Ayurveda suggests various food and herbs as natural treatment for various seasonal illnesses, including common cold or flu. Nature has solutions for us ready in changing season as seasonal vegetables and fruits. It balances abnormal doshas or body physiology.
Herbs have higher concentration of potent plant compound, it helps to work faster in balancing our internal system, help in fighting outside infection, and enhance our natural immunity.
Ayurveda describes the benefits of herbs in detail. There are various researches that also support the the claims.
Here are 5 common herbs with powerful anti-flu activities
1. Tulsi or Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
There are many types of tulsi, the most common is with small leaves and bitter taste. It directly work on reducing kapha, work on problem associated with throat, nose and lungs. It has been shown that basil improve immunity. (1)
Tulsi leaves extract gives relief in cold, fever, bronchitis and cough. Taking tulsi leaves empty stomach in morning helps in improving immunity. There is study shows direct like of tulsi extract with immunity modulation. (2)
2. Mulethi or Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
For centuries, people have utilized Mulethi, especially in Ayurveda, as a versatile herb. In addition to its medicinal applications, Mulethi serves as a popular natural flavor enhancer due to its inherent sweetness.
Licorice, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, proves highly effective in soothing sore throats. Its expectorant and bronchodilator properties make it beneficial for treating conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and even mitigating the effects of chronic asthma.
Glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin are just some of the active substances in licorice that have powerful antiviral properties. (3)
3. Lashuna or Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic, a versatile ingredient found in numerous recipes, holds a prominent place as a well-known natural remedy for various conditions, such as throat infections and flu. Additionally, smaller cloves of garlic are believed to possess greater potency.
According to Ayurveda, garlic has a warming effect on the body after digestion and helps to balance Vata and Kapha doshas while increasing Pitta. Imbalanced Kapha dosha is often associated with respiratory system disorders and diseases.
Garlic can be utilized in different forms, including as a paste, oil, or when combined with honey or ghee. Consuming one finely chopped clove of garlic mixed with honey in the morning may aid in boosting immunity against the flu virus.
During some studies it is identified that garlic have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that relieve the common cold, among other beneficial effects. (4)
4. Haldi or Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Haldi is used every day as spice in your pantry for cooking flavorful curries. Turmeric gets its color from curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, and it has powerful biological properties.
Ayurvedic medicine, recommends turmeric for a variety of health conditions. These include chronic pain and inflammation. it balances all the 3 doshas. It is very effective in allergies.
Turmeric may help with arthritis and even cancer. Researchers found that it reduces airway obstruction and could be a helpful complementary treatment for asthma. (5)
Turmeric is the root which is dried and can be taken in form of power. Fresh rood extract is also used as medicine. Curcumin showed the anti-influenza activity against influenza viruses (6)
5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ayurveda suggest that everyone should eat fresh ginger just before lunch and dinner to enhance digestion. Ginger improves digestion, acidity, hemorrhage, chronic skin diseases and respiratory system. Other than in these situations, ginger is an excellent spice that can be used daily.
Ginger has pungent taste and warm effect on body. It balances kapha, wet ginger with honey is good for sore throat. Dry ginger powder can be helpful during cold or flu if mixed with food increase kapha eg. Rice, milk etc.
Ginger also contains essential elements such as manganese, copper, selenium, and zinc. Ayurveda suggest, shulthi or dry Ginger powder has strong impact on the digestive system. It is important to take it in small quantity. The side-effect can be as extreme as gastritis or mild as burning sensation.
Fresh ginger has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines (7)
Summery
Discover the incredible anti-flu effects of common kitchen herbs that can provide a natural boost to your health. However, it’s important to use these herbs in the recommended quantities, as excessive or long-term use may have side effects. Diluting the herbs with food or other mediums such as herbal tea, honey, or purified butter can enhance their effectiveness.
Incorporating Fresh Extracts or Powders: Easily include these potent herbs in your daily routine by using fresh extracts or powdered forms. You can also combine them with complementary herbs in specific ratios for enhanced advantages. It’s important to note that their effects on the body may vary depending on the season. For instance, when making ginger tea from dried ginger, adding a pinch of cardamom can help mitigate its heating properties.
When considering the supplementation of herbal extracts or other herbal products, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer valuable guidance on safe usage and ensure that these supplements are suitable for your individual health requirements.
By harnessing the potential of these kitchen herbs and taking proper precautions, you can empower yourself with natural ways to combat the flu and support your overall well-being.
