10 ways to boost your immunity
It is easy to get infections and flus, when your body is filled with toxins, it affects the efficacy of your immune system. According to the changes in seasons, the body become susceptible to common cold, cough, fever and viral infections. Ayurveda says, if your diet and daily routine are not adjusted as per the change in seasons, the amas (toxins) in your body will prevent your immune system from improving and becoming stronger. Therefore, here we advise you some of the food items, medicines and daily regimens which can be used in all the seasons.
Herbs
1. Ginger – Ayurveda considers ginger or ardrak as Vishwa aushadha. It is one of the Rasayana (Rejuvenating herb) that is a cure to many disorders and hence the best immunity booster. Intake of an inch long slice of Ginger with a pinch of rock salt prior to lunch, helps to cleanse the palate and stimulate appetite.
2. Amla – The Indian Gooseberry is a super food as it is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C found naturally among fruits. Include this in your diet on a regular basis in the form of fresh juice consumed first thing in the morning, a home-made sweet jam such as Murabba with lunch, or add it to your salads. It is recommended to avoid consumption of Amla post sunset at night.
3. Tulsi – The herb has a strong spiritual significance in Indian culture, and is known as a miraculous immunity booster. It has purifying properties that help in fighting respiratory diseases, fever and any kind of infections by building one’s natural immunity. Include this as a diet supplement to beat cough, cold and mild fever by consuming 2 tsps of freshly squeezed Tulsi leaf juice blended with 1 tsp of pure Honey.
4. Turmeric – Turmeric has an immune-modulating effect, because it is detoxifying and enhances the intelligence of the immune cells.
5. Cumin – Cumin known as jeera, which is mostly used in cooking. It burns ama (toxins). Take 2-3spoons of cumin, fry it and add sugar. Consume it often, it helps to get a good appetite.
6. Black pepper – Because the sharp property, it clears the channels and helps the nutrients to reach their desired place.
7. Indian borage – Scientifically known as Plectranthus amboinicus, it helps to improve health of a skin, detox the body, defend against cold, relieves stress and anxiety, optimize digestion.
8. Medications
Chyawanprash – Chyawanprash is a powerful immune bolster and aids the body in the production of haemoglobin and white blood cells. Amla, the vital component in chyawanprash detoxifies the body and cleanses the blood, liver, spleen and the lungs. It enhances youthfulness and promotes healthy muscle mass and tones the body. The general dosage is 12-28gm is to be taken with warm milk on an empty stomach in the morning. Always remember that intake of chyawanprash should be avoided immediately before or after the meal.
9. Daily regimens – Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening. It helps to avoid the dust particles to enter inside the nostrils. Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day. An oil massage to the whole body for 10-15 minutes before bath every day helps to boost the immunity.
10. Steam with an essential oils (peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, etc) on a daily basis helps to clear the channels and to protect the respiratory system.
Ghee is the most easily digested fat, contains essential fatty acids, and is a great immunity booster. Add 1-2tsp of ghee to the warm milk, add a pinch of cardamom and drink it. But don’t drink it immediately after meal, it may cause indigestion.
