Herbs such as amla, mulethi, ashwagandha, ginger, basil, harad, turmeric, brahmi, and large cardamom are beneficial for your immune system. Also, unctuous foods like honey, cow’s milk, and desi ghee (clarified butter) work as natural rejuvenators.
1. Amla
Amla or the Indian Gooseberry is the richest and best natural source of vitamin C. It also contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, albumin, cellulose, fiber, carbohydrate, sugar, and water. According to ayurveda, the fruit of amla helps reduce all the 3 doshas – vata, pitta and kapha (air, fire, and phlegm), which, when aggravated above their normal limits, cause a disease. The special properties of rejuvenation and revitalizing of the entire body systems makes amla highly beneficial for increasing the body’s resistance power. Eating amla in raw form may not be easy for all but you need not fret. You could feast on amla murabba, chutneys, or jams. The powder of dried amla (which is readily available) can also be taken mixed with honey, twice a day. You can even extract fresh juice from the amla fruit and add it to salads or mix with other juices to balance the sourness. Chyawanprash, which contains amla along with other herbs, is a well-known formulation that can be taken for long periods as a tonic to do away with mental and physical fatigue.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is used widely in India both for cooking and for medicinal purposes. It is believed to destroy all the 3 doshas or the basic humors of the body. Therefore, turmeric is recommended in a large variety of ailments and also as a potent immunity-boosting herb. Turmeric can be used to relieve ailments such common cold, dry itchy skin, joint pains and swellings. The best part is that it can easily be included in your daily diet to equip your body to fight maladies.
About 1–3 grams powder of raw turmeric is recommended and can be supplemented with warm water or milk. The powder can also be mixed with oil and massaged on the skin. Haridra Khanda is an effective ayurveda formulation of turmeric.
3. Ginger
According to ayurvedic texts, as ginger is hot in action, it helps in decreasing the aggravated vata and kapha doshas. Ginger helps fight infections and boost immunity levels. Ginger can be used for hot fomentation in arthritis, gout, edema, and other forms of joint and muscle pain. A powder of dry ginger mixed with sesame oil and massaged on the joint provides good relief. Also, the herb of ginger helps find relief in almost all types of respiratory disorders like cough, cold, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis. Moreover, it can be consumed in any form – fresh, dried, powdered, or juiced.
4. Tulsi
Tulsi or holy basil contains specific anti-asthmatic and anti-infective properties. Ayurveda recommends holy basil to empower respiratory resistance. To find relief, consume fresh tulsi juice made by pounding leaves of the herb, twice a day. Add a few drops of ginger and some honey to this to increase its efficiency to build resistance.
5. Mulethi
Roots of the herb of licorice or yashtimadhu are an excellent home remedy for relieving a number of disorders. According to ayurvedic texts, mulethi, being heavy, slimy, and sweet helps in decreasing the aggravated vata dosha or air body humor. Therefore, licorice is helpful in treating the diseases relating to vitiation in air body humor. Mulethi is a natural revitalizing herb. A number of licorice formulations are available on the market that can be taken for strengthening the body systems and increasing immunity. The powder of this root, when taken with honey and ghee, is sufficient to revive your immunity levels. Not only this, mulethi also acts as a general as well as brain tonic and prevents early aging.
6. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a natural herb that is beneficial in boosting immunity and restoring energy levels. It also delays the process of aging. In the ayurvedic texts, the herb of ashwagandha is regarded as a natural stimulator and rejuvenator. A powder prepared by pounding the root of ashwagandha can be taken in a dose of 3–6 grams along with a glass of warm and sweetened cow’s milk.
