With cold and flu season upon us, it’s the perfect time to focus on our immunity and how to avoid falling victim to the misery these viruses can bring.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, healthy strong digestion is the key to overall balanced health and strong immunity. Agni is the digestive fire within us that keeps digestion functioning properly. Keeping your agni burning strong is essential for immunity and maintaining overall health. Ginger and turmeric, two commonly found Ayurvedic herbs, help do just that.
Ginger
Ginger, which stimulates digestion and the immune system, is revered for its capacity to thin and clear excess mucus, cleanse the channels of the body such as the blood and lymph channels, encourage healthy circulation and sweating, and remove congestion from the lungs. All functions of our immune system that are key in fighting illness. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory, a good source of antioxidants and effective in reducing nausea. Furthermore, gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, has been shown to be effective in fighting bacteria and can help lower the risk of infections.
Turmeric
Turmeric, well known for the anti-inflammatory effects of its key component, curcumin, is also a great source of antioxidants. In Ayurvedic medicine turmeric is used for so much more; it is believed to act as an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-parasitic, has long been used to help with diabetes, pain, rheumatism, osteoarthritis and skin conditions like eczema. There is also strong evidence supporting curcumin’s natural, non-toxic ability to kill viruses.
Curcumin supercharges the immune system and heals wounds by clearing chronic inflammation and enhancing the body’s absorption of good, quality nutrients. To get the full benefits of turmeric, be sure to use the whole root (fresh or powdered), not just curcumin extracts. Turmeric also pacifies all Doshas so it is a great addition to any diet.
Adding Ginger and Turmeric to Your Diet
It is easy to integrate ginger and turmeric into your daily diet. Using the fresh root of ginger and turmeric is ideal, however, the dried powder is effective as well. Add turmeric and ginger to soups, stews, vegetable, stir-fries and desserts to name a few.
Ginger turmeric tea is delicious, warming, agni-kindling, and clarifying. Simply boil some fresh (grated or sliced) or powdered ginger and turmeric, in a cup or more of water (adjust the potency to taste). Or boil water in a kettle and pour it over ginger and turmeric and allow it to steep for several minutes. A sweetener, such as raw honey, can be added to the warm (not boiling – honey should never be boiled or cooked) tea. Another delicious option, is Turmeric Mylk (often referred to as Golden Mylk). Turmeric Mylk is a calming and satisfying and makes an ideal drink before bed. Get the recipe here.
Pick up some ginger and turmeric on your next shopping trip if you don’t already have some and keep your digestion, agni and immunity strong!
One thought on “Ginger, Turmeric and Your Immunity”