5 Ways to Improve Immunity with Ayurveda

Chikungunya and dengue are the most prevalent infections right now, not to speak of the regular allergies. Weather conditions are bad, immunity levels are at all time low, nutrition is not balanced, almost everyone is suffering from joint pains, hospitals are almost full to the brim. Should we not try to improve immunity?

At such times, it is probably a good idea to inculcate the wisdom of the ancients. A few additions to your daily routine and you can help boost your health and improve immunity levels by a zillion times. These simple to use and everyday tweaks may improve your overall immunity as well as may give you hayfever relief. So, lets us see 5 simple ways how ayurveda can helps us.

The Golden Milk

I always used to like a simpler version of this. I am sure all moms prescribe this concoction for any and every small health issue be it cold, cough or insomnia.

Just mix ¼ tbsp of turmeric in hot milk and you are done.

Did you know you can increase the potency of turmeric with black pepper. So, a little of crushed pepper in the above concoction is even better.

If you are okay with a longer route, you can boil the milk with a ½ tbsp of turmeric, 1 star anise, 3 green cardamom pods, 1 inch cinnamon stick, ½ tbsp black pepper for 5 minutes and strain. Let it cool a bit and drink it while it is still hot enough.

Turmeric reduces inflammation in the body. It cuts down on your fat and helps induce calm so you can sleep more peacefully. It reduces cholesterol, blood sugar, fatty liver, increases metabolism and helps improve immunity levels in the body. A side effect is clearer skin but if you have acne-prone and lactose intolerant skin, it is best to substitute milk with almond or coconut milk.

Use Spices

Ayurveda stresses a lot on the usual spices available in kitchen. Most of them or rather all of them are good for improving immunity and burning the ama.

Ama is the sticky waste which gets produced in the body due to improper lifestyle, bad nutrition and undigested waste which can not be flushed out of the body.

Do you have ‘ama’? Yes, if you feel tired all the time, your body is not functioning up to its optimum levels and you have no visible health problems.

On the other hand, we have Ojas which means life flow which is full of vigor and inner vitality. Good Immunity is the defining pinnacle of having a great health.

Cardamom, Ginger, Cumin, Cinnamon and Tulsi are some of the spices and herbs you must use regularly in your cooking. If not, make a herbal tea with all these spices combined and drink it everyday at regular intervals in the day to remove toxins from the body and improve immunity levels. It is refreshing as well.

Drinks Soups and Broths at Night

Instead of having heavy meals at night, try to eat an early meal or break down your dinner into two phases. Have protein rich meal sometime in the evening and finish off with hot soup at night. This keeps your light and also avoids late night cravings.  Try to finish your dinner before 8 PM.

Emotional Health Also Affects Immunity

Yes, talking long on phone, being negative, gossiping, being self-critical, worrying too much about something, all are extremely negative emotions and affect your body negatively.

Ayurveda emphasizes on your mental well-being as much as physical. Negative emotions weakens your immunity as well. Did you know even if you have a healthy lifestyle but have a negative emotional health, it creates toxins in your body.

This is why it emphasizes so much on yoga and meditation. They help to calm the mind and release stress from your body.

Good Habits and Lifestyle

This is so generic and so easy to say. But, inculcating good habits is equally difficult and  to sustain over a long period of time.

• Eat warm, light foods at regular intervals.
• Avoid eating with distractions. Make sure your television is switched off and your mobile is on silent mode.
• Sleep at proper times and wake up early. Switch off technology at least one hour before sleeping.
• Exercise to maintain healthy blood circulation.
• Dry Brushing and Daily Massages with warm oils actually helps with detoxification of the body.
• Avoid eating anything cold. It does not help your body in anyway.

Would you like to add anything to improve immunity naturally?