World Ayurveda Day: Boost your immunity with these Ayurvedic solutions

The Covid-19 pandemic has the world turning to the science of the immunity system. The last two years unfurled many debates and discussions on raising immunity and witnessed many products that claimed to boost immunity levels.  The studies, debates and discussions that were conducted by various streams of medicines, including traditional and modern, were meant to equip human bodies to fight pathogens and it also became all the more important because of the pandemic, especially until the population got vaccinated. From the perspective of modern Ayurveda, which uses the methodologies of modern medicine such as animal studies and clinical trials to ascertain the efficacy of herbal and herbo-mineral medicines, there are many effective ways of raising immunity levels. 

Ayurveda promotes healthy diet for immunity

The ultimate medicine that keeps one utmost healthy is one’s regular diet. When considering boosting immunity levels, it is important to:

  • Avoid processed sugar
  • Avoid binge eating
  • Be mindful of alcohol intake
  • Consume a balanced diet that includes lots of seasonal green and leafy vegetables and fruits that are available locally.
  • Consume food moderately at regular intervals
  • Include spices that are regularly used in traditional cooking such as turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, cumin, ginger and garlic, and more.
immunity and Ayurveda
Care about your immunity, please! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Include these Ayurveda herbs  in diet to boost immunity

While there are many herbs and spices recommended by Ayurveda for raising immunity, a few of them when consumed in fixed doses could strengthen immunity and enhance the body’s ability to combat diseases.

  1. Black pepper: A powerhouse recommended by Ayurveda, black pepper has been scientifically proven to raise immunity levels. It increases energy levels, has antioxidant properties, is anti-inflammatory, helps in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, and boosts absorption of nutrients.
  2. Ashwagandha:  One of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is prominently used owing to its scientifically-proven benefits of reducing blood-sugar levels, inflammation, anti-cancerous properties and ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
  3. Indian pepper (Pippali): Also known as the Indian long pepper, it is used to cure gastrointestinal problems, lung problems, arthritis, problems during menstruation, and more.
  4. Dry ginger: A staple in Indian kitchens, ginger is one of the best ingredients to strengthen the immunity system; it is anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic, enhances B12 production by the body, acts as a muscle relaxant, and fights flus, colds and so on. 
immunity and Ayurveda
Black pepper is packed with benefits! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
The last word

The above ingredients, if taken in fixed doses, can help in building strong immunity, prepare the body to fight infections and also provide cure for various ailments. These ingredients in specific combinations are available in various products and are safe to consume.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, lung health is critical, and these herb combinations can dilate the respiratory tract, clear phlegm from lungs and impart resistance against recurrent respiratory infections. That improves respiratory strength and rejuvenates lungs. 

The science of Ayurveda recommends that we need to approach life in its totality. Immunity is the prize that nature provides for a well-maintained life and it can be achieved easily with simple steps.