After the scorching summer heat, monsoons are a welcome change. The monsoon season gives people much needed respite from the summer heat. However, as the body gets exposed to the changes in the climate, our immunity gets affected drastically and makes us susceptible to a variety of ailments such as flu, cold, fever, cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea, malaria, dengue fever, asthma and more.
Ayurveda, being one of the earliest preventive forms of healthcare, has a concept that says, ‘What heals also prevents.’ Various herbs have properties to fight against infections. Here’s a list of herbs that will boost your immunity and help fight the diseases and infections common during monsoon. Let us understand the importance of a few essential herbs:
1. Holy Basil – Also known as Tulsi, this plant is actually considered sacred by many people in India for a key reason -it’s healing properties. Tulsi aids the mobilization of mucus and suppresses cough. It also provides relief from chest congestion by dilating the airways in the lungs. This herb modulates healthy immune response and supports early recovery from respiratory illness.
Consumption tip – Tulsi leaves can be added to your daily cup of tea. Tulsi as an ingredient in various food products is also helpful. Else, it can be taken in capsule or liquid form.
2. Triphala – Triphala, a combination of three herbs (amla, beheda, harde), is a potent antioxidant. This aids digestive capability of the body which tends to go down during monsoon. Moreover, amla is the richest source of vitamin C, which reduces the severity of cold and makes the immune system stronger.
Consumption tip – Have Triphala before each meal to obtain the full therapeutic effect.
3. Ginger and garlic – Garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-protozoal properties. It helps in relieving stubborn coughs and clearing mucus that blocks the lungs. The anti-viral and anti-bacterial property of garlic is attributed to the compound “Allicin”, which gives it the hot and strong flavour. The compound “Ajoene” present in garlic helps in controlling bacterial and viral infections. In addition, it also works as a natural preventive measure for cancer, more specifically colon cancer. It is also used for treating muscle cramps and pain.
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory gingerols and shaogals. It helps relieve a sore throat quickly, and also kills rhinoviruses that cause respiratory infections.
4. Ashwagandha – Referred to as ‘Indian Ginseng’ because of its rejuvenating properties, Ashwagandha is instrumental in maintaining a healthy balance between the nervous system, endocrine glands and immune system. It helps in reducing the harmful effects of long-term stress on the body. Ashwagandha also plays a vital role in increasing the recovery capacity of the body by increasing the strength of the immune system. This herb is widely famous for its capacity to promote energy and stamina in the body.
During monsoons, if a person gets affected by a cold or cough, then it adversely affects their stamina, leading to a feeling of weakness and fatigue. Consuming Ashwagandha during this time will help restore stamina and strengthen the body.
5. Guduchi – Popularly known as an immunity booster, Guduchi is a herb that is recommended by physicians and family elders for a wide range of fever and other infective conditions. Guduchi helps increase the effectiveness of protective white blood cells that fight infection. The herb also boosts immunity in the body and ensures early recovery from illness. With bacteria and germs on the rise during monsoons, the chances of succumbing to infections and allergies are very common.
6. Cinnamon – It helps in treating sore throat, colds and cough. A nice warm cup of cinnamon tea can heal throat irritation, itching and can prevent the approach of an impending cold effectively.
7. Pepper – Pepper is added to tonics for treating cold and cough. Pepper also provides relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion. It has an expectorant property that helps to break up the mucus and phlegm depositions in the respiratory tract.
Its natural irritant quality helps you expel these loosened materials through the act of sneezing or coughing, which eliminates the material from the body and helps you to heal from infection or illness.
8. Turmeric – Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for boosting immunity. Include it in your food and add it to hot milk and drink it every night.
