Winter is no doubt a charming season and we love to enjoy the warm sun rays during broad daylight or play with snow. However, with the advancement of winter everyone wishes to keep themselves and their family members away from the harsh effects of cold and cough. The age-old Ayurvedic science has always suggested the use of herbs to enhance our immune system and keep our body ready to fight any kind of infection. Along with the big players like vitamin C , vitamin D or zinc, it is also important to consider some herbs in your daily diet to improve your overall health and lifestyle.
Here are some of the best known herbs that can help in boosting your immunity and at the same time provide your body with vital nutrients that are required for staying fit:
- Ginger
Don’t you love a hot cup of ginger tea? It is no doubt refreshing. Besides being soothing and energy giving, ginger can help in a lot more ways. You can always use ginger tea for cold weather and stay away from the problems of common cold and cough that are quite common during this chilly season. The gingerols content in ginger roots works as a wonderful medicine for treating sore throat and relieving joint pain. You can consume ginger tea or simply dip the ginger slices in honey and have it everyday during winter.
- Turmeric
Among all the powerful herbs for winter wellness, turmeric or curcumin is one of the best ingredients that has a lot of medicinal properties. During these tough times when the whole world is suffering from the problem of coronavirus, you must have heard a lot of people touting the benefits of consuming curcumin. Besides giving your curry a yellowish taint, this incredible herb can help to improve your neuroprotective abilities and protect you from viral infections. The herb is a rich source of antioxidant that can help to improve your body’s capability of fighting against infections.
- Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera/ Indian Ginseng/ Ashwagandha is one of the best known traditional herbs that can help your body stay fit throughout the year. You can use ashwagandha for the cold season, as it can help in improving your immunity and also reduce arthritis pain (common in winter). One can mix ashwagandha with honey and warm milk and consume it daily before bedtime to reap its maximum benefits.
- Amla
You must be wondering why to use amla for cold? Well! We all know that amla is a rich source of vitamin C, that can help in boosting your immune system and along with this amla can also help to flush out toxins from your body. You will see most of the families in India drying up amla and making candies at home. Well! These candies are not only tasty but can help in easy digestion of food while providing your body with vitamin A, E and C.
- Garlic
Another important and essential ingredient that is found in every household is garlic. Apart from adding taste to your regular food, you can also use garlic for colds. Yes! It is one of the best boosters of immunity and also has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Regular consumption of one or two cloves of garlic can help to prevent viral infections that are quite common in the winter season. It is considered as one of the best herbs that can help to fight against common cold, flu, viral infections and respiratory problems. You can have one raw garlic everyday or alternate day before having breakfast throughout the winter.
- Basil
Tulsi or basil leaves are another important herbs that can be found in every Indian household. Besides being sacred this is one of the best herbs for winter. It carries innate medicinal properties and having basil tea at least once a day during the winter season can help to prevent common cold, fever, building of fat on the liver and more.
- Mulethi
Mulethi or liquorice have been used for centuries due to its immense medicinal properties. It is a wonderful herb that can help to treat asthma and other respiratory tract diseases. Mulethi can also help to improve digestion, cure skin problems and boost immunity to make your body fight against winter diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb can help in a lot of ways in enhancing your overall health. The roots of this herb is available in powdered form and can be consumed with ghee and honey during the winter season.
Conclusion: These herbs can provide your body with vital nutrients and extra support for improving your immune health. To live a healthy lifestyle one needs to include a well-rounded and wholesome diet. Along with food it is also important to get enough sleep and regular management of stress.
