Childhood is one of the most important phases of life. It is the time to learn new things, develop physical and mental health and discover new interests. However, when kids are healthy, learning becomes more enjoyable and effective. Therefore, during childhood, it is crucial to improve vitality and prevent diseases as much as possible. This is where immunity plays an important role.
Ayurveda offers many home remedies to build immunity and maintain a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit. Let’s have a look at these remedies in detail.
Easy Home Remedies to Improve Immunity in Children
Balanced and Nutritious Diet
Your children should eat a balanced diet of green vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. You should also use digestive spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, fennel, etc. while cooking to improve digestion and further boost their immunity. Eating immune-strengthening foods like jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits can also help improve the kids’ immunity.
Yoga
Make your kids practice Yoga every day. It helps boost their immune system, prevent infections and synchronise their bodies and minds. Yoga also plays an important role in enhancing the functions of the nervous, endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems of children.
Some of the best Yoga Asanas for kids are Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Parvatasana (Mountain Pose) and Phalakasana (Plank Pose).
Outdoor Activities
Lack of physical activity can raise the risk of obesity and adversely affect immunity in children (1). Therefore, you must ensure that your kids spend at least one hour outside the home playing games or exercising.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga means massaging the body with warm herbal oils to make the body soft and nourish the tissues. Ayurveda has always given prime importance to Abhyanga for children as it helps balance Doshas, enhances blood circulation, reduces stress, provides energy, improves sleep and boosts immunity in kids. Ghee and Til Taila (sesame oil) are usually recommended for children. However, you can use any other herbal oil as well.
Snana or Bath
According to Ayurveda, you must take a bath early in the morning. Snana or bathing helps purify the body, boost immunity, relieve fatigue, promote strength and prolong life. A cold water bath helps improve eyesight and digestive fire, whereas a hot water bath helps increase the strength and lower the vitiated Vata and Kapha Dosha. However, kids should refrain from washing their heads with hot water as it can harm their eyes.
Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important factors in enhancing immunity. Inadequate or improper sleep can cause sleeping disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, circadian rhythm disruption, etc., all of which can interfere with the immune system and affect its functioning (3). Sleep problems can also raise the risk of infections in kids. Therefore, the kids need to get adequate sleep every day to rejuvenate their bodies and improve their health.
Ayurvedic Herbs to Build Immunity in Children
Ayurveda recommends many herbs for boosting immunity in children. Some of these herbs with their functions are:
Ginger: fights free radical damages, reduces inflammation, boosts immunity and improves digestion (7).
Tulsi: removes toxins, reduces stress, combats free radicals, prevents infections and improves immunity (8).
Turmeric: improves digestion, fights bacterial infections, strengthens immunity, lower inflammation, detoxifies the liver and balances cholesterol levels (9).
Ashwagandha: boosts the nervous system, fights free radical damage, reduces stress, lowers inflammation and enhances immunity (5).
Guduchi: prevents diseases, promotes intellect and strength, fights oxidative stress, reduces inflammation and boosts immunity (10).
Yashtimadhu (Liquorice): reduces stress, improves memory, boosts immunity, enhances digestion, and fights bacterial and viral infections (6).
You can incorporate some of these herbs in your kids’ diet while cooking, such as turmeric, Tulsi and ginger. You can use the other herbs in the form of powder or tablets. Alternatively, you can also make their tea.
On a Final Note
Building immunity in kids is extremely important to prevent diseases, improve their growth and development and enhance their learning ability. Therefore, Ayurveda provides many dietary and lifestyle changes along with some herbal remedies that you can use to improve immunity in your kids.
