Spices To Boost Immunity:
Citrus fruits like oranges, limes and lemon have a good amount of Vitamin C and antioxidants which helps boost immunity. Besides this, citrus fruits help the body to absorb the nutrients like iron and support the immune system to grow strong.
Immunity in Ayurveda is known as “Vyadhikshamatva” which means disease resistance. Based on the leads from the Ayurvedic system in recent years, there are several antiviral agents which have been isolated from plants. Some of these agents include a variety of polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and alkaloids.
These agents are found in some of the traditional Indian spices, which are immunity boosters, give energy and prepare the body to fight infection.
The list below shows you best 10 kitchen spices ranked from top to down to boost immunity levels and fight off viruses, infections and inflammation:

1. Turmeric (haldi) Spices To Boost Immunity:
This spice is called a life saving ingredient. The medicinal properties in turmeric boost the immune system in people with immune disorder. It also lowers the risk of cold, flu, fungal growth, suppresses tumor cell growth and other infections. Turmeric has been used for more than 4,500 years.
Moreover it remains a leading treatment for digestive issues and bodily discomfort in Ayurvedic medicine (an ancient Indian healing system still practiced today).
Haldi spiced milk, tea, giloy + haldi kadha, amla powder + haldi powder mixed with hot water etc are few remedies to boost the immune system.

2. Ginger:
Ginger helps in treating seasonal infections, improves digestion and metabolism. It is a great remedy to boost immunity levels. This immune boosting spice contains chemicals called sesquiterpenes that target cold viruses. It also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent nausea and other diseases.
Strengthens the immune system, regulating the blood sugar level and cholesterol level, fights cancer are some of the incredible medicinal properties of ginger.
Ginger tea, ginger turmeric tea and kadha, ginger shots (ginger juice + tulsi leaves juice), honey lemon ginger tea and ginger milk are some of the remedies to boost the immune system with this spice.

3. Black Pepper:
Black pepper is a traditional Indian spice rich in vitamin C that helps build immunity naturally. Moreover it is used as an immune enhancer for treating immune disorders. It also provides relief from sinusitis, nasal congestion, cold and cough.
Quercetin found in black pepper is known to improve the body’s immunity through its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Black pepper can be mixed with turmeric tea, soups, kadha’s (black pepper can be mixed with buttermilk, yoghurt, ginger juice, tulsi juice etc.) and meals to boost your health and immunity.

4. Garlic:
Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Eating garlic helps boost the number of virus-fighting T-cells in your bloodstream, and guards your body against cold and flu.
Moreover it also keeps the germs and bacteria away and the sulfur in garlic helps your body absorb the zinc element, which is an immunity booster. When eaten crushed or raw, garlic releases antifungal and antibacterial properties which prevents chest pain and cold.
Garlic can be added in chutneys, ginger tea or kadha and it can also be eaten raw for best results.

5. Cinnamon Spices To Boost Immunity:
Cinnamon is packed with healthy nutrients including Vitamins A, B6, C, E and K. When compared with other spices, it comes out on top for protecting your body from free radicals and other immunity disorders.
Used for thousands of years, cinnamon can kill bacteria, viruses and even drug-resistant fungi. Moreover it fights inflammation, helps ward off infections and heal damaged tissue.
Cinnamon tea, cinnamon milk, cinnamon powder, Cinnamon detox water etc are few remedies to boost the immune system with this spice.

6. Clove:
This spice is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. An Important component named “Eugenol” in cloves can help fight the free radicals and other disease-causing bacteria in the body.
Cloves aid in treating cold, oral and digestive diseases and boosts immune system function. It also helps in sickness relief.
Cinnamon clove tea, kadha, clove vegetable broth are some of the remedies to boost the immune system with this spice.

7. Asafoetida (Hing):
Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral are the properties of hing that help boost the immunity system. Other than immunity, hing is used as a remedy for a wide variety of diseases such as reducing bloating, flatulence, gas and irritable bowel syndrome which makes the immune system weak. It is also known to fight intestinal worms.
Hing is added to dishes containing pulses such as beans or lentils. It can also be added in soups and rasam.

8. Honey (Shahad):
Known as liquid spice, honey is an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent with antiviral properties. It helps relieve symptoms of cough and cold and is believed to boost the immunity level. It has a soothing effect on the throat and the respiratory passage.
Honey can be mixed with several other spices and ingredients to make tea, kadha, smoothies, juices, salads etc to fight sickness and make your body strong.

9. Jeera (Cumin seeds):
Jeera is an excellent source of iron and potassium, helps in building the immune system. Also helps kill harmful bacteria that’s trying to attack your immune system.
The oil extracted from cumin seeds kills bacteria that are resistant to other antiseptics. They also fight viral infections like cold, flu, Pink eye (conjunctivitis) etc.
Jeera can be consumed in the form of jeera water or kadha.

10. Cardamom (Elaichi):
Cardamom is always used in Ayurvedic medicine to help prevent respiratory infections, coughs, colds and asthma. The antioxidant compounds in cardamom help protect cells from damage and prevent inflammation in your body. Which leads to strong immune levels.
There are 2 varieties of cardamom, green and black. Green is used in tea, kadha and sweets, whereas black elaichi is used in india curries. Both the varieties have an effective natural remedy for boosting the immune system.
One should know green elaichi is coolant in nature whereas black one is of hot potency by nature. Hence they should be used according to the condition, season or persons’ basic prakriti.
Takeaway:
Spices are superb because unlike drugs, you don’t need to “take” them. Instead, you can add them to your favorite dishes like smoothies, soups, tea, meals etc for a kick of flavor and increased immunity. It keeps your body healthy and immune to viruses and bacterias.
These immunity-boosting spices may help bolster a healthy immune system and prepare your body for a higher immune response while fighting off infections. If you haven’t already tried these spices, maybe it’s time to spice up your life.
Disclaimer:
You should first consult your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian if you face any abnormalities to your health.
7 Responses
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