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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
It strengthens the body’s immune system by improving the quality of tissues in our body. The leaves, root, bark, fruit and seeds can be used. It has strong anti-inflammatory actions. It is hence helpful in rheumatoid arthritis, auto immune diseases. It also improves the brain cell activity. It is usually consumed with warm, sweet milk.
Amlaki (Embilicus officinialis)
It is a perfect rasayan and one of the richest sources of vitamin C. It rejuvenates and revitalizes the various body tissues and organs. It helps to improve the digestive system. It also helps the circulatory system by regenerating red blood cells. It is rich in antioxidants and one of the main ingredients of Chavanprash.
Licorise, Mulethi or Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
It is an excellent home remedy for any upper tract infections. The root is used here, and the powder is usually taken with honey. It is a natural revitalizer and an anti-aging agent. It is also important for the mind and in developing cognitive skills.
Ginger or Shunti (Zinziber officinalis)
It is a very strong stimulant for the immune system. It keeps the digestive agni strong and removes toxins from the body. Include ginger in your cooking or just drink water which has been boiled with ginger. It is also used as a hot fomentation in gout, arthritis and other joint pains.
Tulsi (Occimum sanctum)
It is an overall tonic for both mind and body. It has anti infective properties and is very useful in upper respiratory tract infections. It energizes the body and improves circulation. It is also effective for skin infections and gastric ulcers. Tulsi juice taken everyday with honey and ginger is very useful to boost immunity.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
This is a very good antioxidant and hence is useful in promoting the body’s immunity. It purifies blood and helps in destroying infectious bacterias.
Pippali (Piper longum)
It plays an important role in improving the digestive agni. It is normally used as trikatu along with black pepper and ginger.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
It has very strong anti-inflammatory properties and fights infections and promotes immunity. It also improves blood flow. It has beneficial effects on arthritis, heart diseases and diabetes. Half a teaspoon of turmeric taken with warm milk at night helps in keeping diseases away.
Garlic (Allum sativum)
It helps to boost the immune system. It is also found to influence blood pressure. It has very strong anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a clove of garlic to your cooking will improve immunity and boost the heart.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
It is considered a general health tonic. It improves immunity as it has anti-oxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties also. It also has anti-aging properties and it also plays a role in treating depression. It can be taken as a tea.
Mrs. Mira Swami, Department of Ayurveda