- Dr. Shalini Arya
IMMUNITY AND AYURVEDA
Ayurvedic therapeutics describes vast number of medicinal herbs used as “Vyadhirodhak Chamatav” that has enlightened the application of herbs used as corner stone in various diseases especially those modulating the immune system.
Contributing factors for Vyadhikkshamatva Factors which contribute for vyadhikshamatva are normal dosa, equilibrium state of dhatu, normal agni, patency of srotas etc. or factors which supports the equilibrium state of all physiological parameters. These points are described below (Byadgi, 2007). Vyadhisaha means one who is capable of resisting diseases. Depending on the nature of unwholesome food, condition of vatadi dosas and person who is not capable of resisting diseases suffers from diseases mild or severe, acute or chronic. Vata, pitta, kapha manifests different diseases depending upon their vitiation at various places. Equilibrium state of dhatu is called svastha. Upayogi hetu (useful etiological factors) are those useful to the body and they indulge in protection of dhatus, which is important for homeostatic condition of body and mind. Aim and object of Ayurveda is the maintenance of equilibrium state of tissue elements.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR OPTIMIZING IMMUNE ACTIVITY:
Amla, Emblica officinalis, is one of the more popular Rasayana; indicating that he herb has a general benefit to health. This effect is translated to enhancement of Prana, Tejas, and Ojas. Amla has been used as part of a traditional formula called Chavanprash for over 2000 years. Amla is a very useful anti-oxidant and liver supportive herb. Antioxidant function of this herb also has a regenerative effect on the immune system.
- The liver supportive activity of Amla has been shown to restore anti-oxidant system of the liver and restore elevated liver enzymes to normal. It has been observed to protect liver damage due to toxins and protect development of liver cancer.
- Liver is the primary detoxing organ of the body. Optimal function of the liver reduces toxic burden, which alleviates the burden of chronic toxicity and low-grade inflammation that keep the immune system distracted from its real job.
- Amla supports the immune system to deal with real threats.
- Ashwaganda, Withania somnifera, is an excellent adrenal supportive herb that has tonifying effect on the whole hormone system and another Rasayana. Ashwagandha have been observed to reduce stress on the adrenal gland and stimulate the thyroid gland activity.
- This demonstrates the anti-stress activity and pro-metabolic activity of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a beneficial herb to balance the quality of Tejas and Soma.
- Both of these reinforce immune activity of the individual, indicated by the mobilization and activation of immune cells.
- Ashwagandha has also been observed to reverse immune-suppression caused by steroid use.
- This herb is one of the best hormonal and immune modulator offered by Ayurvedic tradition. In 1903 plague epidemic, people who were given Ashwagandha survived.
- Ashwagandha does not have strong anti-bacterial properties, but it does stimulate host defense through its tonifying effect on the endocrine and metabolic systems.
- Turmeric, Curcuma longa, this common house-hold spice is emerging as a miraculous anti-inflammatory agent.
- While healthy, controlled inflammation is a part of a normal immune response; excessive inflammation causes tissue damage and depletion of the immune system.
- In a study on Ebola victims, survivor’s immune system was able to control inflammation effectively; on the contrary, non-survivor’s had progressive inflammation that got worse as they got closer to death.
- Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, which is recognized for helping control inflammation as effectively as aspirin (Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAID). In animal studies, Curcumin has been observed to be equal Ibuprofen for preventing inflammatory plaque formation in Alzheimer disease.
- Curcumin does this without the risk of toxicity seen with NSAIDs. Additionally, Curcumin’s effectiveness has been demonstrated in chronic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and other metabolic diseases.
- When unnecessary inflammation is brought under control this takes a lot of stress from immune system and the adrenal gland – this also protects from inflammatory tissue damage. Altogether, managing inflammation in this way makes the immune system more efficient.
- Guduchi, Tinospora cordifolia, is a versatile herb for supporting immune and liver function.
- Guduchi is traditionally used in wide variety of conditions for its combination of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune modulating, liver supportive actions and is another Rasayana herb.
- A review of research indicates that Guduchi produces its anti-inflammatory effect through blocking the effect of inflammatory signals like histamine, bradykinin, etc.
- These actions are very useful for controlling non-specific allergic reactivity of the innate immune system – reducing burden on the immune system. In other words, Guduchi helps to balance the Pitta dosha and enhance the quality of Tejas in the individual. On the other hand, it has a stimulating effect on the humoral immune system. Immune supportive activity of this herb is demonstrated in animal studies by elevation and circulation of B-cell and T-cell lymphocytes, which perform surveillance and elimination of infective agents.
- In a demonstration of its dual functions as liver and immune support, Guduchi treated amoebiasis in animals by reversing liver abscess.
- A traditional name for Guduchi is Amrita, which means “nectar of immortality”. Traditional use of this herb has been described in wide range of ailments including: immune system, liver support, anti-allergy, asthma, skin diseases, neurological diseases, eye diseases, general debility, etc.
- Neem, Azadirachta indica is a famous anti-microbial herb of the Ayurvedic tradition. Medicinal compounds found in neem oil and leaves stimulate various immune cells to act against pathogens. This bitter herb is traditionally used in topical treatment of Methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus, usually called MRSA infections.
- Use of the herb as a mouth wash has proven effective in eliminating streptococcal bacteria.
- Studies on the properties of neem have demonstrated direct toxicity against variety of fungus, bacteria, and viruses.
- Further benefit of neem is derived from its capacity to lower blood sugar. This is helpful because sugar is the main source of sustenance for bacteria and fungus. Altogether, neem supports Tejas and Soma, while balancing Prana.
- Holy Basil, Ocimum sactum another Rasayana, is central to many ceremonial and religious activities in Indian culture. This herb is considered the incarnation of the divine feminine principle. It promotes mental and emotional clarity, as well as creativity. In addition to the Spiritual significance, the value of holy basil comes from its versatile medicinal activities. It is rich in essential oils that have beneficial effect on the nervous system, immune system and the antioxidant system. The herb has been observed to have anti-stress effect in animal studies.
- Further protective effect on the brain has been shown to protect from memory loss in Alzheimer’s.
- Holy Basil has an anti-oxidant effect that protects all organs of the body from gluco-toxic oxidative damage. Holy basil helps to replenish anti-oxidant enzyme in the body, while putting a cap on inflammation.
CONCLUSION:
It is very clear that balanced immune system is required for optimal health. Immune system can not be balanced with a pill, herb, vitamin, drug or vaccine. Immune system can only be balanced with good and balanced nutrition, exercise, yoga, meditation, herbal and mineral support, along with creating balance at mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Balanced immune system is the basic tenet of “ Disease free Society.” OM Shanti.
IMPROVING IMMUNITY WITH AYURVEDA
Concept of Immunity
Human beings are born with a basic immune system that is weak. Through constant interaction with the microbes in our environment, and within our gut, we learn to fight against new microbes, which helps to strengthen the immune system.
In the last 40 years or so, excessive microbicidal use in the name of hygiene and lack of constant interaction with plants, soil and other organisms has gradually made our immune system weaker, even though our overall health and lifespan has increased.
Immunity, as we understand it through modern medicine, is the function of certain cells, enzymes and immunomodulatory chemicals that attack pathogens and prevent them from creating diseases. This concept of invasion from microorganisms and a biological defence system against it led to the development of the range of antibiotics and vaccines in the 20th century. Various developments in the last decade, like the emergence of auto-immune issues, widespread antibiotic resistance in microbes, and wider understanding of friendly bacteria and its functions, especially inside our gut, have forced us to rethink the unidirectional concept of the immune system.
In Ayurveda, diseases are broadly classified as Nija and Aganthu. Nija diseases are those which are caused by an imbalance that has originated within one’s body and can be mostly prevented from occurring by understanding one’s natural tendencies. Aganthu is caused by an external factor, which may include various injuries, both physical and mental trauma, and lack of focused health and hygiene policies within a particular society.
Even though the understanding of microbes came much recently, Ayurvedic books do acknowledge the presence of widespread communicable diseases in societies with improper nutritional guidance and lack of sanitation facilities, created by local governing bodies known as Janapadaudhwamsa. This concept of an epidemic caused in a community due to common external factor was mentioned in the text of Charaka Samhita in 2nd century AD. Charaka, the author, mentions the important sources of microbe spread as air, water, and land. This is most relevant in the current era, not just because of the infections which spread through these means, but the overall impact of soil, water and air due to human exploitation, climate change and excessive usage of antibiotics and other chemicals.
Ayurvedic concepts related to immune system functions
Immunity is a concept explained in Ayurveda under multiple topics. The most important ones are Bala or the concept of strength, Vyadhi Kshamathwa or the concept of resistance to illness development, and Ojas or the concept of supreme resilience. The concept of Bala explains the ability of the system to repair and nourish itself and be effective in disease prevention, whereas Vyadhi Kshamatwa is the ability of the immune system to fight against the disease-causing pathogens. While former is a product of the overall balance of body functions, tissues, digestion, and elimination, the latter is purely denoting the function of our immune system and recovery after coming in contact with pathogenic organisms.
The preventive aspect of our immunity function is majorly related to our digestive system. Balanced doshas or bio-energies, through cleansing, are also essential for proper resistance to illness. The concept of Ojas explains the direct correlation between digestion and immunity. Ojas is the final product of physiological transformation happening in our body as part of tissue nourishment. The seven layers of tissues are nourished one by one as a result of properly functioning metabolic pathways and the result of this process is Ojas. Ojas is considered as the essence of the food we consume, and a healthy level of Ojas indicates proper tissue nourishment. The function of Ojas is not just explained as resistance to disease but it is resilience to any form of unfavorable physical, mental or environmental change which would normally create an imbalance, leading to disease, but is otherwise dealt with effectively due to the presence of Ojas.
Factors that act negatively on our Immunity
1. Imbalanced diet – A diet that is not nutritionally balanced and supportive to dosha balance. Excess intake of processed sugars and additives for artificial flavoring is known to weaken the immune system. Eating disorders like anorexia can also lead to nutritional imbalance and weak immunity.
2. Excessive alcohol intake – Physicians are already aware of the impact of alcohol on resistance and recovery from illness. Researches have also shown that regular alcohol intake can weaken immune systems effectiveness against common pathogens
3. Irregular sleep – Constantly varying sleep patterns, lack of sleep or interrupted sleep.
4. High stress – increases the cortisol level in blood reducing the focus on immune system nourishment.
5. Obesity – Excess weight gain can itself be an indicator of an imbalance in metabolism and hormonal functions. Lack of exercise and Its negative effect of immunity is also well researched.
6. Chronic medications – Long term use of antibiotics and certain other medications are also proven to be detrimental for immunity
7. Dehydration – Various studies have shown that not having enough liquid intake can reduce our effectiveness of the body’s resistance mechanism
Factors that help augment immunity in Ayurveda
• A well-balanced diet (with all six tastes and qualities balanced), based on one's dosha
• A regular yoga practice
• Include a variety of spices into the daily dietary routine. Most spices are high in their oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and reduce cell damage and maintain integrity
• Regular detox plans like fasting, or a proper panchakarma cleanse, once a year
• Consumption of Rasayana herbs like ashwagandha and amla
• Ayurvedic treatments like Navara Kizhi and Pizhichil
5 Ayurvedic remedies for improving immunity
• Start the day with Tulsi, Pippali (fruit of long pepper) and ginger tea to strengthen and cleanse the upper respiratory tract.
• Use turmeric and black pepper in the meals daily, to boost immunity and reduce ama (toxins). Turmeric can be taken as a drink with almond milk or added to morning oats to prepare a nourishing golden porridge.
• Minimize intake of red meat and avoid usage of any processed meats like bacon, sausage, nuggets, ham, etc.
• Take 15 ml of Amla juice daily. Optionally, take Chyavanprash to supply extra antioxidants and strengthen the immunity.
• Drink plenty of warm water. Staying well hydrated will keep the throat and mucous membrane moist, supporting its action as a good barrier to all microbes.
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