Everybody possesses a different level of immunity, which varies due to their different prakruti (body constitution). In our classics, it is clearly mentioned that Kapha prakruti individual has high immunity power as compared to Vata prakruti individual. Those who have less immunity are prone to develop various infections and diseases. But we can improve or boost our immunity by some natural ways.
Other factors which play an important role in managing our immunity are – Ojas (the essence of all the dhatus), Agni and Equilibrium of Tridoshas and Mansik doshas.
Nature has provided us various ways that can fulfill the needs to eradicate various diseases by boosting immunity or in other words nature can provide a long, healthy and disease- free lifespan by enhancing immunity with the help of its natural herbs. At first, let us glance over some basics.
WHAT IS IMMUNITY?
As per Ayurvedic classics, immunity is defined as –
"Vyadhikshamatva". Vyadhikshamatva is composed of two words – Vyadhi + Kshamatva.
Whereas Vyadhi means 'Disease' or 'Illness' and Kshamatva means 'To resist'.
Definition of Immunity goes as -
Reference - Chakrapani
The meaning of this quotation goes as –
Immunity is defined as the entity which is capable enough to fight against diseases, i.e. 'Vyadhibalavirodhitam' and it also resists the production of the diseases i.e. 'Vyadhyautpadakpratibhandhakatvam'.
In other words, immunity is a defensive mechanism of the body that will not allow the manifestation and development of any disease or causative agent in the body.
According to Ayurveda, Immunity (Vyadhikshamatva) is of three types -
- Sehaja vyadhikshamatva – It is an inherited one. By birth the immunity which is present in our body is called as Sehaja vyadhikshamatva. This immunity totally depends upon our genes.
- Vyadhija vyadhikshamatva – This type of immunity develops in our body when an antigen pervades in the body, then our immune system generates specific antibodies against that specific antigen and protects our body. This type of immunity is called as vyadhija vyadhikshamatva.
- Yuktikrit Vyadhikshamatva (Acquired immunity) – As our diet plays a major role in our health. We can achieve this type of immunity, by modifying our diet and lifestyle.
HERBS THAT CAN HELP IN BOOSTING IMMUNITY
Despite of a healthy diet and lifestyle sometimes our immune system is not potent enough to manage infections in such case, we can take the help of herbs that boost immunity.
Herbs that can boost immunity should have properties that can nourish all the 7 dhatus of the body and also develop ojas.
There are various herbs in Ayurveda that support immunity, they are -
- Amla (Emblica officinalis) – A well-known ayurvedic herb that has traditionally been used for the purposes of enhancing immunity and longevity, it is also used in various preparations as an active ingredient to tackle various diseases like – diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. All the parts of amla are useful, but its fruits are rich in antioxidants and other properties. So, that can be used for the immune boosting purposes. Those who consume Amla regularly, they are likely to live a disease free long life. Even a traditional formulation which is well known for its immune boosting action – ‘Chavyanprash’, basically consists of Amalaki.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – It acts as a natural immune booster. That is why it is widely used as a general health tonic. This herb is full of anti-oxidants because of that ashwagandha is generally used in all kinds of immune- compromised patients. It supports the immune system by improving the quality of dhatus in our body.
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – Tulsi is an overall tonic for the body as well as mind because it helps to pacify physical ailments along with psychological ones. Tulsi is easily available in every home, so we can utilize its benefits just in simple ways - Eating five leaves of tulsi daily help to boost immunity, and prevent recurrent infections.
- Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) – This herb is also called a ‘Vishavbheshaja’ in our classics, which means the one that has the potential to fight against all the diseases. It acts as a powerful stimulant for the immune system. It helps the immune system by managing Agni and Ama.
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Mulethi is categorized as a best medhya rasayana that helps to increase mental power, improves cognitive skills and increases intellectual power. It is a rasayana herb thus along with overall health it also improves immunity. It helps to balance hormones in the body that are required for managing functions of the lymphatic system.
- Echinacea (Andrographis paniculata) – It is also known as purple coneflower. It has immuno- stimulant and antimicrobial properties that help to fight against various infections by directly stimulating the immune system. Mostly the leaves are the useful parts that can even improvise the functions of our defense system.
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) – A generalized tonic that is famous as a female health tonic which is useful in various gynecological problems and it also rejuvenates the affected cells of the body that are required in the body for various functions. Basically it improves the health of all organs inside the body.
- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) – Guduchi is an herb that has immune modulator action. It has various other properties like antiviral, antibacterial, etc. that help to fight against various pathogens by developing specific antibodies by its immune modulator action. It is an effective remedy to accelerate the body’s immune power. It also eliminates toxins from the body.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – Turmeric helps to fight infections and boosts immunity. Along with that, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of all these reasons, it is the herb of choice in auto-immune disorder. This herb helps to detoxify the blood and lymph, thus supports the immune system.
Other than the herbs, some natural things that can enhance our immunity are – Milk and Ghee that naturally vitalize the organs, improve the health conditions and enhance immunity.
Better to use all these herbs after proper detoxification of the body. In order to maintain good immunity better to use these herbs on a daily basis, along with this you should follow a healthy diet and a proper lifestyle.
