Strengthening the immune system with Ayurveda

Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying the start to a beautiful Autumn. Some of you like myself love the change of the seasons and I especially enjoy seeing the change of the colours as we move from summer to autumn. The reds and oranges are vibrate and bright and I just love the crisp fresh air after a humid summer. Unfortunately with this seasonal change our immune systems are working harder to fight what the cold harsher weather has to bring with it. Because of the accumulation of toxins, a gentle seasonal detox if very beneficial what whatever your body constitution.

There are various ways to detoxify the body and fasting is one of the most effective ways to do so as it helps the digestive system to rest which in turn allows the mind to be at ease. I myself have been following an ayurvedic life style now for 11 years since my travels to Asia and I do cleanse my body between the junctions of winter and spring, summer and autumn. I favour 15 day cleanse which I also help guide my clients through too. It isn’t just about taking herbs but creating a daily routine that includes eating a simple fresh diet favouring foods to your body's constitution, using yoga in the form of asanas, pranayama, meditations and self-massage to promote rest yet being able to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

For our Autumn cleanse we will be using the following herbs:

Neem has a bitter taste with a cooling effect on the body. It is light and dry so can increase vata in the body but decreases pitta and kapha. It has healing properties and is most effective in inflammatory skin conditions. It is used in intestinal inflammation and is specific for hyperacidity, ulcers, colitis and Crohn's disease. It clears mucous, kapha and pitta accumulation from the respiratory passages. It is useful in a high fever from pitta and accumulation of toxins. It is contra-indicated when there is excess vata, wasting, constipation, insomnia, breast feeding and pregnancy.

Pippali (long black pepper) a small shrub which offers immune-stimulating properties. It helps rejuvenate the digestive system and respiratory system as well as nourishes the reproductive system. It has the capability to clear kapha congestion and toxins. It is pungent in taste and mildly heating. It's qualities are oily yet light and penetrating. It reduces vata and kapha qualities but can increase pitta within the body. A great herb for the lungs as it is used for cold, wet and mucousy conditions . It is also used to treat mild fevers by removing toxins, also known as Ama form the Rasa Dhatu (fluids within the body's tissue). It stimulates the digestive fire called agni and clears weak digestion. This herb is contra-indicated when there is excess Pitta in the body, inflammations of the intestines, high blood pressure and recurring headaches or migraines.

Tulsi in the form of a herbal tea which helps strengthen the body’s defences and fight those early cold symptoms. Also known as Holy Basil, it is high in Sattva with the quality of lightness and spiritual clarity. Tulsi is a brilliant herb for clearing fevers, colds and coughs. It's taste is pungent and it is heating. It's qualities are dry and light. It cleanses the plasma, blood, nerve and reproductive tissues. It helps clear kapha and mucous from the lungs and helps treat fevers and flu by encouraging sweating to bring the body temperature down. Tulsi specifically increases prana and the vital life force within us. It clears dampness and toxins that can cause chest infections. This herb is contra-indicated in pregnancy and excess pitta within the body.

Triphala which is a blend of three nourishing fruits, haritaki, bibhitaki and amla. This formula is high in antioxidants for helps with healing yet has an excellent cleansing effect on the digestive tract. The tastes of this combination are sweet, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent. It is not too hot or to cold. It reduces all the doshas and helps remove toxins. It has a mild laxative effect so can help clear constipation and regulate bowel movement. It is very good for IBS, Crohn's, ulcers and acidity. It is also very good for bleeding gums and sensitive teeth when used as a mouth wash. When there is continuous coughing with a clear or white phlegm, triphala is used to clear the congestion and strengthen the lungs. Contra-indications is pregnancy.

All our herbs are from Ayurveda Pura who I studied with and in our Immunity Kit are their Ginger & Lemon Zest Tea, Chywanprash Jam and Re-Energising Massage Oil as well as the above herbs. Our kit also includes a Daily Routine to follow with yoga exercises and other self care advice such as meditations, breathing exercises and self massage.