Mr. Chintan Gandhi, guides us to boost immunity.
Are you ready for the pandemic of 2025? I know this sounds absurd, especially while we are still stuck amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of cases, especially in India, are increasing daily. But, if you study the recent frequency of appearance of novel zoonotic viruses, it is increasingly evident that such contagions, epidemics and / or pandemics are here to stay. In fact, a “perfect storm” could be brewing with new diseases from wildlife waiting to jump over due to increasing human encroachment and destruction of wild habitats. While we try to relate to this uneasy truth, we should also understand the skyrocketing significance of human immune function. Hence, creating an urgent need for us to reimagine this first line of defense for our health, shifting from the prevalent treatments and healthcare systems to our individual immunity.
With this focus on immunity, globally medicines from nature are once again being reconsidered as an alternative modern allopathic medicine. Although while gaining popularity, only few medicinal herbs have been scientifically evaluated for their potency in medical treatment. Phytomedicine, which is plant-based traditional medicinal practice that uses plant materials in preventive and therapeutic processes, is believed to treat the very root cause of disease and increase immunity.
Traditional Indian systems of health, like Ayurveda provide an ideal healthcare solution to people across age groups, as they can even be used for long term treatment of ailments without significant side effects. It also gives us the science of Rasayana to augment our health and wellness. Products infused with the goodness of Giloy and rejuvenating Rasayana herbs, significantly help the gut microbiome thereby improving immunity and overall physiological functioning of the body. The need of the hour for concerned Governing authorities, is to provide medically validated recommendations and ‘instructions’ to the citizens on how to augment immunity through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. It is in this scenario where, phyto-medicines or modern Ayurveda can play a significant role.
The latest research has focused on the gut microbiome as a source of immunity and good health. Plant based prebiotics are hugely preferred as they contain Arabinogalactan, a polysaccharide from the stem of the Giloy / Guduchi plant (Tinospora cordifolia) that acts as food for good bacteria in the gut, thereby promoting a healthy microbiome in the gut. Some of the other widely accepted herbs and ingredients for building immunity include Amla and Ashwagandha. There are others that assist in the healing process, enhance wellbeing, reduce stress levels and remove dangerous cancerous cells among other benefits.
1.Giloy / Guduchi:
2.Amla:
3.Ashwagandha:
4.Turmeric:
5.Holy Basil:
6.Ginger-Garlic:
In Ayurveda, the immunity boosters are unending. Combine this with a Daily practice of yoga, pranayama, and meditation, and you will not only have a fighter duo, but the correct weapons to empower yourself with in the new era.