Today the raging pandemic has made us aware of the fact that health is the most important thing in our life. To live a healthy life, it is imperative to build our immunity. A good immune system can fight off a lot of illnesses and can also considerably curtail the odds of getting sick. Choosing a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards keeping your immune system strong and healthy. A balanced diet, daily exercise, adequate sleep, and including certain herbs and spices in your meals can go a long way in bolstering your body’s defense mechanism.
For centuries Ayurveda has made use of various herbs and spices, both in fresh and dried forms, to cure several diseases. Herbs and spices are rich in phytochemicals and therefore help fight inflammation and damage to our body’s cells.
Here is a list of some herbs and spices that could be consumed every day to strengthen your immunity and fight ailments.
1. Ashwagandha
The name ashwagandha translates to “the smell of the horse.” Ashwagandha is a shrub, the extracts of whose roots are used for a lot of purposes. Today ashwagandha is touted as the magic pill for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties throughout the world. It is also called the “Indian ginseng” for its wonderful and powerful qualities.
Ashwagandha is a premier immunity booster and a powerful antioxidant. If you are tired of chronic colds and illnesses such as viruses and bacteria, then ashwagandha can strengthen your immunity back up and reboot your body. This medicinal herb is also consumed for various other reasons – relieving stress, improving concentration, and increasing energy levels.
Ashwagandha strengthens the body’s defense against diseases. It prevents free radicals from causing damage to the cells, proteins, and DNA. Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that have proven to be useful in conditions such as arthritis. The herb is also rich in iron that contributes to red blood cell count.
2. Brahmi
Brahmi is a therapeutic herb with multiple benefits. It is commonly used in ayurvedic medicines as a general tonic, memory enhancer, aphrodisiac, and also to boost your immune system. Brahmi also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals that can mutate into cancer cells.
Brahmi can also increase your immune system’s response time against various pathogens, viruses, and bacterial infections by spiking immunoglobulin production. The herb also augments the production of cytokines like Th1 and Th2 in the body, which help regulate the production of antibodies.
Brahmi helps to mitigate stress and anxiety by reducing the levels of cortisol in the body. Adding fresh or dry brahmi leaves to tea can relieve anxiety and boost immunity. Brahmi supplements are available both in pill and powdered form.
3. Triphala
Triphala literally translates to “three fruits.” These three fruits contained in Triphala are – Amalaki, Bibhitaka, and Haritaki and have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidizing properties. Triphala has been used for several years for a wide range of health conditions such as to support digestion, promote good bowel health, and fortify the overall immune system.
Triphala is known to be a great source of antioxidants that help the body fight off infections and diseases by boosting immunity. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Triphala can be helpful in controlling allergies. It also acts as an immunosuppressant. Traditionally Triphala is consumed in powdered form or as tea. If consumed in powdered form, Triphala is mixed with honey and a few drops of lemon as it is very bitter if taken independently.
4. Giloy
Giloy translates to “root of immortality” and is known for its high medicinal profile. It is full of antioxidants that fight free radicals and disease-causing bacteria. Giloy is a great source of biologically active compounds such as alkaloids and lactones that can help regulate and bolster the immune system.
Giloy juice is a wonderful immune-boosting drink and is believed to flush out toxins and purify the blood. You can add other potent ingredients like tulsi (holy basil) leaves, ginger, and garlic to make the drink more healthy. This drink can also help you fight off seasonal ailments such as flu, cold, and fever.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as a flavoring agent and a medicinal herb. It is almost impossible to miss this beautiful orange-hued herb that is believed to have anti-cancer, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric’s main active compound curcumin has innumerable healing properties, making it a potential treatment for several health conditions. Standardized turmeric powder contains a small percentage of curcumin. Therefore, to derive the full benefits of curcumin, supplements may be required. Curcumin is best consumed with black pepper that enhances its absorption in the body.
Turmeric is beneficial for pain caused by diseases like arthritis and helps stop DNA mutation. It is also shown to be effective in preventing or slowing down Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric extract has inhibitory action against many pathogenic microbes like Helicobacter pylori that causes gastric-ulcer.
With its role in improving immunity, regular consumption of turmeric is beneficial. You can have a bit of turmeric powder with honey or hot milk every day. A pinch of turmeric, black pepper, and ginger with 1 tsp of organic honey is a wonderful concoction for allergies and colds.
6. Neem
Neem is a popular Indian medicinal herb that has been part of the ancient remedies in the world of Ayurveda. It contains more than 130 different biologically active compounds. Apart from being an effective immunostimulant, neem also has powerful anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. Neem leaves purify the blood, prevent cell damage by free radicals in the body, remove toxins, treat ulcers, insect bites, destroy disease-causing bacteria, stimulate the immune system, and promote fast healing.
Ayurveda doctors also recommend neem in the form of capsules for daily consumption. Neem tea also works magically in reducing fever, especially malaria. Having crushed neem leaves with a glass of water can strengthen your body’s defense mechanism.
7. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla or the Indian gooseberry is deemed to be an immunostimulant. It can enhance overall immunity through its anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Amla can also help relieve symptoms of cold and cough. Rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, alkaloids, flavonoids, Vitamin A, amla helps fight infections and flush toxins out of your body. Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is known to strengthen immunity.
Some studies have shown that amla increases white blood cell count. White blood cells attack and destroy pathogens and foreign toxins.
Amla is considered a hepatoprotective agent that protects against carcinogenesis and oxidative stress. It also prevents and treats any damage linked with free radical exposure, connective tissue disorders, and autoimmune based conditions.
8. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is often used in Indian dishes for its slightly sweet and nutty taste. Due to its high nutritional value, fenugreek is often taken as a supplement. It is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron and magnesium.
Fenugreek plant has small leafy greens that are used both in fresh and dried form. The pods contain the yellow seeds that are used as a spice and for medicinal purposes. Fenugreek can easily regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestive issues such as constipation. Sprouted seeds of fenugreek are also used in salads.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a delicious spice that is full of health benefits. It is known for its many anti-inflammatory benefits and is full of antioxidants. It consists of huge amounts of highly potent polyphenol antioxidants.
Cinnamon is also an immune stimulator and can fight off colds, painful sinuses, inhibit inflammatory substances, and can control blood sugar. Regular consumption of cinnamon and honey can bolster your heart by revitalizing the blood vessels and reducing the incidence of heart attacks.
Mix 1/4 tsp of cinnamon in a spoonful of honey and have this magic remedy once every day for a few days and see your sneezing and coughing go away. This concoction will also keep other infections at bay. For maximum benefits of this home remedy, use organic honey, free from pesticides.
10. Ginger
Ginger is a versatile spice with myriads of uses both culinary and medicinal. It is used in treating seasonal ailments such as cold, fever, and flu. It is also great for improving digestion and metabolism. Ginger has powerful antibacterial properties and is effective against many drug-resistant bacteria. It stimulates the immune system to kill viruses, including respiratory viruses and also prevents the growth of cancer cells.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can strengthen your immune system. In combination with honey and lemon, ginger is believed to improve your immune health. The best way to include ginger in your diet is by adding raw ginger to your food and drinks. You can add some crushed ginger to your tea to add to the health quotient.
A traditional and powerful remedy for cough, and cold is boiling ginger with some holy basil leaves and adding honey to it. Including ginger in your meals, teas, and smoothies can significantly improve your health. Ginger is beneficial for the body when taken appropriately, but its excess consumption can lead to heartburn, gas, and stomachache.
The Takeaway
These wonderful spices and herbs in your spice rack will not only provide a natural flavoring to your food but also bolster your immunity, fight off viruses, infections, and inflammation, and also rev up your metabolism.
In addition to these powerful herbs and spices, you can give your body’s natural defenses a helping hand by getting adequate sleep, upping your intake of vegetables and fruits, managing stress, and engaging in any physical activity. Unless your doctor recommends you these herbs and spices in supplement forms, it is better to eat them. You can start by trying a pinch at a time to discover which flavor combinations you like.
Going natural is surely the key to good health!