A critically important lesson we have learned from the pandemic year is how important it is to build immunity and make healthy living an inevitable part of our daily lives. To be able to do that, we need to look at what we allow into our system by means of diet, nutrition, immunity herbs and supplements. This is not just for treating illnesses, revving up immunity, and meeting nutritional lacks but also to make sure infections and diseases are kept at bay, and we live our healthiest, most vital, and vivacious lives. If you are not a big believer in synthetic nutrients, you can always pick up supplements made from Ayurvedic herbs to draw from the vast goodness of nature, its natural healing qualities, and immunity-boosting, anti-inflammatory properties, among tons of other benefits.

1. Triphala-three power fruits for immunity herbs

If you want a healthy gut, a weight loss program, strong digestion, and lots of vitamin C, you need Triphala! Triphala is an Ayurvedic combination of three richly endowed dried fruits-Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki that support the three doshas-vata, pitta, and kapha.

Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan) is known historically for toning gut muscles, improving the digestive fire, removing toxins, and balancing Vata dosha. It has heating energy, and is light and drying and along with Vata dosha, it also balances pitta and kapha.

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) supports healthy intestinal health, and is a rich source of Vitamin C. It is cooling, light and dry and reduces vata and pitta dosha. It also increases Ojas or vitality in your body.

Bibhitaki (Beleric myrobalan) as per Ayurveda helps in the removal of intestinal mucus and ama that makes metabolism sluggish. It is rich in antioxidants like ellagic acid, flavonoids that support healthy blood sugar levels, and sensitivity to insulin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Bibhitaki is made up of the astringent and sweet tastes with a heating energy. Its quality is dry and light and balances pitta and kapha, and may also vitiate vata if taken in excess.

These three fruits help tone, cleanse, stimulate, and rejuvenate the digestive tract. You can try Triphala in powder, tablet, and tincture form.

2. Giloy (Amruth)

You may have read about some of these immunity herbs more often in recent times, particularly Giloy, for their invaluable immunity-boosting and pathogen-fighting properties. Giloy is called Amruth in Sanskrit that is the ‘gift of immortality. It is a powerful antipyretic to help keep recurring fevers away. Giloy also helps you deal with two main problems of modern living -it helps your digestion and helps in the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels.. (To know more about the benefits of Giloy, read: 6 Ways Vitamin C Deficiency Can Compromise Your Immunity)

3. Ashwagandha

Ayurveda mentions thousands of herbs that heal, rejuvenate, and replenish your body and mind. Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng or winter cherry is right at the top of that list as one of the most widely used herbs around the world for stress relief. Ashwagandha has something to offer for everyone. Among many benefits, it is popularly used as a tonic for children and the geriatric population. It can also improve muscle mass and help with fertility. Various studies suggest the herb is useful in helping with conditions like asthma, arthritis, diabetes, rheumatism, minor fevers, some cancers, inflammations, and stress disorders. It is also a great detoxifying herb. Parts of the plant are also used for treating eye disorders.

4. Tulasi or Holy Basil

Tulasi or holy basil, a famous variety of the basil plant is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found richly in Southeast Asia. Having been in use for thousands of years, its beauty is it is one of the most revered herbs in the region and is known to sanctify all five elements. Interestingly, while most plants release carbon dioxide at night, Tulsi is a rare herb that releases oxygen all day and night.

Known as the queen of herbs, holy basil is loaded with the goodness of important phytochemicals like Eugenol, Rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal and oleanolic acid, and comes with antiseptic and analgesic properties. Also, holy basil is richly endowed with essential nutrients like vitamin c, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, Vitamin A and K.

The antioxidants and micronutrients make it a preferred choice in herbs that boost immunity by reducing oxidative stress. Research shows it has potential antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties to help in keeping all kinds of infections and diseases at bay. As an anti-allergen, it helps reduce allergic symptoms like runny nose and itchy hives. It has pain and fever-relieving properties too, apart from being a potent adaptogen.

Now that you know the myriad benefits and healing properties of these herbs of nature, you can simply start using these whole natural supplements that are safe for use, support wellness and healing, and help lead a healthy, disease-free, congestion-free, toxins-free, dynamic and Ojas-rich life. If you find it difficult to get hold of all these herbs, you can always pick up super blends like Shakti Drops that draw from the richness and concentrated essences of most of the above herbs and more.

Published by Ruchira Roy

This content on the Sri Sri Tattva blog is not intended to be 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. Any links to third party websites is provided as a convenience only and the Sri Sri Tattva Blog is not responsible for their content.