In this challenging time, let’s strengthen our immune system with natural herbs, spice, and drinks.
‘Health is wealth’ – is a common proverb that we all have grown up hearing.
But despite this ancient wisdom being ingrained in our psyche, we have often failed to live up to it.
There is no denying the fact that we have taken our health for granted. However, prioritizing our health is much simple than we think.
One of the age-old diktats about well-being, Ayurveda has laid out a complete guideline on how to use the food we eat in a way that boosts the functioning of our body and mind in an optimum manner.
The science of Ayurveda is a treasure trove of ancient food wisdom.
According to Ayurveda, the food we eat not only nourishes us but also prevent and cure at the same time. It enhances our immunity to fight diseases.
There are many foods that can boost your immune system while tasting delicious!
“I would say 70% of the ailments in the world could be handled with a better sense of living, eating and atmosphere.” – Sadhguru
Golden Rules to Boost Your Immunity
The human body is capable of producing antibodies that are well equipped to prevent and cure the majority of the ailments.
Our body develops its immune system and adaptability even while dealing with a particular ailment.
Further, certain natural ingredients that are mostly available in every household, help to build a robust immune system.
Let’s take a look at six such immunity-boosting tips that make use of natural remedies.
1. Sip Warm Water Throughout The Day
Ayurveda strongly recommends the intake of lukewarm or hot water to fight any kind of viral infections, sore throat, and relieve chest congestion.
The Ayurveda says, “when the temperature of our drinking water is more than our body temperature, it aids our digestive fire or Agni which helps to digest foods.”
You are only as healthy as your Agni
Drinking hot water as the first thing in the morning help you to detox your body naturally.
You can also squeeze some lemon juice to fasten the process as lemons are rich in vitamin C that remove toxins out from the body while boosting your immunity.
Common cold or influenza are few of some easily cured infections simply by sipping warm water throughout the day at the very onset of the symptoms.
2. Practice Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation
Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation – All these trio addresses every issue of our body in the most holistic manner.
According to Psychology Today, a new research published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine suggests how yoga is helpful to strengthen your immune system and decreased inflammation.
When medicine fails to improve your body’s immune system. This is the time when yoga comes to rescue!
Yoga and meditation are the most effective and tested natural immunity boosters that lead to a fit and healthy body.
Similarly, Pranayama or breathing practices maximize oxygen supply to our vital organs and nerves, thereby, enhancing their capacity and functionality.
A blog post in HuffPost shown how Pranayama impacts our body and mind positively.
No doubt! All these three lower stress hormones, strengthen your nervous system, regulate deep sleep, calms your mind and heal your body to maintain a healthy immune system.
According to a study from Science Daily, 3-month of consistent practice of yoga and meditation has shown remarkable improvement in the physiological as well as immunological aspects of the practitioners.
“Yoga does not transform the way we see things, It transform the person who see.” – B.K.S. Iyengar
3. Foods For Immunity
“You are what you eat”
Several times you have come across this phrase. Especially in yoga, they say,
“Just with the right food, practices, and a little change in attitude, you will see this body become a miracle.”
Every nutrient you get from food is essential to keep your immune system functioning properly.
Certain plant-based ingredients that had been prescribed in the Ayurveda have proven to be as effective as antibiotic drugs.
Herbs and spices became part of daily cooking because of their anti fungal and antibacterial properties, according to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science.
Cumin, fennel, carom seeds, gooseberry, and dry ginger powder are some of the natural immunity booster foods, beneficial for revitalizing our digestive organs.
Spices like black pepper, basil, honey, turmeric, and licorice help to relieve cough, chest congestion, and throat infection.
A Study shows, turmeric is rich in a polyphenol, named curcumin which works better when combined with other spices, such as black pepper.
Hence, turmeric has been recommended to be a part of almost all the recipes of our everyday meal.
4. Drink More Herbal Tea
The same natural herbs and spices used in cooking can also be formulated into a curative decoction.
There are innumerable recipes for such herbal decoction that have been passed down through the generations.
A combination of spices in boiled water makes a good alternative to your sugary morning drinks.
Also, if they are boiled once, you can consumed them throughout the day.
All herbal tea are helpful to treat chest congestion, fever, digestive disorder, and several other ailments.
Green tea, chamomile tea, ginger teas, lemon tea, and peppermint tea are some of very popular herbal tea for boosting immunity.
These are loaded with lots of powerful antioxidants, so you must consume them regularly even if the effects are minimal.
One such herbal tea recommended by the Ministry of AYUSH –
Decoction made of basil, cinnamon, black pepper, dry ginger and raisin to be boiled in water and sipped throughout the day to strengthen your immunity.
Most of the time these are used as home remedies for boosting your immunity.
They have no side-effects like antibiotics or any other mainstream drug, rather they only help to make the immune system stronger.
Sipping your water in form of hot tea is a great option among immune boosting drinks.
If you are looking something herbal for weight loss, then try these tea to reduce bloating.
5. Molten Gold in a Tea Cup – Turmeric Milk
Another most ancient and Ayurvedic immunity boosting drinks of Indian culture.
This turmeric milk or golden milk has taken the entire wellness industry across the world by storm.
According to a review published by US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health, curcumin is a polyphenol in turmeric that helps to treat several inflammatory and metabolic conditions as well as body aches.
This warm decoction when taken just before bedtime, helps to heal the internal organs and revitalize them as you sleep.
6. A Good Night’s Sleep
Sleeping is essential for our body to revive and rejuvenate.
Newborn babies have maximum growth while they asleep. Their bones and other internal organs get developed at that time.
That is the reason the recommended sleeping time for children is more than that of the adults. And once the body attains complete growth, sleep time helps to heal and revive the body inside out.
Hence having proper sleep is one of the trusted ways to boost our immunity naturally.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, getting a complete good night’s sleep should be a priority. They advise to have a strict sleep schedule.
So, make bedtime very relaxing and comfortable by creating a warm and cozy atmosphere and most importantly avoid the use of electronics, caffeine, and alcohol that may stimulate your nerves just before bedtime.
Get Rid of Bad Habit to Boost Your Immunity
If you are indeed serious about strengthening your immune system, here are some of the acquired habits that prove to be a bane for your overall health and well-being:
- Tobacco and alcohol consumption
- Taking a meal after sunset
- Packaged, ready to eat food, and carbonated drink (Instead try these healthy soda replacing drinks)
- Drinking cold water
- Staying up late at night
- Stress and anxiety
- Procrastinating fitness goals
- Mental health issues like depression
- Using gadgets at the time of eating and before going to bed
Stay Well
It is not very difficult to promote health and well being. All it takes is developing certain healthy habits and leading a disciplined lifestyle.
A strong and healthy body that is free from any ailment is the biggest boon one can ever have.
Being healthy boosts your confidence and makes you invincible.
Hence, it is a wise decision to take a few corrective steps to prioritize your health and boost your immune system.
Source: Ministry Of Ayush
Featured Image: Freepik