Ancient Indian system of Ayurveda is considered to be more of a lifestyle rather than a form of medicinal system which includes numerous Natural Immunity Boosters. Which means that it gives equal importance to prevention of diseases as it does to curing them.
The key component of preventing diseases through the use of ayurveda is strengthening the natural defense mechanisms of the body, known as immunity. Diet is an important part of Ayurvedic treatment and adding a variety of spices to it is recommended to boost our immunity.
According to Ayurveda, a complete meal is one that has all flavors in it and covers all aspects of our taste buds that are Spicy, Sweet, Sour , Salty and Bitter.
Some of the Natural Immunity Boosters used in our medicines include:
- Indian Gooseberries ( Phyllanthus emblica)
Indian Gooseberries are considered to have a number of health benefits such as anti-aging, anti- inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can be considered one of the core natural immunity boosters in herbal medicines.
Apart from these benefits, due to the high volume of Vitamin C that it contains in a single berry, it also acts as a great immunity booster. Research has found that a single Indian Gooseberry has approximately 600% to 800 % of daily value (DV) Vitamin C in it.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
As we all know Turmeric also known as the Golden Spice is the most common spice used in Indian cuisine. Found in almost all recipes, it is considered one of the best natural immunity boosters and can also help in maintaining good common health.
It contains high levels of the chemical called Curcumin which has anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties in it. It can also be consumed with warm milk before sleep which may also help to improve sleep.
- Ginger ( Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is one of the best natural immunity boosters in ayurveda which can also help in digestive and gastric issues such as constipation, intestinal gas and bloating.
It is widely used in home remedies to cure common cold and throat pain and can be consumed by adding it in tea.
- Black Pepper ( Piper nigrum)
Loaded with antioxidants and with the presence of Vitamin A , Black pepper has numerous benefits such as aiding digestion, helping with respiratory issues , detoxifying your body , increasing metabolism which promotes weight loss etc.
Black pepper is one of the essential natural immunity boosters that can be added to our diet easily by adding crushed pepper to the curries that we make at home and also by adding it to tea.
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
It is antibacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal. The substance also possesses anti-inflammatory antioxidants that shield your body from ailments.
Additionally, it aids in lowering blood sugar and sugar levels, decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, and healing the gut. Cinnamon sticks or powder can be used in tea, food, warm water, or sweets.
- Tulsi ( Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and potassium, are found in abundance in tulsi leaves which gives them a plethora of health benefits.
It is a natural immunity booster, reduces fever, cold and other respiratory problems, great for heart health , good for diabetes , and also helps in overall detoxification of the body.
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
Despite the fact that one raw clove of garlic is rather little, it contains a lot of the following vitamins and nutrients: 2.81 mg of vitamin C 1.28 mcg Selenium 0.1 milligrams Manganese and 0.15 milligrams iron.
Hence, it is one of the best natural immunity boosters, Works as an anti-inflammatory, Improves heart health, cleans up skin (antioxidant properties) , and also protects the body from fungal infections.
In summary, it can be hard to maintain a good health in today’s fast paced world. One can maintain their health and protect against diseases by adding some of these herbs and spices into their diet to strengthen their immune systems.
Some of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala’s medicines that use the above mentioned ingredients are:
- Chavanprasham
- Ayush Khwatha Churnam
- C-Health Forte
- Dasamularishtam
- Chavanules