Ayurvedic Herbs Boost Immunity

The body’s immune system is the first line of defense when threatened by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and pathogens. Increased levels of pollution, stress, tension, depression, low quality food, consumption of drugs and alcohol, smoking, and chronic disorders all can lower the body’s immunity. When the body’s immune system isn’t functioning at full capacity, you are more susceptible to infections or becoming ill. The best way to boost your immune system is through the nutrients we consume on a daily basis. Ayurveda is a system of natural healing that uses herbs and spices to cleanse the body and promote health. Ayurvedic medicine has been used in the Indian culture for more than 5000 years to cure disease, and improve ones health. Ayurvedic medicine boosts immunity through the use of herbs to fight disease in the body and defend the body against any on coming disease. Ayurvedic herbs that are used to boost the body’s immune system include Ashwagandha, Amla, Shatavari, and Guduchi.

Amla
Amla is a versatile and powerful antioxidant that protects against cancer and fights against infections. It also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, strengthens the liver, and provides nourishment to the brain and heart. Therefore it makes the nervous system and immune system stronger. Amla has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to decrease bacteria, viruses and pathogens within the body that cause disease.
Normally Amla is touted at being a rich source of vitamin C, but it actually has similar acids that contribute to its antioxidant properties. Polyphenols, flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid, gallic acid and tannins are responsible for the therapeutic effects that this herb has on the body. It is also a good dietary source of minerals and amino acids, which help to absorb iron from the food we eat and increase protein synthesis.
Amla is balancing to all three of the doshas, making it effective for everyone who uses it. Amla is used to promote longevity, enhance digestion, treat constipation, reduce fever, purify blood, reduce cough, alleviate asthma, strengthen the heart, benefit the eyes, stimulate hair growth, enliven the body, and enhance intellect.

Ashwagandha
Also known as Indian ginseng, this powerful herb has anti inflammatory, anti tumor, anti stress and antioxidant properties. It is a rejuvenation and immune enhancing herb. As an adaptogen it stimulates the immune system m and fights off stress. It protects the body by increasing the white blood cell count and providing antigens to fight against infection, germs and allergies. It reduces inflammation within the joints, increases energy levels and protects the nervous system. It not only prepares the body to fight off illness by bolstering the immune system but it restores the immune system by strengthening and rejuvenating it after an illness. Ashwagandha is used to prolong life, improve overall health, enhance mental function, augment physical energy, prevent infections, and protect the immune system.

Guduchi
Guduchi is known as an immunomodulator and adaptogen, which increases the body’s resistance to stress, anxiety and illness. Guduchi can be used to prevent the cold and flu. It enhances the immune system to prevent exposure to toxins. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti arthritic, that reduces gout and rheumatic disorders. It balances all the doshas and removes accumulated Pitta dosha.

Shatavari
Shatavari is a powerful rejuvenating herb. It has nourishing, soothing and cooling properties. Shatavari will help with many conditions in which the body becomes overheated, depleted, or out of balance such as heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, inflammation, urinary tract infection and irritable bowel syndrome. Shatavari strengthens the immune system by enhancing the function of macrophages, the immune cells that destroy microorganisms. It also helps the immune system to recover after exposure to toxins. Shatavari is an antioxidant, immunostimulant, anti dyspepsia, anti tussive and increase the bodies resistances to organisms caused by stress. Shatavari balances vata and pitta doshas.