The monsoon season, with its refreshing rains and pleasant temperatures, brings a welcoming break from the heat of the summer, but it also brings with it an increase in infections, colds, flu, digestive issues, skin problems, and respiratory ailments. As per Ayurveda, the monsoon is called Ritucharya, which is a seasonal regimen, when the body’s Agni (digestive fire) becomes weak and the immune system becomes vulnerable. But fortunately, nature offers some effective top 10 Ayurvedic herbs immunity boosters that can help with these issues and restore one’s balance during the monsoon season. In this article, we’ll be getting acquainted with 10 time-tested ayurvedic herbs for immunity in the monsoon season that will strengthen your immune system and help you stay healthy throughout the rainy season.
Here are the list of Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs for Immunity in Monsoon Season
Tulsi
Tulsi, also known as the Holy Basil, is a garden herb in Ayurveda. It is used in most of the Kerala Ayurveda Remedies and concoctions for its immune boosting, antiviral, antibacterial, and adaptogenic properties. It helps in relieving congestion, supporting respiratory health, and helping fight infections that arise due to sudden temperature changes seen in the monsoon. Drinking a cup of Tulsi tea every day or chewing three to four leaves every day can enhance your respiratory strength and protect you against viral fevers.
Guduchi
Guduchi, also known as Giloy, has been called Amrita – The Nectar of Immortality in Ayurveda. It is one of the most effective immunity boosting herbs that help in eliminating toxins, enhancing digestion, and balancing the three doshas (imbalances) – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, especially during the monsoon season. Consuming 15 to 30 ml of Giloy juice on an empty stomach can treat respiratory issues and enhance the overall resistance to infections.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is appreciated as a natural strength builder in Ayurveda. It acts as an adaptogen and helps the body in coping with stress fatigue as well as lowered immunity, which often increases in monsoon. Ashwagandha improves stamina, supports the nervous system, and resolves hormonal imbalances. Consuming a tablespoon of Ashwagandha powder with warm milk before sleeping reduces stress and promotes rejuvenation and revitalization.
Amla
Amla – the Indian Gooseberry is a powerhouse of natural vitamin C and antioxidants. It supports Ojas (vitality), cleans the blood, enhances digestion, and improves resistance to diseases. Consuming raw Amla or even Amla juice helps you prevent colds and coughs and strengthen your immunity from within.
Neem
Neem is a bitter shield. With its powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, Neem makes an ideal herb in the monsoon season. It helps with skin and gut infections, detoxifies the system, and purifies the blood. Taking Neem capsules or concoctions can help one in preventing skin eruptions, allergies, as well as imbalances in the gut.
Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as Haldi, is considered the golden healer in Ayurveda. It is appreciated for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Turmeric contains Curcumin, which is the active compound that helps enhance the immune system and protects one against seasonal infections. Consuming half a tablespoon of turmeric in warm milk (Golden milk) or in herbal teas. Turmeric becomes effective when it is paired with black pepper, as black pepper contains Piperine, which enhances the absorption of Curcumin in the body. Pairing turmeric with black pepper helps you fight respiratory issues and enhance your immune responses.
Mulethi
Mulethi or Licorice is known for soothing respiratory disorders like sore throats and respiratory infections, which are common in the monsoon. It also helps in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Mulethi has a sweetish taste, and consuming Mulethi can strengthen the lungs and also prevent bronchial infections.
Pippali
Pippali – Long Pepper is an Ayurvedic Immunomodulator. It helps in stimulating the metabolism, clearing toxins, and strengthening the respiratory function. It is especially useful when it is combined with herbs like Turmeric and Tulsi. Pippali helps reduce the mucus build up and improve nutrient absorption for enhanced immunity.
Shankhpushpi
Shankpushpi is a mental immunity herb that is popular for its cognitive benefits. It is a nervine tonic that is consumed for improving emotional strength and enhancing sleep. These are factors that directly impact one’s immunity. Consuming Shankpushpi as syrup or in ayurvedic formulations like Saraswatarishta helps balance mood, reduce anxiety, and strengthen harmony between the mind and body.
Haritaki
Haritaki is one of the core ingredients of the famous Triphala trio. Haritaki is known as a disease remover as it balances Vata dosha and supports digestion, which are important when the monsoon affects gut health. It also acts as a mild laxative, helping in naturally detoxing the body. Consuming Haritaki powder with warm water at bedtime helps one remove undigested ama (toxin) and strengthen immunity from the gut.
Why do they work best in the monsoon season?
In Ayurveda, it is considered that during monsoon, the doshas are disturbed, and these imbalances make the body prone to diseases and discomfort. These herbs support Agni (digestive fire), boost Ojas (immunity), and reduce Ama (toxins).
Tips to maximize the benefits of ayurvedic herbs in monsoon
- Including a monsoon friendly diet like soups, khichdi, and herbal teas.
- Avoiding excess cold and raw foods. It can weaken digestion and harm the effects of herbs.
- Practice Dincharya (daily schedule). Including light yoga, ayurvedic diet, pranayama, and Abhyangam can help you maximize the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs in the monsoon.
Here’s a simple recipe for a herbal tea
Boiling Tulsi, Guduchi, and Turmeric along with black pepper and topping it off with lemon drops and honey can be effective for immunity and digestion. This herbal tea is not only good for building your immunity, but is also savory and a good replacement for caffeine in the evenings.
Conclusion
I’d rather brings with it a time tested wisdom that teaches us that immunity is not just about preventing diseases but maintaining a state of balance and internal harmony especially during seasonal shifts like the monsoons by including these 10 herbs in your diet and daily routine you can not only enhance your body’s natural defense mechanism but also align with nature’s rhythm. Ayurveda Treatments in Kerala, like the ones offered by Lokah Ayurveda, not only address the symptoms but also restore balance. Also, their herbal formulations and Ayurvedic recipes are personalized by Ayurvedic experts like Dr Anu Soman to offer you a holistic journey of healing.
