Immunity is the ability of our body to fight against various infections and diseases. According to Ayurveda, there are many simple and safe practices, if followed can help to boost our immunity. A few of them include daily meditation, gargling twice a day with warm salted water, mindful eating, and taking stress-free sleep. Apart from the above practices, there are many natural ingredients and herbs which boost our immunity and help us fight infections and diseases. A few of these and their benefits are listed below:
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale): Ginger has two main medicinal compounds called gingerol, and zingerone. Gingerol acts as an analgesic (relieves pain), antipyretic(prevents or reduces fever), and has antibacterial effects. The antibacterial effects of gingerol help in curing cold and sore throat, while zingerone is an antioxidant. Both these compounds make ginger a powerful immune booster. It blocks the growth of many bacterial strains, infecting the respiratory tracts of humans, and gives protection against seasonal allergies like cough and sneezing.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin content of the turmeric, which is about 3-5%, has healing properties. Curcumin has antiviral properties; it reduces the replication of the virus. Turmeric is taken to enhance the immunity of our body. It protects the body from cold or flu, by cleaning the respiratory tract and fighting the infection in the tract.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem not only cools our body internally, but it also helps to strengthen our immune system. It has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that keep our skin healthy. Neem purifies blood and removes impurities and toxins from our body and in turn makes our immune system stronger.
Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica): Amla is a rich source of vitamin C, which increases the immunity power of the human body by many folds. It removes toxins from our body, aids in healthy absorption and digestion, and protects our body from seasonal cold, cough, and flu. It also helps in relieving stress and increases the energy level of our body.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Tulsi contains water-soluble flavonoids called vicenin and orientin. They are powerful antioxidants and help to strengthen our immune system. Tulsi reduces pain and fever during diseases like malaria and dengue. It gives relief from bronchitis, cough, and many other lung diseases. It also protects our liver and blood vessels.
Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera): It is good for boosting immunity and strength of our body. It also gives relief from insomnia and joint pain. The active ingredient withanolides, present in it, makes ashwagandha a good tonic to get relief from stress, and it also improves the thinking ability of an individual.
Shilajit: It is rich in antioxidants and has more than 84 minerals and fulvic acid. It helps to improve the immunity of our body, helps to increase our energy, and improves memory. It is also a good diuretic that removes the excess fluid from our body.
Giloy or Guduchi (Tinosporacordifolia): It increases the immunity of our body, and treats chronic fevers, respiratory problems, and diabetes. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants, that keep our cells healthy by fighting free radicals. It is anti-pyretic, which reduces the symptoms and signs of conditions like malaria and dengue. Its anti-inflammatory property helps to reduce respiratory problems like tonsils, cold, and cough.