Indian Spices and Herbal Tea to Boost Immunity in Winter Season

Building Stronger Immune System With Herbs and Spices, Naturally

Have you ever thought, that why do some people fall ill easily and frequently, while others don’t?
The simple reason can be, that those who have a stronger immune system, are less likely to fall ill, in the same adverse and unhealthy circumstances.

What is Immunity?

The human immune system, protects our body against diseases. If our body has strong immune system, it can identify and attack, potentially harmful and disease causing bacteria, viruses, parasites and other microorganisms.

We ourselves, are responsible for a strong or weak immune system. We can either spoil our body, by a faulty lifestyle and unhealthy food. Or, follow a healthy lifestyle, with healthy and nutritious food, so that we don’t fall sick easily and frequently.

When we talk about this, please understand that we are talking about the whole human immune system.

It consists of —

• Good nutritious food,
• Healthy lifestyle,
• Proper rest and sleep,
• Physical activity, (read Yoga, exercises),
• Mental peace, (read meditation, managing stress and anxiety),
• Positive mindset,
• Physical Hygiene.

Immunity building is a continuous process. It can’t be done in a few days. Therefore, these activities should become part of our life.

Did you have your daily dose of Herbal Tea?

12 Everyday Spices, For Stronger Immunity

Since ancient times, India has used the spices, in abundance for the various medicinal properties. India has the privilege of growing a variety of these herbs and spices, which are used in everyday cooking, and used extensively in Ayurvedic medicines.
Many of these useful spices are easily available in every household. As such, they can be easily consumed, for immunity building purposes.

Here I am going to share the most common of these healthy spices. In the brackets, I have mentioned their Hindi names.

1. Turmeric (haldi),
2. Ginger (adrak),
3. Cloves (lawang),
4. Cinnamon (daalchini),
5. Black Pepper (Kali mirch),
6. Fenugreek seeds (methi daana),
7. Cumin seeds (jeera),
8. Aniseeds (saunf),
9. Carom seeds (ajwain),
10. Coriander (dhania powder),
11. Green and Black Cardamoms (choti and badi ilaichi),
    
12. Garlic (lahsun).

All these spices are the gifts of Nature, for maintaining our good health. For an average healthy person, they can be safely consumed, with no side effects.

These golden spices help to support —

• Our whole immune system;
• Help to fight illness, cough and cold;
• Uplift the mood;
• Reduce Stress;
• Improve digestion and metabolism;
• Build stamina;
• Abundant in Antioxidants.

5 Easy to make Herbal Tea for Stronger Immunity

Tea is the most popular beverage in India. But here I will be discussing the immense benefits of the various herbal teas, to improve our immune system.

1. Basil or the Tulsi tea

The holy Basil plant is considered auspicious, and therefore commonly found in the Indian homes. The common variety of the tulsi, has either green or dark green leaves, and they are edible.
The Basil has immense health benefits, whether mild fever, cold, cough, sore throat, fatigue, to name a few.
The Basil tea can be prepared by boiling the green leaves in water, on low flame, for some time, till the water is reduced to half. Sieve and it’s ready to be consumed. You can add black pepper and grated ginger, while boiling the leaves, for more flavour and added benefits.

2. Mint or Pudina tea

The mint is a popular herb, and like Tulsi, can be grown easily at home.
As we boil the Basil leaves, to prepare the tea, in the same way, we can make mint tea.

3. Cinnamon tea

Soak the cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon in a bowl of water, for half an hour. Give it a boil, and then pass through the sieve. You can add few drops of honey, to enjoy the cinnamon tea.

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4. Ginger, Cloves and honey tea

Grate some ginger, and boil in water for 5 to 10 minutes, along with 2 to 3 pieces of cloves. Pass through a sieve, and add honey. Enjoy the healthy, herbal tea.

5. Lemon, black pepper herbal tea

Add lemon juice, crushed black pepper and honey in boiled water. Let this rest for few minutes.

Note:

Honey should not be boiled or heated.
The herbal tea should be prepared fresh, each time you want to have it.
You can change the above combination of ingredients, according to your taste, or availability.

How to make Tulsi or Basil tea, source: YouTube

Some More Tips To Improve The Immune System

• Turmeric milk or the golden milk is a wonderful way to boost immunity. Mix half teaspoon of turmeric powder, in hot cup of milk. Turmeric is well known for it’s antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties.
• Drinking warm water prevents and protects us, from many minor infections.
  
• Ashwagandha is a wonderful herb, and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicines. This is considered to be beneficial in boosting the immune system. This is easily found in India.
• Chyawanprash is a widely used Ayurvedic mixture in India, for stronger immune system. It‘s primary ingredient is gooseberries or amla, along with many other precious herbs.
• Eating fresh fruits, green vegetables, following a healthy diet and lifestyle, is important to build our immunity.
• Regular physical exercise, walks, practicing Yoga, go a long way to build up the immune system.
• In any case, the purpose of writing this article is to help prevent us, from catching infections, or falling ill easily. It’s in no way, a cure or a remedy, if a person gets ill, has fever, or infection.
• In such circumstances, it’s best to follow the advice of a qualified medical professional.

Related Articles by the author

7 Essential edible herbs to grow in pots, in small spaces https://discover.hubpages.com/living/7-Essential-Edible-Herbs-To-Grow-In-Pots-In-Small-Spaces

5 Bitter foods you better eat for good health and immunity https://discover.hubpages.com/health/5-Bitter-Foods-You-Better-Eat-For-Good-Health

Ashwagandha, a wonderful Ayurvedic herb, source: YouTube

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 Chitrangada Sharan

Comments

Ambreen Behzad from Karachi,Pakistan on November 10, 2020:

You welcome

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on November 10, 2020:

Thank you Ambreen, for sharing your thoughts. Sorry to respond late, as your comments were not visible in my notifications. Have a good day.

Ambreen Behzad from Karachi,Pakistan on November 02, 2020:

You're welcome, I feel pleased to know about the benefits of Asian spices and include them in daily routine food.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on November 02, 2020:

Thank you Ambreen, for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.

Ambreen Behzad from Karachi,Pakistan on October 31, 2020:

A very informative article on the benefits of spices to boost our immunity.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on August 21, 2020:

Thank you Sowrabha, for appreciating the article. I am glad that you liked it and found it useful.

In the present scenario, and even otherwise, these spices are wonderful immunity boosters. And thankfully, for us Indians, they are part of our regular food.

Appreciate your kind comments and support. Thank you so much.

sowspeaks from Bengaluru on August 20, 2020:

Hi Chitrangadaji, what a nice article on spices.

Dalchini, laung and ajwain are my personal favourite. Ever since the advent of COVID , we are thriving on herbal teas. I have added two from your list to my repertoire.

Lovely photos. Thanks for the wonderful share.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on June 26, 2020:

Thank you Sp Greaney, for reading and appreciating the article.

Glad that you found it useful. Take care.

S.P. Greaney from Ireland on June 25, 2020:

It's nice to learn that eating certain spices benefit the immune system. I need to start using some of these more often.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on June 25, 2020:

Thank you Mary, for reading the article and sharing your thoughts. I am glad that you found this useful. Yes, these are beneficial in building the immunity, and thus helpful in the present scenario all around the World.

Thank you so much.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on June 25, 2020:

These daily spices are so much more critical now that we are experiencing the deadly effects of COVID. I am not familiar with some of these so time to know them better.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on June 12, 2020:

Thank you Rajan ji, for reading and appreciating the article.

Yes, it’s relevant even more, during these troubled times.

Thank you.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 11, 2020:

Very useful information on building immunity and consuming these spices daily is a great way to do it. This will be especially useful in today's disease scenario. Thanks for sharing.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on June 04, 2020:

You are welcome, OLUSEGUN.

OLUSEGUN from NIGERIA on June 03, 2020:

Okay. I understand. Thanks.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on June 03, 2020:

Thank you OLUSEGUN, for reading and commenting.

Yes, honey can be added to warm or hot tea. It will still be effective. What I meant was, that it should not be boiled. Boiling the honey can destroy it’s nutrients.

Hope that helps. Thank you.

OLUSEGUN from NIGERIA on June 03, 2020:

Good work. Can honey be put in hot tea? I asked because you said it should neither be heated not burn, but when added into hot tea or substance the temperature would change, it will increase, if it does is it still effective?

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on June 01, 2020:

Thank you so much Lora, for sharing your opinion about these wonderful herbs and spices. So good to know that you grow some of these, and also consume them.

If you are dairy sensitive, you can take grounded turmeric in water as well. The benefits remain, as effective.

Thank you for reading and commenting on this article. Much appreciated.

Lora Hollings on May 31, 2020:

I love to use Indian spices in my cooking. They not only make food aromatic and delicious but they are also so beneficial to our health. I love tea and try to have an herbal tea every day. I also grow basil and use it not only in salads but use it for cooking as well. I will have to try your wonderful recipe for basil tea and lemon with black pepper and honey. A great suggestion to incorporate turmeric as well. Only I will put it in almond milk or soy milk as I don't drink dairy. This is a wonderful article to read and follow with easy and natural ways in improving our immunity and resistance. Thanks for sharing!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 22, 2020:

Thank you Ericdierker.

Appreciate you for reading and commenting.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on May 22, 2020:

Thank you for this. I like all of this.

Great writing

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 22, 2020:

Thank you Nithya, for reading and commenting on this article. Good to know that you believe in the health benefits of these wonderful herbs and spices.

Appreciate you for your encouraging words and support.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on May 21, 2020:

Building immunity is the first step to be healthy. I use most of the spices that you have mentioned in my cooking. I enjoy drinking herbal teas especially ginger and lemon tea. Thank you for sharing these spices and herbs that help to build immunity.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 21, 2020:

Thank You FlourishAnyway, for reading and commenting.

Yes, you can consume these spices and herbs in tea. Tea bags are a convenient way to include these in your everyday diet. Most of these are included in our daily food items, in India.

Appreciate you for commenting on this article.

Elaina Baker from USA on May 20, 2020:

Some of these I had heard about their benefits but didn’t know how exactly to work them into my diet. Tea is a good solution. Thanks for the advice.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you MsDora, for reading the article and appreciating it.

I am glad that you found it useful.

Carrom seeds have anti fungal and anti inflammatory properties and they are good for digestion, besides many other health benefits.

Thank you so much for your support of my work.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you Marlene, for your positive and encouraging comments.

So nice that you are growing many of these useful herbs.

Mint can be consumed in many ways, and it tastes good whether hot or cold. There are mint, Basil, cinnamon and other tea bags available in the market, as well.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you so much Pamela, for your kind words of appreciation.

I am glad that you found this article useful.

We have been using these wonderful herbs and spices, as advised by our elders. The Ayurvedic science also advocates these wonderful and other precious herbs and spices.

Fenugreek leaves and seeds are good to regulate diabetes and women related health issues.

Thank you for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on May 20, 2020:

Thanks for the explanations on how these teas and spices improve our immunity. The carom seed is new to me. Very helpful article!

Marlene Bertrand from USA on May 20, 2020:

These are all wonderful ideas and most of the ingredients/plants I have here at my home, so that was nice to see. I learned here that I can boil the green leaves to make the tea and would like to try this with the mint that I have growing in my front yard.

Thank you for such excellent advice.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on May 20, 2020:

It is so good to know all the benefits of whese spices. I was familiar with most of them. I did not know all of the benefits of them, so I appreciate the list of benefits, Chitrangada. Fenugreek seeds was the one in the list that was new to me. I will try to incorporate more of these spices in my diet and I appreciate this very good article.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you Mark Tulin, for your visit and kind comments. Much appreciated.

I am glad that you found it useful.

Thank you and take care.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you Devika, for appreciating the article.

You are right, consuming these wonderful herbs and spices, should be a way of life. Thanks for reading and commenting. Appreciate your support for my work.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you M G Singh ji, for your positive comments. You are right, sometimes we have to make a conscious effort to take these herbs and spices.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you Treathyl, for your kind visit and words of appreciation.

I agree with you completely, that these wonderful gifts of Mother Nature, should be consumed by everyone, for their tremendous health benefits. We Indians are in the habit of using these, almost regularly.

Thank you so much for sharing this on FB. Much appreciated.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you fizan malik, for reading the article and commenting.

Please go through the HubPages learning centre, thoroughly. Read other writer’s work. You will be able to understand, how to write articles. Focus on your areas of interest, for writing good content. Wish you all the best.

Thank you.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 20, 2020:

Thank you Lorna, for reading the article and sharing your positive feedback.

It’s good to know that you are using these wonderful gifts of nature, for health benefits.

It’s important to keep on boosting our immune system.

Thank you so much. Take care.

Mark Tulin from Long Beach, California on May 20, 2020:

Love this refresher course on the immune system. I’m a big tea advocate.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 20, 2020:

This is a healthy way of life and you have compiled a useful list of spices for a healthy immune system. It is a way of life and these spices are so useful. I have some of it. You wrote a fascinating hub and a well-researched one. Your photos are incredible! Hope all is well on your side.

MG Singh emge from Singapore on May 19, 2020:

Nice article Chitra, it's good you highlighted all these points which though well-known are ignored by many.

Treathyl FOX from Austin, Texas on May 19, 2020:

I had a Chinese friend who was religious about drinking her tea every day. Everything you say in this HUB, she believed and practiced. I can't speak for all the rest of the spices but turmeric, ginger, and garlic were sent from heaven! The health benefits are amazing! If they are not already available, then these 3 spices should be made available all over the world. If people can't find them in the stores they should learn how to grow them.

fizan malik intrested in writing and reading from pakista on May 19, 2020:

very nice article and informative can you guide me how to write auricle on hubpage

asifjeei983@gmail.com

plz mail me its my pleasures

Lorna Lamon on May 19, 2020:

Thank you for sharing this wonderful and informative article Chitrangada. I use a lot of herbs and spices in cooking and I love mint tea. At the moment many of us are feeling quite stressed - now more than ever it's important to keep our immune systems healthy. An enjoyable read.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 19, 2020:

Thank you John, for reading and commenting on this article.

So good to know that you are growing some of these wonderful herbs and spices, and also consuming them regularly. I understand that you live at a place, with greenery all around, which is so important for good health.

Thank you so much for your kind comments. Much appreciated.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 19, 2020:

Thank you so much Rosina, for reading the article and sharing your thoughts.

Good to know, that you are using these wonderful herbs and spices.

Appreciate your kind visit and comments. Thank you.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 19, 2020:

Thank you Alicia, for your kind words of appreciation.

I am glad that you like adding these wonderful herbs and spices in your daily diet. Carrom seeds have good aroma, and are very good for digestion.

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 19, 2020:

Thank you Prantika, for your positive comments and appreciation of the article.

I can understand, that you can relate to this. Yes, it’s not only in these times, but we Indians, have been hearing about this from our elders, since childhood days, and also using these wonderful herbs and spices. When my kids were younger, I always preferred these natural remedies, and not the allopathic medicines, which may have side effects.

Thank you for your encouraging comments.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 19, 2020:

Thank you BRENDA, for reading and sharing your thoughts on this article.

The health benefits of these herbs and spices is widely acknowledged by people Worldwide.

Even if you don’t like the taste, you may consume them in cooking some recipes. Then, there are tablets and capsules also available in the Ayurvedic shops, and also in some general stores. Herbal tea bags are easy to use, if you don’t grow them.

Thank you for your kind comments.

John Hansen from Australia (Gondwana Land) on May 18, 2020:

Thank you for sharing the benefits of these wonderful herbs, Chitrangada. We have basil, turmeric, and mint growing, but we regularly use ginger and cinnamon and pepper as well. Have a great week.

Rosina S Khan on May 18, 2020:

Chitrangada, most of the herbs, spices and herbal tea are familiar to me. We use the herbs and spices regularly in our meals. Thanks for sharing such an informative article, which would benefit the others a lot.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on May 18, 2020:

I often consume the first five spices in your list. Thank you for reminding me about the others. I've tried them all, except for the carom seeds. I'll see if I can find these where I live. I enjoy adding spices and herbs to my food and drinks.

Prantika Samanta from Kolkata, India on May 18, 2020:

Building a strong immunity is important to combat COVID-19 or any other diseases. Thank you for providing a list of spices and the herbal tea that will help us improve our immunity.

We use all the spices you have mentioned in our cooking. I need to drink herbal tea often. I like the other tips as wel.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on May 18, 2020:

There are a few here in my little town from India...they run little mom and pop stores..some with gas stations.

Mostly all of them tell me about the spices. Especially right now...telling me how turmeric plays a great role.

Personally I don't like turmeric, but they swear by it's benefits.

Good writing.

Thanks for sharing.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 18, 2020:

Thank you Heidi, for your positive comments.

Yes, turmeric is a must have, because of it’s immense health benefits. It’s a regular in the Indian households.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 18, 2020:

Thank you Peggy, for sharing your thoughts on this article.

Basil tea is beneficial in many ways. Hope you try it.

Good to know that you are growing so many wonderful and healthy herbs at your place.

Thank you for reading and commenting. Stay healthy and safe.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on May 18, 2020:

Thank you Liz Westwood, for your positive feedback.

Yes, it’s always good to follow the natural way, for our health. Mother Nature has abundance of those treasures. Good to know that you believe in them and consume these wonderful herbs and spices.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on May 18, 2020:

Even though I don't drink it as a tea, it's turmeric for me! Have been taking it daily for years.

Thanks for sharing the info! Stay safe and well!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 18, 2020:

We have basil growing in our garden along with other herbs like sage and rosemary. We will have some baked salmon tonight with pesto over the top. I'll have to try your basil tea. We often use many of the other ingredients you listed. Stay well!

Liz Westwood from UK on May 18, 2020:

I have read your article with great interest. My daughter bought a basil plant recently, so I am using basil regularly now when cooking. She also bought a lot of herbs and spices while she was with us. We often drink peppermint tea when we travel.