21 Dec KEEP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG WITH THESE TWO AYURVEDIC HERBS
As we look to keep our immune systems strong this winter, there are two herbs to consider incorporating into your regimen. The first one is guduchi or “giloy” as it is known in India. Prized as a medicinal herb for strengthening immunity, it’s a bitter tasting herb that gets this taste from diverse phytochemicals that it naturally contains.
Considered to be a ‘divine herb,’ according to a legend, it’s a “heavenly elixir” that is said to have kept the angels eternally young. Another reference from the Ramayana mentions that a few nectar drops fell on the ground and formed the sacred ‘guduchi’ plant, which when sprinkled from Heaven by Lord Indra (at the request of Rama) brought back to life dead monkeys (vanara sena).
A growing number of studies support guduchi’s role as an adaptogen, a potent herb that increases the body’s resistance to stress, anxiety, and illness.
Guduchi has been used to:
- Alleviate allergies and symptoms of hay fever
- Ease arthritis, gout, rheumatic disorders, and inflammation
- Treat chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis or eczema
- Help with hepatitis and jaundice (helps protect the liver from exposure to toxins)
- Boost the immune system
- Prevent colds and flu
- Also used in health supplements for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support the liver and the immune system.
The other herb that is wonderful to incorporate from autumn through to spring is tulsi. In the ancient Vedic Bhagavata Purana text, tulsi, called “Queen of Herbs,” is noted as the plant embodiment of Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth and generosity. Viewed as a living gateway between heaven and earth, tulsi is regarded as the manifestation of the divine within the plant kingdom. Tulsi has been used for thousands of years to support a healthy response to physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Modern research has classified Tulsi as an adaptogenic herb known to support the body’s healthy stress response.
Tulsi’s medicinal properties include:
- Boosts Cardiovascular Health
- Treats Respiratory Illnesses
- Controls Blood Glucose Levels
- Improves Liver Function
- Lowers Cortisol Levels
- Soothes Indigestion
- Helps with Weight Loss
- Prevents Hair Loss
- Improves Immunity
- Its leaves are also used to treat skin problems like acne, blackheads, and premature aging.
Specific Role Of Tulsi On Respiratory System:
The presence of components like vitamin C, Camphene, “Eugenol, and Cineole” (the essential oils in tulsi) help in viral, bacterial, and fungal infections of the respiratory system to give great relief to congestion and supporting respiratory disorders. It is used as an expectorant and bronchodilator, helpful in rhinitis (inflammation of nasal mucus membrane).
My favorite way to incorporate this wondrous herb is by enjoying a daily spot of organic tulsi tea. Currently I’ve been turning to Organic India’s Sweet Rose Tulsi tea, but you can also find tulsi in capsule form.
Stay strong. Stay healthy!
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