Your immune system is your body’s army as well as the police force. On one hand, it works to defend against disease-causing external invaders like viruses and bacteria. On the other, it also ensures your own healthy cells and tissues remain unattacked. We can compare these two attributes to everyday ailments. The first would be flu and colds caused by infecting viruses and bacteria. The second would be allergies caused by your own tissues reacting to allergens that crop up during season changes. Healthy immunity is able to minimize both infections and allergies. Either way, a healthy and balanced immune system is integral to your wellness.
While the immune system and the immune function are complex mechanisms, there are simple recipes you can rustle and brew up in your kitchen to help strengthen your immune system.
RECIPE NO. 1
Immunity-Boosting Powder
Ingredients:
Organic turmeric powder (haldi) – 7 tbsp
Cumin seeds (jeera) – 4 tbsp
Coriander Seeds (sabut dhania) – 7 tbsp
Fennel seeds (moti saunf) – 2 tbsp
Dry ginger powder (saunth) – 2 tbsp
Whole black peppercorns (sabut kali mirchi) – 1/2 tbsp
Srilankan cinnamon powder – 3 tbsp
Cardamom (sabut ilaichi) – 3 tbsp
Method:
Dry roast all whole ingredients – cumin, coriander, fennel, peppercorns, and cardamoms – on low flame in a heavy-bottomed pan till nicely aromatic.
Cool completely and grind fine. Add turmeric powder, ginger powder, and cinnamon powder. Store in a clean airtight glass or steel jar.
Dosage:
Have ½ tbsp with water once a day. You can also add ½ tbsp to 1 tbsp hot ghee and mix with your sabzi and dal.
Why it supports immunity:
Spices, whole or powdered, are rich in essential oils, minerals, and antioxidants. All these help ward off infections and help the immune system stay in efficient working condition.
RECIPE NO. 2
Turmeric Milk
Ingredients:
Milk – 2 cups
Raw turmeric rhizome – 1 piece
Cardamom – 1
Sugar – to taste
Method:
Wash, peel and grate turmeric rhizome. Boil milk. Add grated turmeric and crushed cardamom to boiling milk. Simmer for 2 minutes on slow flame. Switch off-gas. Cover and let remain for 3-4 minutes. Strain add sugar to taste and sip.
Dosage:
Have one cup at bedtime.
Why it supports immunity:
Turmeric has curcuminoids, a group of potent antioxidants with immune-boosting power. Cardamom also has antibacterial qualities to help fight microbes. Both turmeric and cardamom are used extensively in Ayurvedic remedies.
RECIPE NO. 3
Tulsi-Ginger Brew
Ingredients:
Basil leaves – 5/6
Fresh ginger rhizome – ¼” (grated or crushed)
Organic Honey – 1 tbsp
Method:
Boil 1 cup water. Add grated ginger. Add tulsi leaves. Switch off the flame. Cover. Strain after 3-4 minutes. Add honey and sip.
Dosage:
One cup at a time, 2-3 times a day.
Why it supports immunity:
Basil leaves and ginger are packed with adaptogenic and antimicrobial qualities. Honey also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties to support your immune system.
RECIPE NO. 4
Amla Water
Ingredients:
Water – 1 glass
Amla powder – 1 tbsp
Method:
Stir amla powder in water. Cover and leave overnight. Next morning strain and sip.
Dosage:
one glass, early in the morning on empty stomach.
Why it supports immunity:
Amla or Indian gooseberry is among the richest known sources of vitamin C which is linked with higher efficiency of immune function.
