Immune Booster. Is there such thing as an immune booster?

One of the most amazing aspects of the human body is its ability to heal itself. The body’s natural defence, the immune system, is a complex network of organs and trillions of cells that circulate in the body and protect it from disease, bacteria, infection and viruses. When it identifies harmful antigens and cells, the body’s T cells kick in to help destroy them and protect us. The most impressive fact about the immune system is that it functions automatically, without our conscious effect.

Increasing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic have seen an increased use of the popular social media hashtag #immunebooster. Sales of herbal and food supplements have reached record highs with immune boosting supplements alone, up by 25%. Big Herba and celebrity influencers, using the current global health crisis, have ramped up their sales jargon to exploit pandemic-anxious consumers into buying products with so-called “immune-boosting” powers. But is it possible to actual boost your immunity and will it help against Covid-19?

Immunology experts are increasingly debunking what they describe as the ‘immunity boosting myth’. The British Dietetic Association recently released a statement that you cannot “boost” your immune system through diet, and no specific food or supplement will prevent you catching COVID-19. They assert that the immune system does not need to be “supercharged” or ramped up — just allowed to do its work. Such a statement seems to assume that we are all healthy with optimally functioning immune systems. In reality, however, many people have chronic health issues and weakened immune systems.

Years of often, self-inflicted abuse, where the body is treated more like a landfill, subjected to an unhealthy diet and stressful lifestyle, has resulted in toxic-overloaded, diseased and immune-compromised body systems. Popping a pill or eating the latest trending “immune-boosting superfood’ is like plugging just one of multiple holes in a leaky bucket. It isn’t going to be of much help. There is no quick fix – it requires a lifestyle change. A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, daily moderate exercise, adequate sleep, reduction in stress and Vitamin D or sunlight, all help restore and support the normal functioning of the immune system. Such principles are fundamental to those of the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine.

In Ayurveda, great emphasis is afforded to building strength of mind and body, which enhances one’s natural resistance against disease-causing pathogens. Plant-based immunomodulatory agents have been used for millennia, alongside healthy lifestyles, to balance the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. The concept of Vyadhikshamatva, meaning Vyadhi (disease) and Kshamatva (suppress or overcome) – the defence of the body against disease – is closely aligned to modern day “immunity”. Rasayana remedies focusing on nutrition, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing and neuro-protective actions, are used to enhance Vyadhikshamatva against disease and ageing, to promote memory and increase longevity.

Ocimun sanctum, known as Holy Basil or tulsi, a small aromatic herb of the basil family, found growing throughout the tropics, is a powerful rasayana. In Hinduism, tulsi is worshipped as a goddess and every part of it is sacred. In Ayurveda, it is revered as “The Queen of Herbs” and “an elixir of life” without equal, for both its medicinal and spiritual properties.

Tulsi is frequently described as the world’s pre-eminent adaptogen, supporting our adrenal system and helping to balance hormones. It helps the body and mind de-stress and assists in the prevention and treatment of physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress-induced disorders and diseases. It’s high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidants support the body’s “internal housekeeping” providing protection from free radical damage and toxins. Daily consumption of tulsi serves as a tonic for the mind, body and spirit, assists in preventing disease and promoting general health, wellbeing and longevity. Ancient Ayurvedic wisdom has been reinforced by numerous scientific studies confirming tulsi’s potent pharmacological actions:

adaptogenic,

immunomodulatory,

anti-inflammatory,

anti-microbial,

metabolic,

anti-diabetic,

hepatoprotective,

cardioprotective,

anti-cancer

neuroprotective

When you’re feeling a little out of sorts or the stresses of daily life are getting you down, a few tulsi leaves are an excellent herbal pick-me-up to support the body’s natural immune response. Chewing on just one fresh leaf has been described as one of the best immune-supporting Ayurvedic medicines for viral infections, particularly respiratory infections. Alternatively, tulsi leaves can be added to soups and smoothies or drank as an herbal tea. For those who aren’t lucky enough to have ready supply of tulsi in their gardens, there is a growing market of teas, drops, supplements, mouthwashes and hand sanitizers. In India, tulsi is used to repel mosquitoes and flies and has also been planted in cities to combat air pollution. The vast array of uses of tulsi is testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.

Emme Haddon has lived in the West Indies, France, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the UK. She has run various businesses and has set up a successful on-line clothing operation. For the past 7 years she has lived in Sri Lanka where she has been able to pursue her passion for natural medicines. She has a great interest in Sri Lanka’s plants and herbal medicines.