This time of the year is a bit unsettling as the change in season can easily bring you or your family down with a case of cold and flu. Also, as the world deals with the deadly coronavirus with no preventive measure in near sight, it has become quintessential for you to strengthen your immunity. Strong immunity helps you fight against and viral or bacterial attack by keeping diseases at bay. People with low immunity are prone to falling sick easily. You can easily make a few lifestyle changes and add some herbs to your diet that would boost your immunity this winter season.
While the scientist continues their search for the vaccine, let us take you through ayurvedic methods and home remedies that would help you increase your immunity.
Garlic
Often called as a stinky rose, garlic is an essential herb that can be found in your kitchen easily. Known for its pungent smell, garlic has amazing antimicrobial, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that are known to cure many diseases. The main ingredient of garlic, called aliinn, is a well-known immunity booster as it gives a boost to your T-cells which fight against viruses which cause cold and flu. By adding a daily dose of garlic to your diet, you can activate your viral-fighting abilities in high gear. Stinky or not, we advise you to add this herb in your diet to increase your immunity against cold or flu.
Turmeric Powder
Known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, we all are aware of this yellow herb in our kitchen. The main ingredient of turmeric, curcumin, activates the white blood cells (T-cells) in your body and improves their antigen response, thus increasing your immunity. You can take one-fourth tablespoon turmeric powder mixed with one tablespoon of honey every day or add it to a glass of warm milk before going to bed to fight against cold or flu.
Ginger
Don’t you just hate when you are suffering from cold and cough during winters and just can’t take that scratchy feeling inside your throat anymore? Well, we all have been there and there’s an easy solution to get rid of the scratchy throat as well. Known for its anti-microbial properties, adding ginger to your diet can easily soothe your sore throat. Because of its high antioxidant content, ginger helps to increase the immune response system. You can easily add ginger to tea, take a warm ginger shot or add it to the meal while preparing it to increase its intake in your diet.
Giloy
Giloy is a well-known herb across every household in India today. Known as ‘Amrita’ in Sanskrit which translates to the ‘roots of immortality’, giloy is an herb that has been hailed for its benefits since ages. Our forefathers have used this medicinal herb in preparing various ayurvedic concoctions since aeons. Giloy’s anti-oxidants properties remove toxin from the body and purify the blood from any diseases causing pathogens as well. Consuming 15-30 mL of Giloy every day in the morning on an empty stomach will improve your immunity and digestion.
Cinnamon
Being in use for centuries in India, cinnamon is a spice that has been embraced by not only Indian and South-Asian community but the global one as well today. Acknowledged for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits, cinnamon is known for boosting immunity, warding off infections and tissue healing properties. You can easily add this spice in your daily lifestyle by sprinkling it in your tea, warm water or baked goods. Now, that makes for one yummy immunity-boosting spice, doesn’t it? And what’s more, is that cinnamon is anti-diabetic as well that lowers your blood sugar and even help to cut the risk of heart disease.
Chia Seeds
Known worldwide for their weight-loss properties, Chia seeds are loaded with nutrients like iron, potassium, manganese, calcium, thiamine, phosphorus and several other vitamins and minerals. Rich in Omega-3 and anti-oxidants, regular intake of Chia seeds can boost metabolism, aid digestion and increase overall immunity of the body. Chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties as well that alleviates the inflammation caused during cold. There are several ways in which you can use Chia seeds in your daily diet, one being as pudding.
Pumpkin Seeds
Another superfood that has surfaced in the western world recently but has been in use in our ayurvedic remedies since ages, pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, magnesium and fibre – all three which are essential in strengthening your immunity system. Apart from these, pumpkin seeds are rich in Vitamin E which also boosts immunity and maintains healthy blood vessels. Sprinkle a few on your salad every day and reap the benefits.
Sunflower Seeds
We all are used to seeing sunflower oil being used in our daily lives for cooking, adding Vitamin E rich sunflower seeds can also help in boosting your immunity this season. These seeds contain selenium which fights free radicals in your body; boosts your immunity as well as your skin. You can easily add these to your salad or oatmeal every day.
Bottomline
With winters around, go ahead and add these herbs and spices to your tea or a glass of lukewarm water to boost your immunity against cold and flu. If you have any special recipe, do share in the comment below.