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10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

Published : Jun 07, 2021 7 mins read Updated On : Jun 19, 2024

Ayurvedic products and medication are truly trustworthy, right? For over 5000 years, Ayurveda has been practiced and trusted by experts in India. Ayur, meaning life, and Veda, meaning Science, Ayurveda plays a crucial role when it comes to taking care of our daily health and lifestyle. It helps cleanse our body, lower blood pressure levels, maintain and stabilize our body weight, and even cures diseases.

Ayurvedic herbs are the heart and soul of Ayurveda. For centuries, these potent herbs have been used largely for being natural immunity boosters and for the variety of health benefits they promote. These herbs are extracted from leaves, roots, and flowers. Being completely natural, ayurvedic medication has been known to have fewer side effects.

As indicated by Ayurveda, our body can withstand diseases just when all the seven layers of our body's tissues (Rasa, Mamsa, Rakta, Medha, Majja, Asthi and Shukra) are strong. When the seven layers are working together, our immunity will be boosted.

Best Herbs to Boost Your Immune System

1. Amla

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) enhances immunity due to its rich vitamin C content and potent antioxidants. Studies support its efficacy:

Antioxidant Activity: Amla's high antioxidant content, particularly vitamin C, combats oxidative stress, bolstering immune function (1).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Research shows amla reduces inflammation, which can enhance immune response (2).

Immune Cell Activation: Amla extracts have been found to activate immune cells and improve overall immune response (3).

Best Ways to Consume Amla for Immunity

Raw or Fresh Juice: Provides maximum nutrients.

Powdered Form: Can be mixed with water or smoothies.

Amla Supplements: Capsules or tablets for convenience.

 10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

2. Ginger

Remember the times when you caught a cold and your grandmother suggested that you consume home remedies that included ginger? Also used as a spice for over 4000 years, ginger is an underground stem called a rhizome. Ginger boosts immunity through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Gingerols and shogaols in ginger reduce inflammation, aiding immune response (4).

Antioxidant Activity: Its antioxidants scavenge free radicals, protecting immune cells from damage (5).

Antimicrobial Properties: Ginger extracts have shown to combat various pathogens, supporting immune defenses (6).

Best Ways to Consume Ginger for Immunity

Fresh Ginger Tea: Boil sliced ginger in water.

Ginger Powder: Add to soups, smoothies, or hot water.

Ginger Supplements: Capsules for convenience.

10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

3. Tulsi

Tulsi is yet another miraculous herb which is an excellent ayurvedic immunity booster. Tulsi also known as holy basil boosts immunity through its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic properties:

Immune Modulation: Tulsi enhances the immune response by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and T-helper cells (7).

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Rich in eugenol and rosmarinic acid, tulsi combats oxidative stress and inflammation (8).

Antimicrobial Effects: Tulsi extracts inhibit the growth of various bacteria, viruses, and fungi due to its phytochemicals and cell reinforcements (9).

Best Ways to Consume Tulsi for Immunity

Tulsi Tea: Brew fresh leaves in hot water.

Tulsi Powder: Add to smoothies or teas.

Tulsi Supplements: Capsules or extracts for convenience.

   10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

4. Giloy

Giloy is one of the best ayurvedic medicine for immunity.

Immune Enhancement: Giloy stimulates the production of immune cells like macrophages, enhancing the body’s defense against pathogens (10).

Detox Activity: Giloy assists with eliminating toxins from the body, cleanses the blood, and battles illness-causing microbes (11).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Giloy reduces inflammation, helping to regulate the immune response (12).

Best Ways to Consume Giloy for Immunity

Giloy Juice: Extract from fresh stems and mix with water.

Giloy Powder: Mix in water or smoothies.

Giloy Tablets: Convenient supplement form.

     10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

5. Turmeric

This splendid yellow-spice is very common in Indian households. Curcumin, which is the primary compound of turmeric, is a popular immunity boosting food in Ayurveda.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, reduces inflammation by modulating immune cell activity (13).

Antioxidant Activity: Curcumin scavenges free radicals, protecting immune cells from oxidative stress and enhancing their function (14).

Antimicrobial Properties: Turmeric inhibits the growth of various pathogens, supporting immune defenses (15).

Best Ways to Consume Turmeric for Immunity

Turmeric Tea: Brew with hot water or milk.

Golden Milk: Mix turmeric with warm milk and honey.

Turmeric Supplements: Capsules with piperine for better absorption.

10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

6. Neem

Since inception, neem has been regarded and broadly utilised as an immunity booster ayurvedic herb.

Blood Cleansing: Neem purifies the blood by removing toxins and enhancing liver function, promoting overall immune health (16).

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Neem’s bioactive compounds inhibit the growth of various pathogens (17).

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Neem reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting immune system function (18).

Best Ways to Consume Neem for Immunity

Neem Juice: Freshly extracted neem leaves blended with water.

Neem Powder: Mixed with water or in capsules.

Neem Supplements: Tablets or extracts for convenience.

    10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Blood Cleansing: Cinnamon’s antioxidants support liver function and help eliminate toxins from the blood (19).

Antioxidant Effects: Compounds like cinnamaldehyde combat oxidative stress, protecting immune cells (20).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon reduces inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (21).

Best Ways to Consume Cinnamon for Immunity

Cinnamon Tea: Brew sticks or powder in hot water.

Cinnamon in Cooking: Add to meals, smoothies, or oatmeal.

Cinnamon Supplements: Capsules for a concentrated dose.

    10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

8. Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant used in herbal medicine to boost the immune system, particularly against respiratory infections.

Immune Modulation: Echinacea enhances the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells, boosting immune response (22).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: It reduces inflammation by inhibiting cytokines and inflammatory pathways (23).

Antiviral Effects: Echinacea helps combat viral infections by inhibiting virus entry and replication (24).

Best Ways to Consume Echinacea for Immunity

Echinacea Tea: Brew dried roots or leaves.

Echinacea Tincture: A concentrated liquid extract.

Echinacea Capsules: Convenient supplement form.

     10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

9. Ashwagandha

Grown largely in India, Africa, and the Middle East, Ashwagandha has been commonly used for its medicinal benefits for centuries. Also called Indian Ginseng and Winter Berry, Ashwagandha enhances both mental and physical health.

Immune Cell Activation: Ashwagandha increases the activity of immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms (25).

Anti-Stress Effects: It reduces cortisol levels, which can enhance immune function by decreasing stress-related suppression of the immune system (26).

Antioxidant Properties: Ashwagandha’s withanolides combat oxidative stress, protecting immune cells and supporting overall health (27).

Best Ways to Consume Ashwagandha for Immunity

Ashwagandha Powder: Mix with warm milk or water.

Ashwagandha Capsules: Convenient supplement form.

Ashwagandha Tea: Brew the root or powder in hot water.

   10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs  

10. Dark Cummin

Dark cumin (Nigella sativa) is a flowering plant native to South Asia, whose seeds are known for their medicinal properties. These seeds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are rich in thymoquinone, which is credited with many of their health benefits.

Immune Modulation: Thymoquinone has been shown to increase the production and activity of various immune cells. Research demonstrates that it boosts the function of macrophages, which engulf pathogens, and natural killer cells, which target infected cells (28).

Antioxidant Effects: Dark cumin's potent antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage and supporting the overall functioning of the immune system (29).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: By inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, dark cumin helps reduce chronic inflammation, which is essential for maintaining a balanced immune response (30).

Best Ways to Consume Dark Cumin

Dark Cumin Oil: A few drops of oil can be added to your daily diet by mixing it with food or beverages.

Whole Seeds: They can be chewed directly or used as a spice to enhance the flavor of various dishes.

Dark Cumin Capsules: Available as dietary supplements for a controlled and convenient intake.

    10 Best Immune Boosting Herbs

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy immunity during the rainy season is crucial as increased humidity and stagnant water foster bacteria and viruses, heightening infection risk. Strong immunity helps ward off seasonal illnesses, ensuring overall well-being and resilience against pathogens. Incorporate the herbs mentioned in the blog to boost your immunity during this rainy season. Let us know in the comments which is your favorite herb.

FAQs

1. How can I boost my natural immunity?

Boost natural immunity by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotics, getting regular exercise, managing stress, sleeping well, and staying hydrated. Consider supplements like vitamin C and D.

2. Which foods increase immunity?

Foods that increase immunity include citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, garlic, ginger, turmeric, yogurt, green tea, and fatty fish. These are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics.

3. What to drink for a strong immune system?

Drink water, herbal teas like green tea or ginger tea, and fresh fruit juices rich in vitamin C. Bone broth and probiotic beverages also support a strong immune system. 


Abhiram Kishor
Abhiram Kishor
Daily Health

Abhiram is a creative thinker with an knack for daily health. He is an experienced content writer who has written many blogs in the health category. Abhiram enjoys writing blogs and provides keen i... Read More

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