Ayurvedic tips to help build the immune system

Ayurveda is known as the science of life. Yoga and Ayurveda are deeply woven together, with Tantra being the energetic connection between the two. directly connected to yoga.

That's my opening line...now let's get into the nuts and bolts of some simple tips to keep our immune systems functioning optimally.

Ayurveda deeply focuses on Preventative care, and much of the mechanisms come from our daily routines. No one is perfect! Ayurveda fully supports indulging on occasion because it's nurturing for the soul.

Our overall daily and seasonal habits play a MASSIVE role in our overall health.

The concept of daily routines is called Dinacharya.

The concept of seasonal routines is called Ritucharya.

The beauty of awareness about oneself and the harmony each individual can achieve by uplifting ones immunity is emphasized across all of the classical texts in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Tantra.

Ayurveda refers to Immunity as OJAS, the "Nectar" or "Juice" of life.

In Ayurveda, we say, "If you are juicy, you are healthy." "If you are dry, you are missing the nectar within."

Immunity is everything, and guess what...It plays a HUGE role in the health of our energy systems, including the NERVOUS SYSTEM.

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Here's some simple tips to boost Immunity:

1. Take 1 tsf of Chyavanprash in the morning. This is a jam consisting of many different herbs. It's known as the "Ojas" revitalizer due to it's powerful immune boosting benefits. Not only does it boost immunity, it helps with digestion, energy, vitality and respiratory health. The foundational ingredient is Amla (Indian Gooseberry), which is loaded with vitamin C.

   
   

2. Apply nose oil daily. This is called Nasya Oil and it is considered a rejuvenative for the respiratory system. It lubricates the mucus membranes, prevents dryness, and provides allergy and sinus relief. Ayurveda is rooted in the belief that the nose is the gateway to the brain, so keeping those passages clean, open and lubricated can reduce mental tension and improve cognitive function. You can make your own Nasya by using coconut oil, ghee, or sesame oil. A few drops in each nostril does the trick.

   
   

3. Oil Pulling Therapy. Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish in the mouth for 3-5 minutes. Swish vigorously, left side and right side of mouth. Swish all over. Don't swallow it. After you are done swishing, spit it out and swish your mouth with warm water. The oil collects mouth bacteria, which we want to eliminate. Anything that sits in the mouth for too long risks getting swallowed, bringing that bacteria into the system. So, we want it out of there.

   
   

4. Nasal/Face Steam is also wonderful for respiratory and brain health. Simply boil a pot of water with fresh mint leaves and breath in the steam

   
   

5. Sip warm water throughout the day. This helps nourish the body all day long. See my post about the benefits of Hot Water.

   
   

6. Drink a herbal tea decoction. Use Tulsi (Holy Basil), Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Dry Ginger, and fresh lemon juice to your liking. Use a natural sugar to sweeten slightly, if needed. Drink a cup of this at least once a day. You can buy Tulsi tea bags and just add these ingredients. It's super simple and really great for supporting your health.

   
   

7. Practice movement ( could be walking or Yoga) and breathing (Pranayama) f

   or 30 minutes every day, if possible.

   
   

8. Find time to sit quietly, with no distractions for at least 10 minutes per day.

   
   

9. Add healthy kitchen spices to your daily cooking. Things like Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander. Garlic, Black Pepper, Ginger and fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, basil, rosemary, and dill are wonderful additions to your cooking.

   
   

10. If you are experiencing dryness in the throat or dry cough, mix clove powder with honey and take a teaspoon once a day.

    
    

11. Eat your largest meal when your digestive fire is the strongest. This is between 10-2pm. After 2pm our digestive system starts to slow down, making it difficult to digest big and heavy meals. This is why it's preferred to eat lighter in the evening.

    
    

12. Golden Milk - simply add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in hot milk of your choice, at least once a day. I prefer this at nighttime because it also helps with sleep.

13. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night so your immune cells can regenerate properly.

    
    

14. Herbs like Guduchi and Ashwagandha can also be beneficial.

    We can discuss what is needed to keep your immune system healthy.

~ Leelah ~

Ayurveda offers wonderful options for boosting Immunity.