Understanding Immunity in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, immunity is referred to as ‘Ojas’, which is the vital energy that maintains overall health and well-being. A strong Ojas means robust immunity, helping the body resist diseases and recover quickly from illnesses. Building and maintaining Ojas involves a balanced diet, proper digestion, adequate rest and a harmonious lifestyle.
Ayurvedic Dietary Practices for Immunity
- Balanced Diet: Ensure that your child’s diet includes all six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent – to provide a comprehensive range of nutrients. This balance supports digestion and strengthens the immune system.
- Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate fresh, seasonal produce into their meals. Fruits like apples, pomegranates and oranges are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while vegetables like carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes provide essential nutrients.
- Warm and Cooked Foods: During the monsoon, avoid raw and cold foods. Warm, cooked meals are easier to digest and help maintain digestive fire (Agni), which is crucial for immunity. Soups, stews and lightly spiced dishes are ideal.
- Herbal Teas: Herbal teas made from ginger, tulsi (holy basil) and turmeric are excellent for boosting immunity. These herbs have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties and if you want an instant decoction of these herbs, try Vedistry’s Kofol Sip and Instant Ayurvedic Kadha, which includes all these immune-boosting herbs.
- Spices: Incorporate immunity-boosting spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and black pepper into their meals. These spices not only enhance flavour, but also aid digestion and strengthen the immune system.
Ayurvedic Herbs and Remedies for Immunity
- Ashwagandha: Known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha helps the body cope with stress and boosts immunity. It can be given in milk or as a supplement.
- Giloy (Guduchi): Giloy is renowned for its immune-boosting and antipyretic properties. It can be given as a juice, as a decoction or in a tablet form. Vedistry’s Kofol Immunity Tablet is an excellent alternative for giloy supplement as it is clinically proven to improve immunity by 3 times and respiratory health by 6 times.
- Ayurvedic Cough Syrups: Cold and cough are very common during season change and monsoons but instead of taking allopathy syrups, opt for Ayurvedic ones as they do not possess harmful chemicals such as chlorphenamine maleate, which was recently found to be fatal in children. So opt for Ayurvedic syrups like Kofol Cough Syrup, which provides quick relief from all kinds of cough and is also available in a sugar-free variant.
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in Vitamin C, Amla strengthens immunity and improves digestion. Chyawanprash like Vedistry Prash is packed with Amla, Giloy, cow’s ghee, etc. which can be the best option to boost your child’s immunity and strengthen it on the go.
Lifestyle Practices for Immunity
- Routine and Rest: Maintain a consistent daily routine and ensure your child gets enough rest. Adequate sleep is vital for a strong immune system.
- Hydration: Encourage your child to drink plenty of warm water. Hydration is crucial for maintaining overall health and flushing out toxins.
- Hygiene: Teach your child good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding touching their face. This helps prevent the spread of infections.
- Massage (Abhyanga): Regular oil massages with warm sesame or coconut oil can improve circulation, promote relaxation and boost immunity.
- Yoga and Pranayama: Simple yoga poses and breathing exercises can enhance physical and mental health. Practices like Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and deep breathing exercises strengthen the respiratory system and improve overall vitality.
Conclusion
Taking care of your child’s immunity during season changes and the monsoon is crucial for their overall health. Ayurveda offers a natural and holistic approach to strengthening immunity through a balanced diet, the use of medicinal herbs and a healthy lifestyle. By integrating these Ayurvedic practices into your daily routine, you can help your child build a robust immune system, ensuring they stay healthy and resilient throughout the year. Remember, the key is consistency and making these practices a part of your family’s lifestyle.
*Paid Partnership with Charak Pharma
