Boost your immunity

Dr Ravikumar Reddy shares practical ways based on Ayurvedic healing to strenghten body resistance against various viruses like the Covid-19

Once the summers start approaching, our immune system weakens slightly due to the change in weather and the environment. It becomes very important to invest in building your immunity during this time. The ancient science of Ayurvedic healing can build a stronger  immune system as we combat various strains of air borne viruses like the Covid-19.

Here are a few powerful herbs prescribed in Ayurveda that can help build your all round immunity.

Amrut or Giloy

Amrut pacifies all three doshas (forces that create the physical body), bio energies in the body and is therefore, safe for everyone. An important Ayurvedic concept is the doshas that represent the five great elements in nature that make up the matter. How these doshas manifest in an individual, determines his/her unique physiological and mental constitution called prakruti.

Giloy is one of the most powerful immunomodulators (medications used to help regulate or normalise the immune system), which is why it is immensely useful in treating autoimmune conditions. The root is known for its anti-stress, anti-leprotic and anti-malarial activities. It is known to be a rich source of trace elements (zinc and copper) that act as antioxidants and protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

One must continue ingesting the herb over a long period of time to see cumulative effects.

Basel OR TULSI

One of India’s most virtuous herbs has leapfrogged from adorning front yards and delicate China cups to becoming one of the best medicinal herbs on the planet. Known as the queen of herbs and the elixir of life, tulsi is a useful adaptogen which are agents to help the body cope with stress, enhance physical and mental health and promote longevity, too.

It is no surprise that tulsi also features as one of the main herbs that can help you build immunity. It has a unique combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and other actions that combine to help the body adapt and cope with a wide range of infections. It works as an anti-inflammatory herb and promotes detoxification. It can modulate the immune system and protect the liver from environmental toxins.

Amla

In conversations around immunity-building foods today, the home-grown amla is a major contender. The Indian gooseberry is a superfood that comes packed with a whole lot of nutrients.

It has high levels of Vitamin C, B-complex and carotene, along with macronutrients such as protein and carbohydrates. It is also rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus and sodium. It is a powerful antioxidant that is effective in reducing cell damage and the free radicals that can cause diseases in the body. Also, amla doesn’t lose its properties when processed, pulped or dried as much as other fruits do.

Consuming an amla a day in any form is one of the best things you could do for boost your immunity. A single tiny fruit is equivalent in vitamin C content to two oranges.

Turmeric and Pepper

One of the reasons why turmeric is so freely sprinkled in all Indian dishes is because it is a nutritional powerhouse and a gift for our body’s immunity. Curcumin, present in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It’s best to combine turmeric with a pinch of pepper, as curcumin shows increased bio-availability in the presence of peperine, which is one of the active compounds of black pepper.

Food for immunity

You can have cheese or yogurt for stronger gut immunity, along with black pepper, broccoli, sprouts, citrus fruits. Avoid foods that are cold, sweet or too fried.

As more cases of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) come to light, it is quite natural to feel anxious. Crossing borders, the virus hit a milestone, infecting more than 100,000 people worldwide. Government and the health ministries are stepping up to the challenge and have already come up with various steps to increase effectiveness against the viral infections. The basic preventive measures include:

• You are encouraged to wash your hands often as these are the most common carriers of the virus potentially because of common contact.
• Don’t touch your face repeatedly (eyes, nose and mouth specifically).
• Maintain social distance (lest you come directly in contact with someone who is displaying the symptoms).
• Practice respiratory hygiene.
• Symptoms include dry cough, cold, fever and shortness of breath.
• Most importantly, get yourself tested if you are experiencing any of the symptoms or you have doubts.
• Stay hydrated.

— The author is chief science officer of a company specialising in herbal products