsi leaves on cold feet is
beneficial.
3. Ginger
Ginger is antibacterial and it
also contains a phenolic anti-inflammatory compounder called gingerol
that may be responsible for relaxing blood vessels. The antibacterial
effects of gingerol help in curing cold and sore throat. Another
component in ginger – zingerone – is an antioxidant. Ginger is very much effective in
keeping your body warm and helps break down the accumulation of toxins
in your organs. It can also help prevent nausea and soothe an upset
stomach.
4. Garlic
Garlic contains antiseptic,
anti-fungal, and nutritive properties, this may be the reason it is
considered a very important herb for thousands of years by Ayurveda. Including garlic in your diet will
offer natural support to the immune system. Garlic destroys natural
toxins, encourages the maintenance of normal body temperature and
supports the lungs. Not only does garlic offer natural support for the
immune system, but it can also clear harmful bacteria.
5. Turmeric
Like Garlic and Giger, turmeric
(Curcuma longa) also has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.
The primary active component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a
natural antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
benefits. Surprisingly, Tumeric can also
help depression. Depression is associated with lower levels of BDNF.
Tumeric can help boost levels of BDNF, looks like Tumeric is an
effective antidepressant.
