Top 5 Ayurvedic Formulations and Herbs for Flu Season

We are fast approaching Spring but after some very cold days in Perth and for those who are still catching everything due to a run down immune system, here are 5 herbs used commonly in Ayurveda that will boost you back up.

1. Chyavanprash

1. Trikatu

1. Tulsi

1. Ginger

1. Yasthimadhuka

Chyawanaprash

is the superior of all rasayana formulations. This tonic jam is revered as an elixir of life in Ayurveda and has been used for thousands of years to rejuvenate the whole system. Benefits include preservation of ageing, strengthens the immune system, especially good for the lungs, increases body strength and facilitates recovery from illness and stress, purifies and develops the seven body tissues (dhatus) and best all round elixir, It increases Ojas (vital essence).

• Directions for use: Take 1-2tsp daily, followed by warm water/milk/ herbal tea

Ginger

clears AMA (digestive toxins) from the plasma and blood. It warms the digestive system, increases agni (digestive fire) and the secretion of enzymes. It clears colds and alleviates cough and breathing difficulties. In Ayurveda fresh ginger (ardraka) is used as well as dry ginger (sunthi).If you are suffering from a cough and cold try adraka swarasa (fresh squeezed ginger juice).

• Mix the juice with honey and take 2 tsp, 2-3 x daily. Great combinations are: • Cinnamon, lemongrass and ginger & • Ginger, lemon and honey.

Yasthimadhuka- Liquorice

Yasthimadhu means the sweet stick. The sweetness of liquorice is 50 times greater then sucrose. Liquorice is a great expectorant and anti inflammatory. Yasthimadhuka is used in asthma and bronchitis and dry coughs with difficult to expectorate. It is a great remedy for sore throat and laryngitis when the powder is mixed with honey and relieves hoarseness of the voice.

• A small liquorice stick can be chewed and the juice is swallowed. A warm liquorice tea is also beneficial to gargle and soothe your throat.

Trikatu churna – the three spices formula

The ingredients of this formula are sunthi, maricha, and pippali (ginger, black pepper and long pepper).

The energetic of the spices are pungent, heating, light and dry. It awakens digestion, digest toxins (AMA) and helps to alleviate cough, asthma and benefits breathing by clearing sticky mucus and phlegm. It is also a great remedy for hay fever. This formula should be used in caution if you are suffering from high pitta and hyperacidity.

• Best to have a paste combined with honey which we sell in our shop at the clinic.

Tulsi – Holy Basil

Tulsi is considered a very sacred plant, high in sattva. It imparts the quality of lightness and spiritual clarity. A wonderful herb to increase immunity and to lift the heaviness of a fever, cough and colds.
Tulsi clears kapha and mucous from the lungs and upper respiratory tract. It has Jvarahara properties (alleviates fever) by inducing sweating and therefore bringing the temperature down. Other benefits of tulsi are improving one’s stamina, boosts the immunity, anti microbial, anti inflammatory properties as well as lifting ones spirits and helping with depression.

• Best enjoyed as an organic tea, also available in our shop.

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