Ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive system developed over thousands of years, providing a roadmap for how to live a long and healthy life. Read on to learn Ayurvedic medicine and remedies for increasing immunity.
Ayurvedic Medicine for Immunity
Ayurveda is all about keeping a harmonious balance of body, mind, and soul, which requires comprehensive care of diet, lifestyle, and digestion. To learn specifically what Ayurveda recommends for improving immunity, read our Ayurveda Immunity Guide.
5 Ayurvedic Remedies for Immunity
Ayurveda has created several remedies to help you boost immunity and maintain balance.
Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash is the most popular, effective, and comprehensive Ayurvedic remedy for boosting immunity. Chyawanprash contains a large number of medicinal, immune-boosting herbs, including:
- Amla: A powerful fruit that is also the foundational ingredient of Triphala, an Ayurvedic substance that is a powerful immune booster
- Haritaki: Another powerful fruit that helps to rid the body of ama and boost immunity
- Long pepper fruit: An Ayurvedic fruit revered for its immune-boosting properties
- Neem leaf: A powerful antimicrobial herb
- Shatavari: Another powerful immune booster
These herbs and spices work together to stimulate agni, nourish ojas, and improve the overall health and functioning of our bodies. Many of these herbs are powerful immune boosters on their own, but their health properties are significantly amplified when they are combined.
Chyawanprash should be taken daily to improve overall health and immunity. It is especially useful during seasonal changes, cold and flu season, and times of stress.
CCF Tea
CCF Tea is an Ayurvedic tea often recommended as a remedy for digestion. CCF stands for cumin, coriander, and fennel. Digestion is foundational to good health, so consuming CCF tea before meals can help improve digestive function and immunity.
Triphala
Triphala is another useful remedy in Ayurveda for immunity. Triphala contains 3 fruits: Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. These fruits possess high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Triphala helps to strengthen digestion and facilitate healthy elimination. When the body can remove toxins effectively, overall health and immunity improve.
Sitopaladi and Talisadi
Sitopaladi and talisadi are Ayurvedic formulas that support the immune system and enhance respiratory health. Both support the lungs and sinuses and help with expectoration for clear respiration. Talisadi contains the same ingredients as sitopaladi plus talisa, black pepper, and ginger to increase pungency and heat.
Trikatu
Trikatu is another traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation for immunity. It translates to “three pungents” and is made up of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger. Trikatu is a slightly heating blend of pungent spices that help increase agni (our ability to digest), reduce the kapha dosha, and improve the respiratory system.
What to Know About Ayurvedic Remedies to Support Immunity
There are many different Ayurvedic remedies and medicines that can help improve immunity, but keep in mind that with the exception of Chyawanprash, which is an all-purpose remedy for daily use, most Ayurvedic remedies to boost immune system function help target a specific area or condition. Be sure to consult with a practitioner to learn what formulas make sense for you.
You can also learn about how to incorporate Ayurvedic medicine for vigor and vitality and how to practice yoga for immunity.