Treasure of Ayurveda: Immunity Booster Herbs

The Indian Medical Science had been very rich and traces more than 5000 years ago. Ayurveda had different specific specialisations for different kind of diseases including surgical sciences 3500 years back. Varah Mihir, Charak, Shushrut, Nighant etc. are some of the renowned Doctors of ancient India.

Ayurveda is based on the concept of three fundamental energies (doshas) that govern an individual’s inner and outer environments, known in Sanskrit as Vata (Wind), Pitta (Fire), and Kapha (Earth). These primary forces are the root of the characteristics of an individual's mind and body, and way they respond to any kind of disease or antibody. 

 The imbalance of the doshas is known to cause weakening of immunity, or leading to disease. When there is minimal stress and the flow of energy within a person is balanced, the body’s natural defense systems are strong and can more easily defend against disease or recover any kind of ailment.

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. It’s considered an adaptogen, which means that it’s believed to help your body manage stress more effectively. Research has shown that it reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal glands produce in response to stress to lower levels of anxiety and improved sleep in people with stress and anxiety disorders. Moreover, research shows that ashwagandha may enhance muscle growth, memory, and male fertility, as well as lower blood sugar levels. 

2. Triphala

 Triphala consists of Amla (Emblica officinalis, or Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) & Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It functions as a natural laxative, reducing constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence while improving the frequency and consistency of bowel movements in people with gut disorders.

 3. Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monieri) is a staple herb in Ayurvedic medicine and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also improves learning rates, attention, memory, as well as reduces symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as inattention, impulsivity, poor self-control, and restlessness. Some studies further suggest that brahmi may help improve body’s ability to deal with stress and anxiety. 

 4. Cumin (Jeera)

Research shows that cumin may boost the activity of digestive enzymes and facilitate the release of bile from the liver, speeding digestion and easing the digestion of fats. It also reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain and bloating. Cumin may also protect against type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. It may also protect against heart disease by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol while reducing triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

 5. Turmeric

Turmeric is the Ayurvedic spice that gives curry its yellow color. Curcumin, its main compound, may help reduce inflammation and improve heart and brain health. However, large amounts are likely needed to attain these benefits. 

 6. Cardamom

Cardamom is an Ayurvedic spice that may lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and potentially help stomach ulcers heal. Inhaling cardamom essential oil may increase the uptake of oxygen into the lungs during exercise.

 

 7. Ginger – Aadrak

Ginger, known as Aadrak or Shunti in Sanskrit, is also known as Vishwa-Aushadh in Ayurveda, the Rasayana that is a cure to many disorders and hence the best immunity booster in Ayurveda. Have an inch long slice of Ginger with a pinch of rock salt prior to lunch, to cleanse the palate and stimulate appetite. This potent combination is also a known and effective antidote to Nausea.

 8. Holi Basil

Holy basil or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.  It is considered a great remedy for cough and cold ailments and is a general booster of immune.

In case these herbs are not available you can directly have Ashwagandha Choorna (Powder), Ashwagandharisht, Trifla Choorna, Tulsi Ark, Chyavanprash etc. from some good company like Dabur, Baidyanath, Zandu, Patanjali etc. Now a days Indian Health department is also advising for these herbs and immunity boosters to fight against corona.