IMMUNITY BOOSTING HERBS FOR COVID

IMMUNITY BOOSTING HERBS FOR COVID

The vital essence of all body dhatus/tissues is called “Ojas.” According to principles of Ayurveda, Ojas is responsible for the overall health, immunity and intelligence and thought-process of humans. According to the concept of Immunity – Vyadhikshamatva or Bala or Ojas, the body’s resistance towards diseases is not only important for disease prevention but also for speedy recovery from illness.

Through ancient times, Ayurvedacharyas have promoted the use of Rasayana (Rejuvenation therapy) to enhance the Ojas. Rasayanas are rejuvenating agents that produce resistance against diseases, both physically and mentally, therefore improving overall health.

Ayurvedic herbs are known for their several health benefits. They are anti-oxidants, immunomodulators, anti-microbials, anti-inflammatory, aid in digestion and list can go on and on. Below are  some  commonly described immunity boosters in Ayurveda :

TULASI

Tulsi is another wonder herb that is promoted so much by Ayurveda. This aromatic leaf can be your primary line of defense against COVID-19.  Tulsi or holy basil is a powerful germicide. Because of its phytochemical and antioxidant properties. It can effectively locate the  viruses and bacteria the moment they enter your body and destroys them. 

You can simply chew a few leaves first thing in the morning. You can also add a few drops of water boiled with tulsi leaves into your food or you can make herbal tea with its leaves and drink it.

MORINGA

Moringa(drumstick tree) is a herb that can ward off many health complications. It is called MIRACLE TREE for a reason. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be your go-to herb for immunity strengthening.

So you must be thinking makes moringa such a powerful immunity booster? So, here’s your answer, It contains 7 times more Vitamin C than even oranges. Vitamin C is the chief nutrient that our body need to build strong disease resistance or immunity.

This isn’t all, moringa also contains many other vital nutrients that strengthen your cells, tissues, muscles and speeds up healing in our body. So, start consuming moringa for its high levels of potassium, iron, calcium and amino acids

NEEM

Since ancient times, neem has been respected and widely used as an immunity booster. It is known to be very effective in keeping the body safe from attacks by harmful pathogens, thanks to its anti-viral,  anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Neem detoxifies the blood and keeps it clean, by flushing away toxins and thus, strengthening the immunity.

TRIPHALA

Triphala contains the antioxidant properties of three fruits- haritaki, bibhitaki and amlaki. It is enriched with Vitamin C and Vitamin A,  both of which strengthen your immunity. So, start your day with Triphala.

You can just drink triphala juice or have a teaspoon of its powder with lukewarm water.

GINGER

Ginger has been known to an age-old remedy for flu and the common cold. It can be very effective against COVID-19 symptoms.  It contains gingerol – an antioxidant that has the abilities to boost our immune system and kill viruses. Ginger is specifically good in preventing respiratory tract infections. Add ginger to your meals or you can also have it raw or just make herbal tea with it.

GARLIC

Just like ginger, garlic also protects you from coronavirus by enhancing your immunity. It contains allicin – a plant compound that acts as a germicide. So, remember to include garlic in your daily diet. You can consume it raw or partially cooked.

BLACK PEPPER

It has antioxidant, anti inflammatory and bronchodialator properties. Cold, Cough, breathing difficulties are normal respiratory problems that can be cured by consuming black pepper. Just add a pinch of black pepper to some green tea and you’ll see the difference yourself. Also, you can add a pinch of black pepper and a pinch of turmeric in milk and cook it for sometimes and consume it. It acts a wonderful immunity enhancer and prevents respiratory infections.

You can also consume pepper powder with honey.

TURMERIC

Do you remember the times when your grandmother used to say you need to consume turmeric for your health? Guess what, she was right. Turmeric contains curcumin a phytochemical that removes toxins from the body and strengthens the immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria. Add an extra dash of turmeric to your meals or consume it by cooking with milk.

BLACK CUMIN

Black cumin extracts has the abilities to keep you safe from a range of viruses and bacteria that attack our immune system. Both black cumin seeds and oil have antioxidant properties and help flush out free radicals that weaken the immunity.

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it is capable of decreasing stress levels. Stress lowers your immune response and makes the body vulnerable to infections, be it viral or bacterial. Consume ashwagandha during this pandemic to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus infection.

All parts of the plant can be consumed, like leaves, roots, bark, fruit, and seeds, for their medicinal properties. But the root is most commonly used part. This herb has traditionally been prescribed to strengthen immunity post any illness. Ashwagandha plant has strong anti-inflammatory action that helps in auto immune diseases like RA and skin conditions. It improves brain cell function, anxiety and depression. It also refreshes the body, relieving fatigue. It should ideally  be consumed with warm sweetened milk.

MULETHI

Liquorice or yashtimadhu, also known commonly as mulethi is an excellent home remedy for a number of disorders including cough and cold. According to Ayurveda, mulethi is sweet in taste, is effective in treating vata disorders. Glycyrrhizin – a saponin found in mulethi has  anti-microbial action. Use the powdered root with honey and ghee to improve immunity and fight COVID. It is a natural revitaliser and anti-ageing agent. 

AMLA

It is perhaps one of the richest sources of vitamin C and is perfect for the overall immunity enhancing, as it can revitalize and rejuvenate the body systems. Amla is cooling in nature and can help remove excess body heat, thus ofte prescribed in pitta dosha conditions. It can prove to be very effective in symptoms in COVID which comes due to involvement of multiple systems, Like Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, involvement of gastro-intestinal tract. 

Amla is also known to stimulate regeneration of red blood cells and help improve haemoglobin content in body. It has anti inflammatory properties too.  

It’s best to consume amla in raw form. Amla powder can also be consumed by mixing with honey. Chyawanprash is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation which has Amla in it as main ingredient, that can be consumed to reduce mental and physical fatigue and boost immunity to fight COVID.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a potent immunity-boosting herbs in Ayurveda. It’s filled with antioxidants and inflammatory properties to fight off Winter colds and is an amazing immunity booster. It also prevents blood platelet from clumping, destroys inflammatory agents and controls blood sugar.

GILOY

Tinospora cordifolia commonly known as ‘Guduchi’ or ‘Amrita’, is a plant which had been used from centuries for its medicinal values. It has so many properties like, it’s hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, ANTIOXIDANT, antiosteoporotic, hepatoprotective, antiobesity, anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic. 

1,4- α-D-glucan, the main chemical constituent of giloy stimulate natural killer cells, B cells, and T cells with simultaneous production of various immune-stimulatory cytokines. Studies have proven its abilities to increase the white blood cell (WBC) counts, bone marrow cellularity, serum Ig concentrations which further validates the immunomodulatory potential of GILOY.

 The things you need to improve your immunity are all within your reach. Consume these herbs and stay home to beat coronavirus!