Ayurvedic medicines and herbs have been used in India since ages. The medicinal properties in these herbs have cured thousands of diseases and have minimal to zero side effects. Let us look at some of these ayurvedic herbs for boosting immunity.
Moringa Is An Ayurvedic Immunity Booster
Moringa belongs to the foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India.
Immunity-Boosting Properties of Moringa
- Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties
Moringa benefits include treating inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can trigger various health problems such as arthritis, cell, tissue, and organ damage. Moringa leaves efficiently reduce inflammation in the body.
- Moringa is a great source of antioxidants
It's packed with antioxidants that protect you from free radicals and prevent cellular damage.
- Moringa is full of vital nutrients
It's rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Iron, and many other nutrients. It overpowers the nutritional values of milk, oranges, and carrots.
Forms of Moringa
Moringa is available in powdered, capsule, whole leaf, and syrup.
Easiest Way to Consume Moringa
Powdered form.
How to Use Moringa?
Add moringa powder or a few moringas leaves to your smoothie. This ayurvedic immunity booster can also give a healthy twist to your teas. Add 2-3 moringa leaves to your brewing tea, and it's ready!
How Often Should you Have it?
Eleven teaspoons of moringa powder per day are recommended. Consumption of this is safe even at higher levels, but it's not advisable.
Pros of Moringa
- It reduces cholesterol
- It maintains blood sugar levels
- It protects the liver and also helps in treating cancer.
Cons or Side-effects of Moringa
Moringa bark can cause miscarriage; pregnant women should not consume it.
Apart from this, there is no other con or side-effect of Moringa. It's safe to consume.
Also read: Foods that cause Miscarriage
Turmeric Is Highly Used as an Ayurvedic Immunity Booster
Where is Turmeric Found?
Turmeric is native to southern India and parts of Asia.
Immunity Boosting Properties
Turmeric is the best Ayurvedic medicine for immunity
Turmeric has a Cururmin compound present in it. The Curcumin compound has anti-inflammatory effects. These properties help fight bacteria and infections in your body and boost the immune system. You can also supplement your daily routine with performing Yoga for immunity.
Turmeric is a good antioxidant
Free radicals damage the body's functioning and make you prone to various diseases. Turmeric stimulates the body's defense mechanism. Thus, it protects the body from infections and life-threatening chronic diseases.
With Turmeric say no to Stress
Stress and anxiety are also known to suppress the functioning of the immune system. Curcumin in Turmeric has shown promising effects in treating higher levels of stress. Curcumin releases serotonin, also known as the stress-releasing hormone, to keep your mind at ease.
Also read: 7 health benefits of Mint
Forms of Turmeric
Turmeric is found raw in the form of capsules and powder.
Easiest way to Consume it
Turmeric powder is readily available in any Indian market. You can add this powder to various dishes.
How to use Turmeric?
- Turmeric tea
- You can use raw or powdered Turmeric to prepare tea.
Add Turmeric to your food
You can use turmeric powder and add it to rice or any vegetable recipe of your choice.
How often do you have it?
500-2000 mg of Turmeric per day is recommended, particularly in powder form.
Pros of consuming Turmeric
- It prevents cancer
- It heals wounds
- It prevents heart diseases, arthritis, and even Alzheimer's.
Cons of Turmeric
There are no such side effects of Turmeric if consumed moderately. Higher consumption levels can cause dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and an upset stomach.
Who should not have it?
Turmeric should not be consumed by people with gallstones, bile duct, liver disease, or any other biliary diseases as Turmeric increases bile secretions, which can worsen your condition.
Also read: Ashwagandha Benefits for Women
Giloy is a Great Source of Ayurvedic Immunity Booster
Where is Giloy found?
Giloy is found throughout the tropical regions of India.
Immunity Boosting Properties of Giloy
Giloy purifies blood
Giloy, an Ayurvedic immunity booster, has various antioxidant properties that purify the blood. Giloy benefits for health also include strengthening the defense mechanism of the body.
Giloy has anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory properties boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
Giloy has anti-viral properties
Giloy has anti-viral properties that protect the immune system from infections.
What form is it found in?
Giloy is found in capsules, pills, juice, powder, syrup, and raw (Giloy stem) forms.
Easiest way to consume it
In the syrup form.
How to have Giloy?
- Have it as a Giloy syrup.
- Consume capsules or pills with lukewarm water.
- Giloy tea
This immunity booster ayurvedic herb can be used in tea. Just add some Giloy stems in boiling water and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add the other ingredients you like in your tea, and you're good to go!
Pros of Giloy in Ayurveda for Immunity
- It helps in reducing chronic fever, hay fever, and dengue.
- It controls blood sugar levels.
- It aids digestion.
Cons of Giloy
- Giloy may lower blood glucose levels.
Who should not take it?
- If you suffer from any autoimmune diseases.
- If you take anti-diabetic drugs
How often should you have it?
- 2- 3 teaspoons of Giloy juice daily.
- Giloy tablet-1-2 tablet twice a day
- Giloy powder- ¼-½ tsp per day
Amla as an Ayurvedic Immunity Booster
Where is Amla found?
Amla is native to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Immunity Boosting Properties of Amla
Amla has a rich source of Vitamin C
The Vitamin C in this immunity-boosting food of Ayurveda enhances the functioning of the immune system.
Amla strengthens Respiratory system
- Amla benefits keep colds, coughs, and other respiratory problems at bay. If you consume Amla, you are less likely to catch a cold.
- Amla has antioxidant and anti-viral properties as well.
What form is it found in?
Amla is available as whole fruit, juice, sweet candy, tablets, and powdered and syrup form.
Easiest way to consume it
As a whole fruit. However, how to consume Amla is entirely a personal choice.
How to use Amla?
- You can have Amla juice with lukewarm water early in the morning and preferably on an empty stomach.
How often should you have it?
- 1-2 amla per day is advisable.
Pros of Amla
- As it is rich in Vitamin A, it is beneficial for the eyes.
- It improves digestion.
Cons of Amla
- Consumption of Amla can lead to blood-thinning; this increases the risk of bleeding after surgery.
- It may also lower blood sugar levels.
Who should not take it?
If you have undergone surgery recently or are diabetic, you should not consume Amla.
Also read: Chyawanprash benefits for women
Ginger is an Important Source of Ayurveda for Boosting Immunity
Where is Ginger found?
Ginger is found in India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Nepal, and China.
Immunity Boosting Properties of Ginger
- Ginger has an active component called Gingerol, responsible for boosting immunity.
- Ginger, one of the many herbs to boost the immune system, also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative properties. It prevents inflammation, ailments and enhances immunity.
What form is it found in?
It comes in raw, dried, powdered/grounded, pickled, preserved, or crystallized form.
The easiest way to consume it
In fresh or raw form.
How to use Ginger?
- You can use minced Ginger in your hot tea. You can try some hot teas that help manage your weight, as well.
- You can add grounded Ginger for tempering your food also.
Also read: 5 benefits of Kahwa tea
How often should you have it?
It is safe to have 1g ginger per day.
Pros of Ginger
- Prevents nausea
- Helps in weight loss
- Improves blood sugar levels
- Relieves period cramps
Cons of Ginger
- Abdominal problems
- Heartburns
- Diarrhea
- Mouth or throat irritation
Who should not consume it?
- Underweight individuals. This is because it boosts metabolism
- People with bleeding problems
- Pregnant women in their last trimester
Also read: Top 15 Indian foods to avoid during pregnancy
References
- WebMD Medical Reference, November 2020; Health Benefits of Moringa Powder - https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-moringa-powder#2
- J Bhattacharya, G Guha, B Bhattacharya; Powder microscopy of bark--poison used for abortion: moringa pterygosperma gaertn - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12262404/
- Suzanne C. Segerstrom, Gregory E. Miller, February, 2006; Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361287/
- S. K. Kulkarni, A. Dhir, April 2010; An Overview of Curcumin in Neurological Disorders - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929771/
- Betül Kocaadam-Bozkurt, Nevin Sanlier, November 2015; Curcumin, an Active Component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Its Effects on Health - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283492603_Curcumin_an_Active_Component_of_Turmeric_Curcuma_longa_and_Its_Effects_on_Health
- NWA Interventional Pain; Does Taking Turmeric for Inflammation Really Work? - https://nwapain.com/does-taking-turmeric-for-inflammation-really-work/
- Gail Woodland, December 2018; Turmeric: potential adverse effects and interactions - https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/turmeric-potential-adverse-effects-and-interactions/#:~:text=Due to their ability to,and any other biliary disease.
- V. Sharma, D. Pandey; Beneficial Effects of Tinospora cordifolia on Blood Profiles in Male Mice Exposed to Lead - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2964740/
- Rohit Sharma, HetalAmin, Galib, Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, January 2015; Antidiabetic claims of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers: critical appraisal and role in therapy -https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115301738
- Ann M. Bode, Zigang Dong; Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
