Top 10 Medicinal Herbs to Boost Immunity

Common symptoms like cold or cough, headache or stomach ache, any you name and there are herbs which will help you in treating those symptoms. During these COVID-19 pandemics, people have realized the fact that natural medicinal herbs also work well to boost immunity.

Many have adopted the routine of drinking the ‘kadha’ to boost themselves and so the body can fight against all the viruses. To maintain our immunity system, with the vaccines and doctors’ help, we can also use home remedies which are naturally effective.

So let’s take a detailed study of herbs and its medicinal use, the benefits of medicinal herbs, and how one can boost immunity naturally through natural remedies and through Ayurveda. 

The plant has been used medicinally since long before prehistoric times. The traditional medical system still continues to be widely accepted in various ways. Prevention and treatment of any disease with medicinal plants is assumed to be  very safe, as it has no or very minor side effects.

The greatest strength of this is harmony with nature. The golden rule is that the use of herbal remedies does not depend on age group and gender. Pharmaceuticals are considered to be a rich source of ingredients that can be used in drug development, whether pharmacopoeial, non-pharmacological or synthetic.

Medicinal plants such as aloe, Tulsi, neem, turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, garlic, and more treat some common ailments. Here are some benefits of medicinal herbs. 

Benefit of medicinal herbs

Minimal side effects

medicinal herbs are natural and do not cause any harm to the body. The good part about them is they are suitable for all, unlike prescription medicines, which sometimes result in rare side effects. 

Affordable than conventional medicines

The herbs are easily available because they can be easily available as many people keep  Tulsi or neem plants at home, which makes it available without buying it from medical stores. 

Helps in healing

If the patient is using any prescription medicine, they are advised to consume it daily, but the truth is that it will also take more time to heal as it cures the disease but not wholly from the body. So with medicinal herbs, the body accepts it without any effects and cures of within. 

Also Read: 5 Herbal Spices from the Kitchen that Fights Acne

Cures many diseases

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, blood pressure, heart disease, etc can be cured with herbs. People are now moving to use them as alternatives because medicinal herbs are more effective than any other.

Helps in maintaining overall health

Many of them consume antioxidant, antiviral or antibiotic medicines to maintain their health. If you are really concerned about overall health, start using herbs like Tulsi, ginger, garlic which will save you from many infections and viruses naturally.  

Consuming healthy foods, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding processed foods, and managing stress are some ways by which you can  boost your immunity. But talking about minerals and vitamins, many individuals lack.

So, take a look at some of the most powerful herbs and spices that can help boost your immune system.

Neem 

It is a multi-purpose medicinal herb. From its bark to its twigs, each component of neem is used to treat some or the other disease. It has chemicals that can help in the reduction of levels of blood sugars, heal ulcers in the digestive tract, prevent conception, kill bacteria and help to prevent plaque formation.

The twigs of neem are used for cough, asthma, haemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm levels, urinary disorders, and diabetes. In fact, neem is also used as an insecticide. Any diseases or symptoms like cold, flu or malaria, fever, upset stomach, etc can be cured with neem.

Tulsi 

Tulsi, also called Ocimum Sanctum or Holy Basil, is a medicinal plant belonging to the family of mint and is found in over 150 different varieties. It tastes bitter and the roots, leaves, and seeds have several medicinal properties.

It has proven to be the safest skin remedy to use, and its benefits are overwhelming. This miracle herb is used to treat acne, skin infections, lighten dark spots and improve the texture of the skin.

Concerning hair, it helps to prevent hair loss and dry scalp and to reduce whitening. It is also used to treat fevers, colds and sore throats, headaches, and kidney stones.

Overall, Tulsi is the best natural pain reliever and solution to many health problems. Thus, it is also called the healer of many diseases. 

Turmeric

The herb is commonly known to everyone by the name Haldi and constitutes more than 300 nutrients.  It is used in almost every  Indian food item category, it contains a savoury taste and strong aroma.

It is considered effective in boosting immunity and eliminating cold, cough, and chest congestion during any season.

Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in enhancing immunity and physical strength. It has several health benefits, including immunomodulatory effects.

The use does not end here, but it is bound to have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal properties which help in digestion,  prevention of stomach ulcers and irritation, It also heals cuts and wounds and treats many other skin infections. During winters, people drink turmeric milk to protect them against cold and flu. 

Ashwagandha 

Scientifically named Withania somnifera, also known as adaptogen, which means  it may help to reduce stress levels, is the most popular ingredient or herb in the field of wellness.

Ashwagandha is the most powerful immunity boost medicinal herbs to help the body adapt and cope with stress. It is one of the most effective herbal remedies for stress and health.

This herb stimulates lymphocytes or white blood cells, which helps to fight infections and viruses. This has proven to be very helpful when you are sick or have been overexposed to pathogens. Ashwagandha is therapeutically used in strengthening the immune system.

The extract or the powder from the roots or leaves of plants, which can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety and fertility problems.

Garlic

Scientifically named as Allium sativum, best-regarded and powerful immune-boosting herbs and spices, garlic helps to stimulate the immune system. It helps in the operation of white blood cells. Garlic is pungent and strongly aromatic, which makes it wealthy in sulphur.

It incorporates several vitamins which can be confirmed to gain our fitness inclusive of arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and selenium. It has an Allicin- a plant compound that acts as a germicide.

The herb is extensively used for many complications associated with the blood and coronary heart, also includes atherosclerosis, excessive cholesterol, coronary heart attack, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

It is also utilized by a few people for the prevention of lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, belly cancer, rectal cancer, and colon cancer.

Ginger

It belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is used fresh, dried, powdered or as an oil or juice. A very common ingredient in recipes for any food items, be it Indian food or any street food. It may be added to processed foods and cosmetics.

The raw form of ginger constitutes 79% water, 18% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 1% fat. One of the homemade ingredients which is the perfect solution to prevent seasonal problems like colds, coughs, flu, and fever. It together has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the body from infection. It is used to treat stomach pain, improve hair growth and maintain skin quality.

Cinnamon 

It is made from the extracts of the cinnamon trees and is either rolled into sticks commonly known as cinnamon sticks or quills or found in fine powder. Not only that, but it is a spice that most people rely on when making everything from pie or cakes to French toast.

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as a remedy for the treatment of diseases like diabetes, indigestion, and colds and coughs. It inhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat certain metabolic, infectious, digestive, or respiratory disorders.

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which helps in protecting against Candida albicans and Helicobacter pylori.

Amla 

Assumed to be the richest sources of vitamin C, Emblica officinalis or Indian Gooseberry can rejuvenate and energize the body’s system, making it ideal for general immunity.

It has cooling properties and can help get rid of excess body temperature, so it is often recommended for pitta conditions. It may help relieve joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Furthermore, it is essential for hair and skin treatment. It is used for a variety of conditions, such as blurred vision, anaemia, reducing stress, improving digestion and immunity, and mental health.

Black cumin 

Nigella sativa, a black cumin belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, also known as black seeds, is grown for its pungent taste and is used as a spice and medicinal herbs to Boost Immunity. It acts as an antihistamine, helping to strengthen the immune system, fight cancer, prevent pregnancy, and reduce allergic reactions.

In particular, it has been used for headaches, toothaches, stuffy noses, and intestinal worms. Other uses include lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, treating cancer, and boosting the immune system.

It is also used to treat gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation, and hemorrhoids, as well as respiratory disorders like asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, influenza, flu.

Triphala

Triphala, also known as Tridoshic rasayana, is a combination of three herbs: Indian gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis), black myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), and belleric myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica). It is best known as a tonic to the bowel, which aids digestion and supports regular bowel movements.

Triphala ensures proper nutrition and balance in the body by promoting healthy absorption and assimilation of nutrients. It also helps in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Apart from using medicinal herbs to boost immunity, one needs to follow some natural remedies such as getting enough sleep, eating more fermented food and whole plant foods, limiting the intake of sugar, and following the exercise regime to maintain the body, stress, and worries should be reduced.

Changes in lifestyle and diet are also the vital factors which help in strengthening your immune system.

Further Reading: 

medlineplus.gov