5 Siddha herbs to boost your immunity

Immunity is the balanced state of multicellular organisms having adequate biological defenses to fight infection, disease, or other unwanted biological invasion, while having adequate tolerance to avoid allergy, and autoimmune diseases.

Nevertheless, a good immune system is key to good health, fitness and work efficiency. A good immune system will give you a healthy and prolong life.

Siddha medicine is a traditional medicine system that places equal emphasis on the body, mind and spirit and strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual. Treatment is aimed at restoring balance to the mind-body system. Diet and lifestyle play a major role not only in maintaining health but also in curing diseases.

General Causes

Poor diet/Malnutrition
Genetics
Smoking And Alcohol
Stress
Lack of Sleep
Lack of Exercise
Obesity
Excessive use of drugs like antibiotics
Lack of Hygiene
Metabolic disorders
Pollution

5 Siddha herbs to boost your immunity

1. Gooseberry | Amla | Nellikkai

One of the richest source of Vitamin C. Also contains Iron, Calcium, Carbohydrates, Sugar, Phosphorus, Water. It is a Thrithoda samani- helps to balance the three humours – Vatha, Pitha and Kapha.
It rejuvenates the body and improves immunity. Dried powder powder, fresh fruits, juice, salads or legyams prepared from this fruits can be included in daily diet. It is the best medicine during convalescent period. Really safe and healthy for kids too.
It prevents mental and physical fatigue and acts as a tonic for the complete body. It is helpful in regulating sugar and Cholesterol levels respectively. Improves circulation, enhances digestion and relieves constipation.

2. Ginger | Inji

Decreases Vatham and Kapham in body. Fights infection by improving immunity. Dried ginger powder / fresh ginger can be administered daily as juice or mixed with hot water/honey or juices. Can be taken as ginger tea.
It gives relief from respiratory problems, digestive disorders, reduces inflammations, reduces chest congestion, opens sinuses. Excellent medicine for body pains, gastro intestinal problems, respiratory infections.

3. Turmeric | Manjal

Best medicine for all Vatha, Pitha and Kapha ailments.Common cold, skin problems, joint pains, Liver ailments etc can be well managed through turmeric. 1g powdered turmeric can be taken with hot milk or warm water daily.
Also used as an external application with oil or as paste, Anti cancer and Anti microbial and Immune modulator. Daily doses of little turmeric as told above helps to maintain a sound immune system and keeps illness at bay.

4. Tulsi : (Krishna Tulsi/ Holy basil)

Anti- bacterial, Anti- Viral, Anti fungal, Anti- Asthmatic , Anti stress and many more countless amazing action this miraculous herb possesses.
Fresh leaf juice ( 1/2 teaspoon) can be taken daily with honey or fresh leaves 2-4 can be cleaned and chewed. It helps to manage respiratory ailments especially due to cold climate, aids digestion, prevents the body from infections, enhances immunity for a strong defense system of the body.

5. Aswagendha/ Ammukura/ Withania somnifera

Improves immunity, Rejuvenator, Restores energy. Root powder with milk or honey can be taken daily. Anti-ageing, Anti- Cancer, Cardioprotective, Sleep enhancing etc are some of its important effects.
It is also used in Arthritis and Neuro-degenerative problems.

Healthy Practices

1. Diet

Following a diet rich in antioxidants is essential to supporting your immune system. Abundant in many fruits and vegetables, antioxidants combat free radicals.
Choosing healthy fats (such as the omega-3 fatty acids available in oily fish, flaxseed, and krill oil) over saturated fats (found in meat and dairy products) is generally recommended by health authorities. As well, it may help increase your body’s production of compounds involved in regulating immunity.
Drinking plenty of water helps cells operate efficiently and allows your body to process food and eliminate waste.

2. Exercise

The good news is that regular moderate-intensity exercise confers several benefits to the immune system. A 2019 study shows that moderate exercise mobilizes immune system cells, helping the body defend itself against pathogens and cancer cell growth. Exercise may also protect the immune system from the effects of aging.
Regularly engaging in intense, vigorous activity like running, on the other hand, may temporarily weaken your immune function and leave you more susceptible to viral infections. Proper nutrition and hydration are important with prolonged and intense exercise, and research is ongoing as to what athletes must do to stay healthy.

3. Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on immunity. Many reviews suggests that while short-term exposure to stressors can rev up your immune defense, prolonged stress may wear down the immune system and increase your vulnerability to illness.
Addressing chronic stress is something you can take action on. To keep your stress in check, incorporate a relaxing practice like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine.

4. Sleep

Another healthy habit vital to preventing sickness is getting a full eight hours of sleep each night, which may help regulate immune function.6
A study of over 22,000 people found that those who slept less than six hours per night or who had a sleep disorder were more likely to have colds and other respiratory infections.7

5. Hygiene

Simply keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to ward off illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds using warm water and soap before preparing food or eating, as well as after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, or touching public surfaces.