Ayurveda is regarded as one of the first examples of holistic medical practice. Since the beginning of time, people have been using herbs from the Ayurvedic tradition to treat and prevent a wide variety of ailments, ranging from fever and hair loss to diabetes and sexual issues. When it comes to maintaining overall health and fitness, the importance of using Ayurvedic medicines to both prevent and treat infections cannot be overstated. The following herbs, when administered in accordance with Ayurveda principles, have been shown to strengthen one's immune system:

1. Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)

Because of its extensive array of positive health effects, ashwagandha is one of the most widely used and critically significant herbs in Ayurvedic therapy. Everyone from infants to the elderly takes it as a "Rasayana," which is a kind of herbal tonic, to strengthen their immune systems and extend their lives. By bolstering the cell-mediated immune system, this well-known plant helps the body better defend itself against potentially dangerous diseases. In addition to this, it contains antioxidant qualities, which protect against cellular damage brought on by free radicals. In addition to this, it lowers levels of the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for stress, and this, in turn, helps to relieve stress.

How to consume: Put a quarter to a half teaspoon of the Ashwagandha root powder (churna) into a pot with two cups of water and bring it to a boil. Include a little bit of ground ginger. Continue boiling it until it is reduced by half. After it has cooled, add honey to the mixture in order to improve its flavor. There is also an ashwagandha syrup called ashwagandharishta, as well as ashwagandha pills that may be purchased.

2. Giloy (Guduchi)

Giloy is historically employed in the treatment of a broad number of illnesses because of the synergistic effects it has, including those of an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, an immunological modulator, and a liver supporter. It helps strengthen the immune system and the body's defenses against infections. This is a helpful benefit. It does this by increasing the activity of macrophages, which are the cells responsible for combating germs as well as foreign materials, and so aiding in the early healing process. This plant also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, meaning it may bring down a fever. Giloy is able to exert its anti-inflammatory effects because it is able to prevent the effects of substances that cause inflammation, such as histamine and bradykinin. This assists in the regulation of generalized allergic responses that occur throughout the body.

How to consume: Take one and a half to three teaspoons of Giloy Juice. Mix it with the same amount of water, and then consume it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning on a daily basis. Giloy was available to you in the form of Giloy syrup (amritarishta), Giloy capsules, and Giloy extract, among other preparations (satva).

3. Tulsi (Basil)

Since ancient times, people have recognized tulsi as a herb that is rich in many healing powers. The presence of this plant in so many Indian homes may have something to do with the aforementioned cause. It has a lot of essential oils, which are good for your neurological system, immunological system, and antioxidant system since they boost their function. Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, tulsi protects all of the body's organs from the harmful effects of oxidation. These leaves have an immunomodulatory effect, which indicates that they play a significant part in the enhancement, maintenance, and stimulation of the formation of antibodies, as well as the avoidance of infections.

How to consume: Have a cup of tulsi tea first thing in the morning to get your day off to a healthy start. To prepare this at home, just combine a glass of boiling water with three to four tulsi leaves. Allow it to do so for a couple of minutes. Consume this beverage two to three times each day. Alternately, you may choose to consume four to five fresh tulsi leaves first thing in the morning. This practice has been shown to strengthen the immune system and maintain overall good health throughout the day. Tulsi may be purchased in stores as tulsi Patra churna (leaf powder), Tulsi beej churna (seed powder), and Tulsi panchang juice.

4. Mulethi (Mule) (Licorice)

Because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) effect, licorice is believed in Ayurveda to assist in the prevention and treatment of infections by strengthening the immune system. Because it contains antibacterial properties, mulethi may prevent you from becoming ill by identifying and eliminating harmful bacteria and germs.

Glycyrrhizin is the name of the antibacterial agent that inhibits the development of dangerous germs and further protects you from sickness and infection. The licorice plant's roots include enzymes that aid in the creation of lymphocytes and macrophages, which are the body's natural defense mechanisms against allergies, pollutants, and bacteria.

How to consume: It has been shown that taking mulethi on a regular basis may improve immune function. Combining ten grams of crushed dried licorice plant roots with two hundred grams of loose tea leaves. Make the chai you drink on a daily basis with this blend. To do this, stir one level teaspoon of this mixture into one mug's worth of water. To strengthen your defenses, bring this tea to a boil, then drain it, and consume it on a daily basis. It is marketed as Mulethi churna and as Mulethi capsules, both of which are accessible to consumers.

5. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is a highly helpful anti-oxidant and herb that is beneficial to the liver. Vitamin C, vitamin B complex, and antioxidants may be found in high concentrations in the fruit. These nutrients not only rid the body of potentially dangerous pollutants but also contribute to the fight against potentially damaging free radicals.

Amla contains anti-inflammatory chemicals, which are responsible for the fruit's ability to reduce inflammation levels in the body and, as a result, protect against infections. In addition to that, it possesses features that strengthen the immune system, which in turn helps the body fight infections more effectively and regenerates the immune system.

How to consume:  Therefore, making it a practice of eating an amla in the morning, either in its raw form or as a juice will make you less susceptible to ailments and keep you healthy. You can have it either in raw form or as a juice. For children, consuming amla in the form of murabba, in which the fruit is cooked with jaggery or chyawanprash, and then spreading it over Rotis or bread may help them take advantage of the immune-enhancing characteristics of amla. There are several other forms of amla that may be purchased, including chyawanprash, amla juice, amla sweets, amlaki capsules, and amla murabba.

Note:  This website's content is provided only for educational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see a certified health practitioner for further information about your specific needs.