How to Boost Immunity Naturally
The immune system is the body's defense against any infections. The immune system attacks germs and helps keep us healthy. Modern science identifies three types of immunity: innate, adaptive, and passive.
Innate immunity: Everyone is born with innate (or natural) immunity, a type of general protection. For example, our skin acts as a barrier to block germs from entering the body and our immune system recognizes dangerous pathogens and defends our bodies from them.
Adaptive immunity: Adaptive immunity develops throughout our lives, like when we are exposed to a virus or disease.
Passive immunity: Passive immunity is "borrowed" from another source, and it lasts for a short time. For example, antibodies in a mother's breast milk give a baby temporary immunity to diseases the mother has been exposed to.
Boosting Immunity with Ayurveda
Ayurvedic texts include a lot of information about acquired immunity. It means acquiring immunity with the help of a wholesome diet, living a balanced lifestyle, plenty of sleep, healthy routines, and the consistent use of herbal supplements to increase strength and acts as a rejuvenating therapy, known as a rasayana in Ayurveda.
Immunity in Ayurveda is known by the word vyadhikshamatva, and the meaning comes from two sanskrit words: vyadhi (disease) + kshamathva (resistance).
Immunity in Ayurveda is the ability of the body to fight against disease, resist the formation of disease, and the ability to recover.
What causes low immunity?
- Vitiation of the biological energies: vata-pitta-kapha
- External factors: viral or bacterial infections
- Depletion: undernourished physically and/or too much work or exercise
- Mental stress: excess anxiety, worry or fear
- Irregular daily routine: eating, sleeping, exercising at different times
- Improper diet: excessive spicy or dry foods
Benefits of Chyavanaprasam
Chyavanaprasam is an Ayurvedic supplement processed with various herbs and extracts which has the consistency of jam. The main ingredient is amla, or Indian gooseberry, which is very rich in Vitamin C and is a strong immune booster and antioxidant. It supports immunity through its immunomodulating, or rasayana, properties.
The ancient Maharishi Chyawana formulated Chyavanaprasam to rejuvenate his aging body and mind. It has now become an important dietary supplement recommended by all Ayurvedic practitioners. It is the perfect supplement as it rejuvenates all seven body tissues (dhatus) and can be taken by people of all ages.
The major ingredients of Chyavanprash are Indian gooseberry pulp, honey, clarified butter (ghee), and sesame oil. Ayurveda considers amla or Indian gooseberry as the key ingredient which acts like nectar and is deeply nourishing. It’s rejuvenating and strengthening properties help to balances all three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha.
Besides boosting immunity, Chyavanaprasam protects cardio health due to its high antioxidant levels and offers an anti-aging affect by helping to delay aging. Its most unique actions are detoxification of both body and mind while at the same time rejuvenating you on all levels.
How to Take Chyavanaprasam
It is recommended for daily use and should be taken on an empty stomach in between meals.
- 1 to 3 years: ¼ teaspoon with warm water
- 4 to 6 years: ½ teaspoon with warm water
- 7 to 12 years: ½ to 1 teaspoon with warm water
- 13 to 20 years: 1 to 2 teaspoons with warm water
- 21 to 50 years: 1 to 3 teaspoons with warm water
- 50 + years: 1 to 2 teaspoons with warm water
To learn more on how to boost your immunity, read our other article: A 2020 Guide: Build Resiliency to Stress.
Why is it important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner?
To fully support your immune system and build resiliency capable of resisting illness requires understanding your primary body type or dosha. Once your body type is known it becomes easier to recommend the foods, herbs and lifestyle activities that will support your immunity.
We recommend consulting with our Ayurvedic doctor Vishwanath Guddadar to support your healing journey. Following the advice from a personalized Ayurvedic consultation will change your life and will give you the knowledge required to maintain your best health.
If you book a consultation with Dr. Vishwanath Guddadar, you will receive a personalized diet, lifestyle, and herbal protocol that will boost your immunity and improve your overall health.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant.