Ayurveda for Immunity: Tips and Practices for a Healthier Tomorrow General Health/Immunity
Ayurveda for Immunity: Tips and Practices for a Healthier Tomorrow
NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Tips and Practices for a Healthier Tomorrow

The pandemic was an unprecedented health crisis that the world faced. It highlighted the saying, "prevention is better than cure". This It is the right time for us at Kerala Ayurveda to fulfil our Dharma (or purpose) of sharing the Ayurvedic principles of preventive medicine with the world. Because Ayurvedic rules for healthy life have become more relevant than ever nowadays. Ayurveda's holistic approach to well-being is most pertinent to our current situation. Ayurveda has a wealth of knowledge that we can use to uplift and strengthen the mind and body. Considering the panic that the pandemic set in the world, let us look at ayurvedic immunity boosters and ayurvedic herbs for immunity in adults and children.

Health: The Ayurvedic Perspective

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is unique amongst medical sciences as it looks at health, not as a disease to be treated but as a state of holistic well-being to be maintained. Ayurveda believes that man and nature are two sides of the same coin. We are born from nature and we draw all our energy and nutrition from nature. And this explains the gist of the Ayurvedic way of life. Everything in nature comprises the same fundamental materials, energies, and consciousness. And it is on this profound foundation that all of the healing methodologies within Ayurveda are built upon.

What is Ayurveda's Definition of Health?

We can find classical references containing Ayurvedic tips for a healthy body. The ancient Ayurvedic text 'Susruta Samhita' defines health as follows:

"Samadoshaha samagnischa samadhatumalakriya

Prasannatmendriyamanaha swastha ityabhidheeyate"   

- Susruta Samhita

 

This can be translated as a healthy person is one in whom:

  • The Doshas are in balance

  • The Agnis (digestive and metabolic fire) are in balance

  • The tissues are in a normal and nourished state

  • The elimination of waste is normal

  • The sensory organs, the motor organs, mind and soul (Atma) are in a pleasant state"

Agni Or The Metabolic and Digestive Fire

The human body's key function is metabolism or the constant process by which energy is taken in, transformed and then output. This metabolic conversion process is performed by the Agni or digestive fire. However, the name digestive fire does not imply that this process is merely confined to the digestive system. Indeed, human bodies use the energy taken in as food to transform into tissues that make up the body. Efficient metabolic processing also properly eliminates any toxins or Ama that are formed. So, a balanced Agni is key to healthy tissues as well as efficient elimination of waste. This is why a strong and balanced Agni is central to good health as per Ayurveda.It’s no coincidence that certain Ayurvedic tips for health lay emphasis on maintaining your digestive fire.

Ojas or Vitality

What is ojas in Ayurveda? When a person has a strong balanced Agni it results in Ojas or vitality. Ojas also translates to 'a glow of good health'. When a person is said to literally glow with good health it is a sign of a body that has achieved the optimum balance of intake of nutrition, elimination of waste and a happy state of mind. Strong Ojas signifies inner harmony, strong digestion, and immunity. Ojas protects a person's mind, spirit, and body. It is the immunity that goes beyond just the body.

Our body becomes susceptible to a broad spectrum of diseases for several reasons. The factors responsible include seasonal, physiological, and pathological aspects. So, an ayurveda healthy lifestyle includes keeping our bodies resilient enough to withstand all such unpredictable reactions as it is essential for balanced defence mechanisms.

Ojas is regarded by Ayurveda as the centre of all immune responses and the essence of all bodily tissues. Ojas unite the body's many systems to ward off disease-instigating external factors. Ojas directly back up the equilibrium of the Tridoshas, the body's ability to withstand environmental stress, and the primary element supporting the body's defence mechanisms, known as Vyadhikshamatva.

Talking about ayurvedic rules for healthy life, immunity and Ojas without mentioning what Vyadikshamatva will leave the entire concept as an incomplete script!

Vyadhikshamatva: The body's outstanding physical resilience.

The immune system's built-in feedback reactions are responsible for the body's fantastic resilience, according to ayurveda tips for good health. And at this stage, the concept of Vyadhikshamatva becomes obvious. It's essential to maintain and build on the body's intrinsic strength in its capacity to recover from infections.

Vyadikshamatva wrt Seasonal resilience.

Ever wondered why we become cold during winter and the rainy season? Due to the intensified Kaphadosha.! And common cold is a Kaphaja roga. Therefore, winter and rainy seasons, primarily attributable to increased cold and moisture in the atmosphere, cause Kapha prakopa and result in conditions like colds, sinus infections, and running noses, among others.

According to the timeless science of Ayurveda, in the Ayurvedic way of living, the six seasons are Sishira, Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha, Sarat, and Hemanta, which correspond to late winter, spring, summer, rainy season, autumn, and early winter, respectively. Each season is distinguished by various Tridosha levels, which also influence how the body reacts metabolically.

Vata dosha accumulates, aggravates, and subsides throughout the three consecutive seasons after Grishma ritu, respectively. Likewise, the three successive seasons after Varsha Ritu in the case of Pitta. Additionally, the three consecutive seasons from Sisira rtu for the Kapha dosha.

Different health issues arise in various seasons due to the aggravated amounts of each dosha. Due to the reciprocal relationship between Vata dosha and Asthi dhatu, or bone tissue, aggravated Vata dosha can impact bone strength and result in painful movements. Heartburn, upset stomach, and other inflammatory disorders are all caused solely by an inflamed Pitta dosha. Therefore, the Tridoshas must be in their ideal balance for the body to function correctly and be healthy and resilient. Aggravated levels of Kapha dosha are mostly accompanied by a weak bio-fire which becomes the reason for the development of Ama aka endotoxins and further toxification of the body leading to diseases.

Vyadhikshamatva and Agni.

Agni is the fundamental factor that gives us vibrant health. A strong digestion can be obtained by maintaining kindled Agni. The quality of metabolic responses inside the body is based on Agni's active functionality.

All diseases are by-products of metabolic mistakes brought on by Ama, generated by a weak Agni and causes the body to accumulate endotoxins known as Ama. Ama toxification is, therefore, involved in developing practically all illnesses.

Due to the impairment of Agni, even the lightest of food items would become difficult to digest. These undigested food items then reach the acid state of fermentation and attain vitiation, then reverse retrograde into the stomach. Later on, the endotoxins develop through the digestive system, resulting in metabolic slowdown, tissue-level toxicity, and eventually becoming changed into an obstructed pathway that causes diseases.

Have you thought what are the measures to be adopted to bring in the most effective defence mechanisms in the body.!?

Now let’s have a look at various tips on how to increase Ojas.

Finding the Ideal Balance

In Ayurvedic way of living, humankind is not seen in isolation. Indeed, every one of us is a part of our environment; and we grow, shape and are shaped by our surroundings. These surroundings are not only the manifestations of nature that are visible to the eye but also the micro-organisms around us and the microbiome that sustains us. The impact that we have on nature and that nature, in turn, has on us are essential. Being surrounded by nature that is at peace and in balance outside helps us, in turn, achieve our internal balance and health.

So, when there is a global health problem such as a pandemic, it is a red flag to all of mankind that there is a serious imbalance between us and nature. It has shown us that nature's being in a state of disharmony has thrown the harmony and good health of mankind into a state of chaos. So, to heal ourselves we need to look to the resources that nature offers us to heal and restore our Agni and Ojas.

Good Health Through Lifestyle Choices and Rituals

 

When one takes the time to observe nature, it is evident that it functions cyclically and rhythmically. Natural phenomena like the sunrise, sunset, tides and seasons all have their set times and repeat rhythmically. When we tune in and align ourselves to the repetitive rhythms of nature we find that we are able to create the same calming rhythm in our lives. And this is the most critical Ayurvedic lifestyle tip to remember.

Meditation

The importance of a calm and balanced mind is apparent when one learns the adverse impact that stress has on one's health. The health of the mind and the body are interdependent. An excellent A good way to achieve a healthy mind as per Ayurvedic health tips is to destress, and the best way is to prevent stress in the first place. Both these goals are best achieved through meditation. If you are a beginner, there are many video and audio resources available online to guide and help you get started on your journey towards inner peace.

Proper Breathing Techniques

We think of nutrition as being just-food. But Ayurveda sees food itself as the medicine. But above all, one vital life-sustaining nutrient that we often overlook is our breath. We do not usually pay much attention to this function, and improper breathing is all too common. The first step to proper breathing is to be mindful of it. Observe your breath and take a couple of minutes throughout the day to mindfully breathe slowly. This is a time-tested tool to calm oneself and has a beneficial effect on both the mind and the body. Additionally, one can learn traditional breathing techniques of Pranayama such as breathing through alternate nostrils.

Regular Sleep Schedules

 

Sleep is the reprieve that a person gets from each long day filled with the stress and strain of daily life. The mind and body perform the important processes of detoxification and completion of the digestive process when a person is asleep. When a person does not get enough sleep these processes are incomplete and cause stagnation and toxic buildup over time. To prevent this from happening, Ayurvedic wellness tips recommend the following:

  • Do not sleep in the daytime as it causes stagnation

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule, preferably at night

  • Late nights are not recommended as they cause weakness

Proper Diet

 

We all know how important a healthy and balanced diet is. But Ayurveda also addresses the meal schedule. And this is one amongst the most important Ayurvedic lifestyle tip to not overlook. As per Ayurvedic principles, the body's metabolism functions at its best when there is a regular meal schedule. Ayurvedic principles also advocate that one should:

  • Prefer to drink warm water as it stimulates the digestive fire or Agni

  • Drink enough water and stay well hydrated

  • Eat moist and warm foods that are easy to digest and reduce the intake of foods that are cold and raw

Nature's Medicine Chest: Ayurvedic Medicine for Immune System

Many Ayurvedic herbs for immunity are found in the spices that we use in Indian cooking. Some excellent boosters of both Agni and Ojas are cumin, ginger, and turmeric. You can also go one step further and use traditional Ayurvedic formulations such as Rasayana or Guduchi to enhance and support good health and wellness.

PROMOTING IMMUNITY WITH NATURAL FOODS.

1. Citrus.

Why...? Since they are rich in vitamin C.! Our body cannot produce vitamin C on its own and we synthesise the Vitamin required for our metabolism by processing the food articles. This implies that we must get it from the foods we eat on a day to day basis.Common citrus fruits available in the market like lemons, oranges or tomatoes are a perfect ways to fulfil our Vitamin C requirements.

Ascorbic acid is an alternative name for Vitamin C.It is the active ingredient that helps to protect our body against free radical damage. It also promotes our general health. So next time, we shouldn't think twice about taking the Vitamin C shots from our regular supplies like tangerines and tomatoes.

2. Ginger tea.

The buzz surrounding "Adrak wali chai" is real.!!

This incredible plant provides long-lasting treatment for seasonal ailments such as the flu, sore throat, cough, and stomach discomforts. Gingerol, an active ingredient in ginger, helps boost immunity besides its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

You can kick start your day by adding ginger to your regular morning tea or soup. It will easily fit into your recipes, boosting their flavour and satisfying your tastebuds.

3. Green tea.

The numerous television advertisements informing us of green tea's health advantages are not shocking anymore. But is it worth the hype.?. Here's an insight.!

This simple beverage has benefits beyond just being a fantastic weight loss supplement. Green tea's flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping restore healthy cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation. This progressively boosts immunity by supporting the body's overall detoxification and cleansing process and encouraging a healthy heart.

4. Papaya: Its delicate leaves are the secret!

It is known that papaya leaves (tender) increase the number of leukocytes, which in turn serves to boost the immune response, although they may taste unpleasant. Leukocyte production will increase, which will aid the body's phagocytic processes, lessen allergic reactions, and enhance cell health.

The delicate leaves can be cooked with peppermint, sugar or honey, and other ingredients to create a spicily healthful tea that boosts immunity.

5. Turmeric-infused milk.

Haldi doodh, often known as "golden milk," is a traditional Indian cure to most health issues that exemplifies the effectiveness of all-natural therapies for all of our medical problems.

Curcumin, the primary component of turmeric, is well-recognised for enhancing immunity and having therapeutic benefits on the body because of its powerful cleansing properties. It also helps to fight pathogenic agents and lessen inflammation.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

It’s a proven fact that smoking and alcohol are injurious to health, more so when you are treading through a global pandemic. With excessive smoking and alcohol intake, your immunity takes the worst hit, exposing you to the risk of catching a viral or bacterial infection. Even under ideal conditions, smoking can kill and excessive alcohol intake can pin you to the hospital bed for the remaining years of your life. Apart from that, over-indulgence in smoking and alcohol slows down your ability to think, and erodes memory power and decision-making skills. And once this downward spiral begins, it’s hard to crawl your way out.

Even if you are taking immunity Ayurvedic medicine, you will not be able to derive its maximum benefits as long as you are drowning in alcohol or smoking your lungs away. Ayurveda recommends that you must adopt healthy habits in order for any Ayurvedic supplement to show its positive effect on your body or mind.

Destress

 

Ayurveda defines stress as a host of mental and physical aspects of life. Stress affects a person's immunity, digestion, peace of mind, general balance and good health. Some examples of stress as per Ayurveda are:

  • Being self-critical and having negative thoughts about oneself as well as others

  • Mental or physical overexertion

  • Intake of food that is hard to digest

  • Listening to and speaking harsh words

Ayurveda also states that though external factors such as those listed above are causes of stress, how a person reacts to it is the actual root cause of stress. When one maintains a positive attitude and has a happy mind and spirit it is conducive to a strong Agni and Ojas. This, in turn, helps you better manage stress. Following all the practices that Ayurveda recommends for good health helps one achieve wellness of mind, body, and soul in a holistic manner by strengthening Agni and Ojas.

The Secret Message of The Lotus

The lotus is regarded as a symbol of hope, enlightenment, rebirth, and purity. The lotus plant grows in muddy water yet produces brilliance and beauty blooms. It symbolises the potential that we all have within us to overcome difficult obstacles. The white and yellow lotus that is the logo of Kerala Ayurveda is the flower abundant in Kerala, which has been the home of traditional Ayurveda for thousands of years. Just as the lotus infuses its surroundings with its joyous fragrance and pure beauty, we seek to spread the knowledge of Ayurveda to bring a renaissance of peace, healing, and balance to our world.

Contact us to understand better how Ayurveda can help you boost immunity. Visit our online shop to browse our range of Ayurvedic medicines to increase immunity and manage stress.

FAQs

How to increase digestive fire?

When it comes to taking care of your digestive fire, it’s not just about what you eat, but how and when you eat. According to Ayurveda, you can light up your digestive fire and keep it kindling by following a few simple routines.

Have at least three meals a day. Better yet, divide your three meals into five or six meals. That way, you will not be straining your digestive system, allowing it ample time to process the food.

Eat your breakfast and dinner in moderation, but your lunch should be the heaviest meal so that you have sufficient calories to get through the day.

Eat only when you are hungry, and avoid eating when you are angry. Your body tends to reject whatever you eat while you are angry, and thus causes indigestion, acid reflux and burning sensations in your stomach later on. One of the wisest Ayurvedic tips for a healthy body is to calm your mind before you sit down to eat and concentrate on the taste and texture as you chew your food. When it comes to chewing food, Ayurveda’s philosophy says ‘drink your food and eat your water’. That way, you will never overeat in your life.

How to make the digestive system strong by Ayurveda?

Depending on your body’s natural constitution and elevated dosha levels, Ayurveda recommends a safe and effective way to strengthen your digestive system and boost metabolism. It is usually a 3-tiered holistic wellness routine that starts with eating the right food at the right time. The next step is to exercise or engage yourself in a physical activity that makes you at least break a sweat. To accelerate your recovery from poor health, Ayurveda recommends combining good eating habits and exercise with herbal supplements that are formulated to aid digestion, improve metabolism, eliminate Ama and strengthen immunity.

How can I boost my immune system fast?

People around you are showing symptoms of cold, cough or fever, and you are worried that you might get infected as well. This concern has fairly flared up across the globe since the pandemic. Whether it’s a workplace or home, you can’t avoid contact with people. In all likelihood, they are going to pass on the virus to you. You already know that, and probably that’s what led you to find ways to boost your immune system fast. With the right diet and supplements, it is possible to boost your immune system in as little as 24 hours. And here’s how to do that.

The first step is to keep yourself hydrated. Increase your water intake to enable your body to produce more lymphatic cells to ward off bacterial infections. It’d be best to drink lukewarm water, as it can prevent cold, cough and throat infections. Along with that, a cup of herbal tea can go a long way. As far as building immunity is concerned, taking Vitamin C supplements can help a great deal. You can also follow various Ayurvedic tips for immunity and good health in general.

Which product is best for an immunity booster?

Kerala Ayurveda recommends certain herbal supplements to boost immunity and keep bacterial and viral infections at bay. These include:

Resigest Tablets: Provides strength to the respiratory system to ensure optimal functioning. These tablets possess the goodness of herbs like Tulsi, Neem & Guduchi.

Imugest Tablets: Safe and effective tablets for boosting immunity, with immunomodulatory anti-oxidant properties. It also helps eliminate free radicals from your body and promote overall wellness.

Indukantham Kwath Tablets: These tablets support metabolism and improve immunity in general. It also enables speedy recovery from common bacterial infections.

Kerala Ayurveda provides an immunity-builder kit including the above-mentioned herbal tablets to be taken over the duration of 42 days. The kit can be purchased online from Kerala Ayurveda’s store at the best price, along with express shipping across the country.

What are the other things needed for a strong immune system?

If you are taking Ayurvedic medicine to increase immunity, there are certain things that you can do to derive its maximum benefits. One of the best Ayurveda tips for good health and improving immunity is to quit smoking. Smoking not only affects your lungs but also impairs your body’s ability to fight bacteria and destroy cancer cells. Overindulgence in alcohol also causes your immune system to deteriorate while affecting liver function. Therefore, it is recommended to drink in moderation, if quitting altogether is off-limits for you.

Once you get on track with your diet, exercising or gentle yoga can be an incredible immunity booster and for maintaining overall fitness.

Will boosting immunity help to prevent covid-19?

Studies have shown that strong immunity doesn’t keep you from contracting the virus. The virus is highly transmissible; try as you might, but you can’t escape it. However, people with strong immunity reported none-to-mild symptoms as compared to people with weak immunity or any underlying health condition. In most cases, it is observed that Covid-19 can bring your guards down and make you susceptible to other illnesses as you are trying to recover. Therefore, it is important to double down on immunity boosters during and after you contract Covid-19 or any of its recent variants.

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Ragini Singh

Feb 20, 2023

Its is the best'post for ayurvedic treatment thanks u

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Ragini Singh

Jan 25, 2023

Ayurveda herbal care of your health tips are trending.I Love it .




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