Change in season can shake the immune system, especially in kids and elderly people. As the mercury level falls, it opens a gateway to various cold-related issues. Hence, it is extremely important to protect ourselves during cold months.
Cold months in India are witnessed from mid-November to March. The season brings along the warmth of festivals, varieties of vegetables, and cravings for certain foods, and keeps us indoors. Also, important to mention, that there is an increase in cough, cold, flu, and other respiratory-related problems. Choosing what to eat and upgrading your lifestyle is the only mantra for winter wellness.
With the arrival of winter, some may go to the dormant state and some may look forward to going on vacations. No matter where you are, it is essential to boost immunity so that you make the best out of cold months. In Indian households, it is common to observe the tips passed on from grandparents to manage health issues in cold months.
The time-tested ayurvedic herbs can do wonders in strengthening the immune system and also help in quick recovery from ongoing illness. Going for an ayurvedic way to boost immunity is a natural way to prepare the body to fight against health problems related to the winter season.
The primary focus of Ayurveda is in maintaining a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit i.e overall wellness of an individual. Gut health plays a pivot role in determining the immunity of a body. How well the nutrients are absorbed determines how well the body is prepared to fight against problems related to change in season.
Here we shall discuss ayurvedic secrets to boost immunity in cold months. The secrets lie in using herbs, going for immunity-boosting foods, and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Herbs to boost immunity in cold months
- Turmeric
This golden herb has a lot of health benefits. To mention a few, it aids in digestion, reduces cholesterol, supports quick healing, and boosts the immune system. The health benefits of turmeric are because of its richness in vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, fatty acids, etc. Curcumin in turmeric makes it a great anti-oxidant. This protects the body from infection and also helps the body fight against infections.
- Giloy (Guduchi)
All parts of the plant are used but the stem of the plant is of much benefit. Regular use of giloy keeps the digestive system healthy, builds immunity, checks blood sugar levels, and improves metabolism. The herb is available in the form of powder, tablet, tonic, and tea. It is known to reduce inflammation, hence effective in cold and cough.
- Tulsi (Holy basil)
This sacred herb can bless the body with numerous health benefits. Tulsi is well known to boost immunity in cold months, so it is no longer a secret. Though the benefits it has maybe a secret to many. The primary health benefit of tulsi is to boost immunity in cold months. The herb is commonly used in the form of kadha (tea).
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is one of the special herbs in Ayurveda. Its richness in vitamin C, minerals, and anti-oxidants makes it fall under the category of rejuvenator. Consuming it daily on an empty stomach can improve immunity in many ways. When the pollutants block the view of a clear sky and the dropping temperature makes you feel sick, amla can surely be a savior that your body will be thankful to.
- Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Along with numerous health benefits, ashwagandha is a great herb to boost immunity in cold months. It reduces inflammation and strengthens the cells that help the body fight against infections. The versatile properties of ashwagandha make it fall under rasayan herbs (herbs used for overall well-being). The presence of Withaferin A in ashwagandha makes it a great herb to boost immunity.
Foods to boost immunity in cold months
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
Certain compounds in garlic help the immune system fight infection. When the garlic is crushed the alliin converts to allicin. The latter contains sulfur, giving garlic a peculiar smell. This sulfur content in garlic gives it a therapeutic property. It can be consumed in powdered form, tablet, added fresh in food, or raw.
- Leafy greens
Winter is a season for a variety of vegetables. The various green leafy vegetables which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber can support and promote immunity. Raddish greens, spinach, bathua, mustard greens, and fenugreek leaves are common leafy vegetables to munch on to boost immunity in cold months.
- Ginger
Ginger has been used for ages in Indian kitchens. Being rich in vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, ginger has various health benefits. It keeps the gut healthy, reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system. Ginger extract is commonly used to treat colds and coughs and manage the flu symptoms.
- Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are super rich in vitamin C, this vitamin increases the level of white blood cells also known as the soldier of the body. Consuming fruits such as oranges, lemon, grapefruit, etc can boost immunity in cold months and also fight infections.
Panchakarma therapy to boost immunity in cold months
Panchakarma is a purification therapy that plays an important role in maintaining the health of a healthy person. Let us understand how panchakarma can boost immunity in cold months.
- External application of oil (abhyanga) strengthens the body, relieves stress, manages joint pain, and can be effective to the body like an exercise does.
- Internal administration of oil (snehpan) promotes gut health and improves metabolism.
- Fomentation (swedana) helps relieve aggravated vata and kapha dosha. It protects the body against cold, heaviness, and stiffness.
- Vomiting therapy (vamana), helps balance the aggravated kapha dosha.
- Purgation (virechan), is done to eliminate the aggravated pitta dosha and balance the three doshas.
Ayurveda has many secrets that can boost immunity and help you stay warm in winter. This holistic science plays an important role during winter. It helps restore health, promote immunity, and balance the gut health. Ayurvedic therapies, herbs, and the Ayurvedic way of life are a great way to embrace winter and seasonal transition.