The urge to get outside and enjoy the warm weather signals the start of the revitalizing spring season. While all that fresh spring air and sunshine is a welcome change that lifts everyone’s spirits, the season does come with some challenges for immune health, which is why we focus on cleansing, detox, and immunity support in Ayurveda at this time. Along with increased pollen in the air that can trigger seasonal allergies, asthma often flares at this time of year from temperature changes and spring cleaning. This is also a peak time for viruses and the common cold. During the winter, we spend a lot of time indoors leaving our immune systems less robust than at other times of the of year. All of these factors can put stress on immune function and bodily systems.
Spring Immune Defense: Ayurveda and Herbal Support For a Healthy Immune System
In the spring, our bodies are ready to detox and cleanse toxins from the body which can help support the immune system. A strong immune system is key to supporting seasonal discomfort. Ayurvedic rituals, Yoga, and a variety of herbal support for a healthy immune system are a few of our favorite ways to provide a broad spectrum defense against common springtime ailments.
In Ayurveda, herbal support for a healthy immune system contributes to the overall balance of the mind and body for optimal well-being. Ayurvedic herbs and formulations can help balance the Doshas, support the nervous and digestive systems, and help you bounce back after illness.
A traditional Ayurvedic approach to supporting immunity is to nourish Ojas. In Sanskrit, the word "Ojas" means vigor or vitality. Ojas is the vital life force that supports the systems of the body, helping to ensure it’s prepared to protect itself.
Lowering Stress for Immune Health
The Impact of Stress on Immune Health
Stress is often thought of as a mental or emotional experience. However, the physical and biological effects of stress are undeniable. Stress raises cortisol levels, increases heart rate and blood pressure, and can cause muscle tension in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Cortisol alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system, and growth processes." Increased heart rate and blood pressure over prolonged periods can cause damage to the cardiovascular system, triggering an innate immune system response.
Mental, emotional, and physical balance is an essential immune health basic.
Ways to Stress Less: Yoga for Immune Health and Rejuvenation
For centuries, Yoga has been used as an immune health basic and go-to for Ayurvedic practitioners. Studies have proven that yoga can reduce cortisol levels, lowering blood pressure, and heart rate, and reduce tension. A 2018 study done on the effect of yoga in women found that "Yoga has an effective role in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression." In fifteen randomized controlled trials, pro-inflammatory markers were measured to see if the immune system response was affected by a yoga practice. The overall pattern was a reduction in pro-inflammatory markers, in particular, a cytokine called IL-1beta.
When the body is under stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, redirecting energy away from vital organs and body systems to ensure survival. Pranayama or breathwork has many stress-soothing benefits. Certain types of Pranayama can help shift the body out of the "fight-or-flight" response activated by the sympathetic nervous system to a calming parasympathetic state. The impact of this is widespread, and can even support mental focus, digestion and prevent disease.
Yogic practices to support immunity include:
- Yoga Asanas like Sun Salutation, Cobra, Triangle, and Tree pose
- Pranayama breathwork practices like Kapalabathi or Breath of Fire, Alternative Nostril Breathing, Bhastrika
- Mindfulness meditations
- Practices of gratitude and compassion
Digestive Health for Immune System Support
The bacteria in the gut outnumber the cells in our body ten times over. These bacteria play a crucial role in breaking down food to ensure our body receives optimal nutrition. Stress, illness, and lifestyle factors all impact our gut bacteria, and therefore our overall well-being. The best way to nourish the gut for healthy immune function is through a healthy diet, lifestyle, and gut-friendly herbal support! Sugar feeds "bad" gut bacteria, so reducing your sugar intake can help good bacteria flourish. A balanced, seasonal, and nutrient-dense diet that’s supportive of your Dosha is key to supporting your digestive and immune system. Adding more fruits and veggies to your diet is a great way to add nutrients and soluble fibers that support digestion.
Herbal supplements, like Triphala, can help detoxify the gut, while blends like Active Digest deliver super gut herbs for proper nutrient absorption.
Herbal Rejuvenation for a Healthy Immune System
To replenish vitality, the traditional Ayurvedic formulation Amalaki Rasanayam is often recommended. We offer this Ojas-boosting blend as Immune Support blend with its star ingredient: Amla fruit. Known as Amalaki in herbal form, it is one of the highest-known sources of vitamin C and supports immunity, digestion, and healthy aging. Combined with herbs, jaggery, and honey, it's a flavorful jam consistency you can take daily.
If you prefer a capsule form, Shilajit is a synergistic immune system supplement harvested from the Himalayan mountains. Considered to be one of Ayurveda’s secretly best vitamins for immune health, this pure mineral-packed resin slowly forms at high altitudes between layers of rock.
Shilajit is packed with macro minerals and trace minerals that support healthy immune responses and red blood cell production, and it helps protect neurons from the effects of stress. It is often referred to as a "carrier" due to its unique ability to help transport toxins out of the body and deliver essential nutrients in.
Moringa is called the "miracle tree" for good reason. It contains more protein than eggs, more iron than spinach, more vitamin A than carrots, and more calcium than milk. It possesses 46 antioxidants that help support the body against oxidative stress.
In addition to its incredible nutritional profile, Moringa also has neuroprotective properties that support the adrenal glands for healthy cortisol levels, giving the body the extra support to defend itself from environmental stressors that can compromise the immune system.
Andrographis is another super herb utilized for immune health. It's known in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its seasonal benefits, due to its ability to assist systematic detox, which in turn helps immune function. Modern research shows that Andrographis supports immune balance by modulating levels of immune cells in the blood.
Historically, it’s believed to enter the channels of the lungs and digestive organs, clearing dampness and heat to restore energetic balance. Research has linked Andrographis to respiratory health among the many other bodily systems and functions it supports.
