Natural Herbs and Remedies to Boost the Immune System in Ayurveda

How to boost the immune system according to Ayurveda? There are many powerful natural herbs and remedies to boost the immune system. Know about these Ayurvedic home remedies which can easily boost immunity and health.

1. Giloy

In Ayurveda, Giloy or Guduchi or Amritavalli is one of the three Amrit plants as it purifies blood and is a powerful rejuvenator and an immunity booster.

It gives longevity and vitality by bestowing youth like properties in the body. It is an excellent source to activate or repair the immune system of the body.

Giloy has powerful anti-aging properties which grants flawless and youthful skin. It reduces all kinds of pimples, wrinkles and dark spots. It makes the skin soft and bright. It is packed with antioxidants which repairs cellular structure of the body and get rid of all kinds of blood diseases. It grants unmatched immunity.

It is noted that giloy can treat all kinds of health problems. It can be highly effective in all kinds of bone ailments (excellent to relieve gout and rheumatoid arthritis). Giloy with jaggery can treat skin, liver and digestive diseases. If someone is suffering from a long form of chronic fever or asthma, giloy can work wonders.

2. Turmeric

Everyone is advised to drink turmeric milk when you are sick. As per Ayurveda, turmeric is one of the best foods to increase immunity.

Turmeric contains curcumin (curcuminoids), a compound which has immense healing properties and is a powerful anti-inflammatory substance. Curcumin boosts antioxidant enzymes in the body which correspondingly boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). The BDNF improves the brain function and lowers the risk of all kinds of brain ailments.

Turmeric also protects the body against various heart diseases and improves circulation of blood. It enhances the function of endothelium (the lining of your blood vessels) and thus acts as an immunomodulatory agent for body cells. Apart from these, Curcumin has several other health effects for arthritis, diabetes, kinds of allergies, respiratory ailments and Alzheimer’s disease.

The anti-cancer properties of turmeric are also well-known. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin prevents a variety of cancer, such as breast, prostrate, gastric and pancreatic. Curcumin slows the spread of tumor cells and it prevents the formation of tumors.

3. Ashwagandha

As per Ayurveda, ashwagandha is an adaptogen (manage stress and mental disorders). It is believed that a person who consumes ashwagandha on daily basis will gain horse-like strength. It is also used as an aphrodisiac (enhances sexual health).

It inhibits cortisol (the stress hormone) and hence is is highly effective for people battling stress and all kinds of mental ailments. Ashwagandha is very effective in treating insomnia as it reduces stress and calms the overall nervous system. For those looking to gain weight, ashwagandha can help increase mass and strength of the muscle.

Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha reduces cholesterol and helps improve heart condition.

4. Garlic

Garlic a low-calorie food is a also the source of various amino acids and enzymes which helps the body to build its muscular structure.

A single clove of garlic contains some of the most sought-after compounds such as, Manganese, Iron, Vitamin B1, Phosphorus, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium, Calcium, Copper, Sulfur, Fiber and Potassium. Garlic’s health benefits has the ability to help control various cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and high blood pressure (hypertension). In fact, Garlic can reduce cholesterol by about 10–15%.

Garlic also has antioxidants which helps prevent various chronic diseases. Adding a clove of garlic can also help you live longer as it improves the immune system tremendously.

5. Ginger

Ginger can treat nausea, decrease inflammation and its antimicrobial properties can drastically boost the immune system. Ginger counters an upset stomach.

Gingerol compound (responsible for its smell and flavor of ginger) has the most powerful health benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance. Ginger is so powerful that it is consumed as a supplement for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (lowers joint pain from arthritis). It reduces cancer risk and improves blood sugar levels (effective in type 2 diabetes). Ginger is highly effective in cold symptoms. Drinking ginger keeps the body warm and is effective against respiratory infections. It is also believed to ease stomach pain and helps to ease morning sickness during pregnancy.

Apart from consuming these natural foods and herbs to boost immunity, it’s also important to note that a healthy lifestyle can improve the immune system drastically.

Practice healthy-living and don’t smoke or drink. Always eat a healthy (balanced) diet high in fruits, vegetables and fiber. One must also exercise regularly as it can strengthen the body’s immune system to fight all kinds of harmful bacteria and viruses.

Author: Team AS

Team Ayurvedshala includes BAMS (Ayurvedacharya) and expert health writers, with years of experience. Possessing deep knowledge of Ayurveda and home remedies, the team is dedicated to imparting its expertise and wisdom for your good health.