5 Powerful Ayurvedic Spices to Boost Your Immunity | Yogic Blogging

Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, every one of us is looking forward to boost our immunity in many ways. While doing certain types of physical activities such as yoga & pranayama which helps you a lot in keeping your body healthy, diet too plays a crucial role in boosting the overall health & immunity of your system. 

Apart from eating nutritious food & cutting down junk food, you can try adding these spices in your diet to boost immunity. Spices have been used by the people of India for centuries due to their high medicinal properties. From adding a rich, spicy aromatic flavor to making the food from simple food to medicine, spices have all the advantages.

According to Ayurveda spices can help in reducing the Vata, pitta, & Kapha dosha. Most of the people have an imbalance of at least two of these doshas thus adding spices in their diet is a must. Various studies have proven that spices are rich in antioxidants, anticarcinogenic & anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a powerful alternative with almost no side effects. Read more to know

 

5 Powerful Ayurvedic Spices to Boost Immunity

  1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest & most valuable spices in this planet. It has a classic woody aroma. Be it in cakes, coffee, deserts, or teas cinnamon goes well with all. Regular intake of cinnamon may reduce the risk of diabetes, studies prove that cinnamon can reduce the growth of cancer cells in our body. Drinking cinnamon tea with ginger & honey can do wonders.  

There are two types of cinnamon barks available in the market one variety is cassia and the other is Ceylon. Cassia cinnamon is also known as Chinese cinnamon and it is grown in the southern part of China. 

The problem with cassia or Chinese cinnamon is that it contains a compound called coumarin which is believed to be poisonous if taken in large quantities. Hence, it is always better to go with the Ceylon variety aka real or original cinnamon which is grown in Sri Lanka. 

2. Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) also known as Haldi has been used in India for years. It is a plant that has a very long history of medicinal use. It is said that turmeric may be helpful in problems like common cough, cold, inflammation of tonsils (tonsillitis), etc. If you want to add a glow or whiten your skin you may apply turmeric paste regularly to your face. You can also drink turmeric with warm water or make turmeric latte with milk.  

   

Traditionally turmeric is powdered and added in almost all the Indian curries which gives them a yellow color. It is one of the most popular spices found in all the Indian kitchens. Turmeric is believed to remove poisonous substances present in certain foods that may harm our bodies. 

Wash all the fruits & vegetables with a teaspoon of turmeric powder to get rid of harmful chemicals & insecticides. Nowadays, turmeric is also added in beauty products such as soap, gel, face pack & face wash due to its rich color & benefits. 

Turmeric is known for its antiseptic, antiviral & antibacterial properties. Turmeric has a substance called curcumin which may help you to deal with arthritis, anxiety, muscle soreness & even cancer.                   

3. Star anise

Star anise derived from Illicium Verum tree also known by the name Phool Chakra in India is a unique star-shaped spice that has a very pungent smell. It is another phenomenal spice that can greatly enhance your immunity. Due to its sweet unique aroma, people prefer to add it in culinary dishes.

Adding star anise flowers in biriyanis, curries, vegetable dishes & other cuisines adds a unique flavor in them. Apart from its uses in the kitchen, star anise is used in the preparation of many medicines due to its numerous benefits.

You can also make a decoction of star anise with other spices & herbs to take its benefits to the next level.

                   

4. Ginger

Ginger is a spice that has a spicy aromatic scent. Ginger is one of the healthiest and powerful herbs mentioned in Ayurveda. Ginger contains a substance called gingerol which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ayurveda mentions ginger as a powerful medicine for many ailments. 

Ginger tea if taken in appropriate quantity can help fight infections, reduce cough, cholesterol levels, common cold, menstrual cramps, and headaches. If you are suffering from any fever consuming ginger tea would greatly help you.

Traditionally in India, dried ginger was used for the treatment of cough & common cold. Ginger roundels if taken with rock salt can boost your digestion. Try taking ginger roundels with a pinch of rock salt if you consume heavy meals after sunset.

            

5. Clove

Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) is considered as one of the supreme spices. It is popular by the name of laung or lavang in India. Clove has a strong spicy, woody scent. Clove was an integral part of the Indian recipes.

Clove is mentioned in Ayurveda as one of the most powerful spices known for its high antimicrobial, antiviral & antiseptic properties. It is used as a remedy for all dental problems for centuries.

Clove oil extracted from clove buds is extremely beneficial for health & is used in aromatherapy. Clove oil when used in aromatherapy relaxes the nerves, reduces stress & uplifts the mood. 

Due to its medicinal properties gargling clove oil with warm water may help in bad breath. You can also make clove tea along with ginger & honey, drinking this tea will freshen up your mouth, clear sore throat & give you a soothing feeling. 

Conclusion

Consuming these spices on regular basis will help you enhance your immunity tremendously. All the spices mentioned above have almost no side effects & are safe to consume according to Ayurveda, it is advisable to take expert opinion before you start using them. It is also recommended to consume it in moderation to get its maximum benefits.