Immunity Building Herbs and Foods

Coronavirus is spreading worldwide and  the scariest part about this deadly virus is that doctors are still trying to understand this complex virus. Apart from protecting yourself by doing things like wearing a mask and washing hands regularly, what you eat and drink can be the key to staying healthy.

 In Ayurveda, prevention is more important than cure and the emphasis is placed on boosting immunity to fight infections. It’s no secret that  since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural treatments for various illnesses, including viral infections. Due to the concentration of potent plant compounds, many herbs help fight viruses and are favored by practitioners of natural medicine. While vaccines prime your immune system to fight off infections before they take hold in your body, boosting your immunity through herbs is also a great alternative to build a strong immune system.

Along with basic hygiene practices like washing hands, one of the best proactive things we can do right now before the virus potentially spreads further is to boost our immune system.  

Here are some herbs and foods which are anti viral and at the same time boosts immunity.

Garlic : Powerful anti-viral, can be eaten raw, mashed or added to soups and curries.

Star anise : Contains shikimic acid, the main ingredient in anti viral medicines. Add star anise to your teas like green tea, black tea or white tea. Can be added to your favorite soups and stews.

Tulsi : Also known as Holy Basil, this herb is effective in keeping infections at bay by acting as a natural immune system booster. It is frequently used in herbal formulations to help treat asthma, bronchitis, colds, and flu. It is also high in antioxidants and helps the body detox. Can be consumed raw, plucked straight from the plant, boiled and made as a juice, or as a daily supplement as directed by a physician.

Ginger : Make ginger tea to reap its benefits. Boil in water and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add lemon and honey and sip it warm. You can also grate ginger and collect the juice , add equal parts honey to the juice  and take 1 teaspoon twice a day.

Ashvagandha: This herb has a history of use in traditional medicine. Also known as “Indian Ginseng,” the herb has been used for thousands of years to ease pain and inflammation, treat insomnia, along with other conditions. It has proven anti-inflammatory properties. You can consume Ashvagandha capsule, powder, or tablets with warm milk or water, or as directed by the physician.

Vitamin C foods like oranges, berries , amla, red peppers and  yellow peppers. Lemon water is a great way to start your day – 1 Glass of lukewarm water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1/2 tsp Honey  :  Drink it first thing in the morning.

Oregano : contains thymol and carvacrol, that have powerful antiseptic and antibiotic properties.

Guduchi: Also known as Giloy and its scientific name is Tinospora Cordifolia. Guduchi is rich in antioxidants like ascorbic acid, lycopene and carotene–they have anti-ageing properties. The best way to consume is to use a powder made from the stem of the Guduchi herb.

Moringa: Moringa or drumsticks is a nutrient dense herb and food. It is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic as well as cholesterol lowering properties. Moringa is a natural energy booster, so a cup of moringa infused tea in the afternoon can add to your productivity. Fresh moringa juice also helps women battle anaemia.

Thyme :  contains volatile oils that are strongly antiseptic and also helps you cough out mucus. Great remedy for respiratory infections and coughs.

Turmeric : If you can only eat one spice everyday, it should be turmeric. Check some easy recipes for turmeric below.

Here are some easy herbal recipes to try :

Turmeric Tea

Golden Milk / Turmeric Milk

Kadha

Ginger Pickle

I hope this blog helps you in some way. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If there is an immunity building recipe you know, do share that too. We can never have enough healthy recipes. Prevention is the best way. Keeping our immune system strong will not just help us with Coronavirus but agianst other microbes too.

The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.