Immune Booster

Ginger is an important ingredient in the Asian kitchen and it is beginning to take a similar role outside of Asia as well due to its medicinal qualities and culinary importance in bringing flavour to food. In Ayurveda, Ginger is mainly used to increase Agni and for its anti-inflammatory qualities. Ginger improves digestion, absorption and elimination. Due to its heating qualities, it improves circulation and removes accumulated toxins (ama), hence it plays a very important role in reducing inflammation and increasing immunity. It is a widely used ingredient in various Ayurvedic medicine preparations. A very well know preparation is called Trikatu. A word of caution: the use of ginger has to be monitored and regulated, since its heating qualities can negatively affect people, especially those with pitta constitution and those who suffer from acidity and increased internal heat. Here it might be better to use ginger in its dry, powdered form rather than in its raw form. Many people enjoy ginger tea with honey and lemon on cold winter days and as digestive aid, for example in the form of ginger chutney.

This bright yellow, almost golden coloured root, is an amazing herb.  According to Ayurveda, its drying, warming, bitter and astringent qualities are very good for skin, blood and liver. Curcumin found in turmeric is a potent medicine against arthritis, skin diastase and a great tonic for your liver. It is anti-bacterial, anti-septic and an effective blood purifier. It can also be applied externally on wounds or to treat eczema and acne. There are many types of turmeric, but the most commonly used variety is a bright yellow root called Curcuma Longa. Just like with any other medicine, turmeric should be carefully used, in proper dosage and at the right time. It can be harmful if used excessively, mainly due to its drying qualities and liver stimulating effects. Over-usage might dry your body and cause indigestion. It can also make you feel nauseous. A small quantity of ½ tsp mixed with honey and dash of black pepper can enhance its bioavailability, and taken in the morning with some warm water is the best way to support oxygen intake into your cells and increase immunity.

Tulasi, or Tulsi, is a sacred plant in India. More commonly known as holy basil, it is an age old ingredient in a large number of Ayurvedic medicinal preparations and it is often used to support the immune system and to improve problems of the respiratory system, such as cold, fever, cough, flu and sinus infection. The herb comes in 3 varieties: black Tulasi, white Tulasi and Rama Tulasi. All 3 types have very similar medicinal properties, however black Tulasi, also know as Krishna Tulasi, is considered to have the strongest medicinal properties. It is very pungent and hot in nature and makes an excellent herb to control Kapha dosha. All varieties have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which make this herb an excellent choice when it comes to preventing or healing infections. On top of that, Tulasi works as an adaptogenic, increasing the body’s resistance to stress and providing support for the nervous system. Tulasi tea or Tulasi juice is one of the easiest and best ways to use this plant to get its medicinal benefits. Tulasi juice is safe to be given to children above 1 year of age. Mixing the herb with honey for respiratory problems, Tulasi has cleansing and drying properties on a lung that is burdened with phlegm.

A popular herb in Ayurveda and Western herbalism, Ashwagandha is also known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng. Like Tulasi, it is an adaptogen that helps to normalize physiological functions. It is often administered to calm the nervous system and for stress relief. Ashwagandha is sweet in taste and has cooling qualities which make this herb a very good Rasayana or rejuvenation herb.  One of its other key qualities is that it enhances energy and stamina. The name Ashwagandha is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ashwa”, which means “horse” and “Gandha”, which means “odour”. Charaka (between 100 B.C. – 150 A.D.), the author of one of the first systematically edited Ayurvedic medical texts wrote about Ashwagandha in his text Charaka Samhita:  “One obtains longevity, regains youth, gets a sharp memory and intellect and freedom from diseases, gets a lustrous complexion, and strength of a horse.”

Please note that you should have a purified body and a well functioning Agni when taking Ashwagandha to get its full benefit. It is also important to understand that the key medicinal properties are in the root. If you see a light green coloured powder named Ashwagandha, you know now that its leaves are used entirely or at least mixed into the powdered root. This reduces the potency or medicinal qualities. Ashwagandha should have a light beige colour.

At AmrtaSiddhi, we apply the immense wisdom and empiric knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine to improve your health and well-being. One of the main focus areas of authentic Ayurveda has always been the immune system and the understanding of the interaction between digestion, Ojas and immunity.

If you want to learn more about Ayurvedic immune boosters and how to improve or maintain your health, book an Ayurvedic consultation with one of our physicians. Our experts will be able to determine your constitution from an Ayurvedic perspective together with your current imbalances, develop strategies and give you practical, easy to follow advice on how to improve your health and well-being permanently and effectively, ideally without the use of prescription drugs. Consultations can be held either directly at our centre or online.

We look forward to meeting you and supporting you along your way towards better health, with abundant energy to become your best you!