During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of immunity and immunity-boosting foods has been highlighted. It has been realised that strengthening your immune system is crucial to not only prevent diseases but also to speed up the recovery process after an illness. Ayurveda also promotes the importance of building immunity in the body. Let’s know more about the Ayurvedic approach to increase immunity.
Ayurvedic Approach to Boosting Immunity
Ayurveda states that only when the seven layers of the body’s tissues, viz Rasa, Mamsa, Rakta, Medha, Majja, Asthi and Shukra are strong, immunity will be strengthened.
To keep these layers strong, Ayurveda recommends building Ojas in your body. Ojas is a subtle and invisible essence of the body tissues that keep them healthy. Some of the best Ayurvedic herbs that boost your immunity and build Ojas in your body are given below.
Ayurvedic Herbs For Immunity
- Ashwagandha
Also known as Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs to strengthen immunity and promote vitality and longevity. Blessed with essential oils and alkaloids, Ashwagandha also helps treat several autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and nervous system disorders. It is also well known for improving brain cell function and treating anxiety and depression.
- Yashtimadhu
Commonly known as Mulethi or liquorice, Yashtimadhu is known for its Rasayana or rejuvenating properties. Owing to its Rasayana effects, Mulethi helps boost immunity in the body and treat several infections. It also contains antimicrobial agents that combat unwanted bacteria and protects your body from many diseases and infections. Furthermore, the enzymes found in the roots of Mulethi help produce lymphocytes and macrophages, which are known to defend the body against microbes, pollutants and allergens.
- Amla
Amla is an excellent source of vitamin C, and therefore, is known as the best herb for improving the overall immunity of your body. It helps build Ojas in the body and treat several digestive problems, eye disorders, skin diseases and respiratory conditions. In addition, Amla also helps rejuvenate and revitalise the body systems and balance the Agni or digestive fire within your body.
- Ginger
According to Ayurveda, ginger is highly beneficial in improving immunity and decreasing the aggravated Vata and Kapha Dosha in the body. It is also vastly known to relieve joint pains, fight infections and treat many respiratory ailments, such as cold, cough, pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis.
- Tulsi
In Ayurveda, the leaf and seed of Tulsi or holy basil are well known for boosting the overall immunity of the body. Tulsi is also one of the best herbs to cure respiratory anomalies like cough, cold, asthma, etc. In addition, Tulsi also helps energise the body, increase circulation and treat skin diseases, elevated blood sugar levels and stomach disorders.
- Turmeric
Imbued with curcumin, a phytochemical that helps remove toxins from the body and strengthen your immune system, turmeric is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs to boost immunity and fight off germs and bacteria. This yellow herb also possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help boost cardiac functions, improve brain activity, prevent infections and reduce the risk of cancer.
- Neem
Powered with strong antimicrobial properties, Neem offers several health benefits to the body. It helps to not only strengthen immunity but also treat several microbial infections, skin disorders and eye problems. It is also a well-known herb to treat respiratory anomalies like bronchitis, asthma, cough and cold.
- Guduchi
Commonly known as Giloy, Guduchi is imbued with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating and liver supportive properties that help build immunity and defend the body against many infections. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of Guduchi also help block the effect of inflammatory chemicals like histamine and bradykinin, further preventing many diseases.
The Final Takeaway
According to Ayurveda, keeping your immune system healthy and strong is extremely important. For this, you need to build Ojas in your body with the help of immune-boosting Ayurvedic herbs. Some of the best and most commonly found Ayurvedic herbs to boost immunity are mentioned above. Start including them in your lifestyle now.
