As the school year begins, it’s essential that children stay healthy and have strong immunity to ward off any illnesses. Fortunately, Ayurveda provides natural remedies for supporting immunity. From immune-boosting herbs to lifestyle changes such as getting enough rest and exercise, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to staying well for the whole family. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best Ayurvedic techniques for boosting immunity naturally.

Why Immune Support is Important for Kids Returning to School

As the school year begins, it’s crucial to prioritize immune boosting for kids returning to school – and the adults who care for them. The close proximity and interaction with other children increase the risk of spreading illnesses and infections. By strengthening their immunity, we can help protect them from common colds, flu, and other infections that could hinder their ability to focus and learn.

Understanding that getting sick is a fact of life, it’s definitely worth taking the extra steps to support our immune system so we can function optimally for those who depend on us most.

Immunity building is not just for kids! Most parents know that a sick child will most likely share their germs. Luckily., Ayurveda offers plentiful natural remedies that can support a strong immune response in children and adults. By incorporating Ayurvedic herbs for immunity, we can provide our kids with the extra protection they need (and protection from them for us adults).

What is Ayurveda and How Does it Support Immunity

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic healing system, offers a wealth of knowledge and a comprehensive approach to support and strengthen our immune system. It’s not just about physical health; it emphasizes the importance of balancing mind, body, and spirit to promote overall well-being. Ayurvedic practices, such as using Ayurvedic herbs for immunity, incorporating healthy routines, and following specific lifestyle habits, can help support and boost our immunity. Lifestyle medicine is a main component of Ayurveda that helps us to regulate our immune system through healthy habits like regular meals, bedtime routines, time outdoors, and exercise.

Top Immune Boosting Herbs in Ayurveda

When it comes to boosting immunity naturally, Ayurveda has a treasure trove of herbs that can do wonders. One of the most powerful immune-boosting herbs in Ayurveda is Ashwagandha. Known for its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress, which in turn supports immune function. Another herb to consider is holy basil, or Tulsi, which has been used for centuries to enhance the body’s defenses against infections and boost overall immunity. And let’s not forget about Triphala, a combination of three fruits that can help detoxify the body and support immune health. These and many other immune support herbs are included in the traditional formula Chyavanprash.

Ayurvedic herbs, such as turmeric and ginger, are known for their immune-boosting properties. Turmeric, an Ayurvedic blood cleanser and builder, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can support immune function. Ayurveda suggests taking whole herbs as nature intended. Ginger, on the other hand, helps to stimulate digestion and strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms. Black pepper supports respiratory health, especially Indian Long Pepper (Pippali). Cinnamon is a helpful circulatory stimulant. Cardamom can ease excess mucous. These are all simple herbs and spices that can easily be added to family meals or beverages. Honey is a must-have for any immunity tool kit. Keep reading to learn the special benefits of taking herbs with honey.

Sitopaladi and Vasaka are formulations that are used when sickness is imminent and aid recovery.

Scroll down to see the complete list of my favorite immune herbal products.

Manage Stress Naturally For Greater Immunity

Another essential aspect of immunity is stress management. High levels of stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness. Teach your child stress management techniques such as taking deep breaths, sitting outside, or having alone time when they seem grumpy or moody. Managing stress effectively is key to maintaining a strong immune system. By equipping them with these tools, you’ll be helping them cope with any potential stressors they may encounter during the school year. Of course, It’s also important for adults to find ways to manage stress so they can keep their immune function strong. Why not step outside together? Kids who see adults model these behaviors are more likely to pick them up.

Incorporating Ayurvedic Herbs and Lifestyle into Your Child’s Routine:

Here are a few tips to make these habits a regular part of their day-to-day life to ensure maximum immune support.

Start by incorporating immune-boosting herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Tulsi. These can be taken as teas or as supplements, depending on your child’s preference. I tend to make tea with herbs for my young kids because I can add honey to sweeten the taste. Scroll down to learn honey’s special properties for taking herbs – and see the full list of my favorite herb products for the whole family.

A healthy body is an active body. Getting time every day to move their bodies will not only help them stay physically fit but will also stimulate their immune system and promote a healthy mind-body balance. Spending time outdoors is equally important, as it allows them to connect with nature and absorb Vitamin D from the sun, which is crucial for immune function. Getting exercise outside is a great way to check both these boxes. Take them for a walk, a bicycle ride, or kick a ball around. Adults need this as well so it’s always a good idea to do family outdoor activities together. Outside time is always a prerequisite for screen time in our house.

Sleep is essential for proper immune function. Give plenty of wind-down time before bed so their nervous system has time to down-shift. Avoid screens before bedtime because they keep their brains and sensory organs stimulated. Establish bedtime routines that everyone enjoys. Try soothing herbal teas to mark the beginning of wind-down time. Get into pajamas, take a bath if it’s bath night, or spend some quality time reading together. We have our kids retreat to their rooms for quiet time where they can play quietly or read for 30 minutes before it’s lights out. This is, by far, my favorite part of the day. For me, it’s my signal that the work of the day is done and I can start to relax – finally!

What kind of bedtime routine do you think your family would enjoy?

Lastly, prioritize a healthy diet for your child. Never skimp on breakfast. In our house, we alternate between oatmeal with fruit, yogurt and granola, or eggs with whole-grain toast. Don’t overthink it! Just start with whole foods and try to avoid processed foods (especially ones high in flour and sugar) that provide little energy and brain power. Whole foods provide the necessary energy and nutrients to support their immune system.

My Top Picks: Immune-Boosting Ayurvedic Products For The Whole Family

Now that you’ve learned about a few helpful herbs and lifestyle tips, you might be thinking – now what? if you’re looking for medicinal herbs for immunity that your family will actually take, you’re in the right place. I’m a mom so I know that kids can be picky. Gross-tasting herbs and big tablets are a no-go. Here are some of my favorites that taste as good as they are good for you! Family tested. Mother approved!

Chyavanprash This gooey, sweet, and spicy herbal jam can be taken a spoonful at a time or made into a soothing tea. My kids have always loved it. I love it. It’s a back-to-school favorite in our house. This traditional formula contains immune support herbs like Ashwagandha, Vasaka (for respiratory health), Amla (super high in antioxidants), and so much more. Contains honey. Ages 5+

Ashwagandha Latte Mix combines three powerful adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Mucuna seed, and Shatavari) along with digestive herbs and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and Haritaki. Mix into warm milk before bed and sweeten with honey. Half dose for little ones (1/4 teaspoon in 8 ounces).

Turmeric Milk Mix includes a powerful anti-inflammatory herb Turmeric as well as Ashwagandha, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. Naturally sweetened with date sugar. Mix into warm milk before bed. Half dose for little ones. (1/4 teaspoon in 8 ounces).

Protip for adults: Try combining Ashwagandha Latte and Turmeric Milk Mix for an immune-supporting duo!

Bronchial Support Herbal Syrup is not only tasty, it carries a powerhouse of Ayurvedic herbs to support respiratory health including Licorice root, Vasaka, Tulsi, and ginger. Contains honey, of course.

Throat Soother Spray is an alcohol-free herbal remedy to protect and soothe the throat with Slippery Elm and Licorice that gives it a naturally sweet taste. Turmeric and Echinacea support immune function and ginger and clove support digestion. Contains honey.

Honey is a special anupana, or carrier, used in Ayurvedic herbal medicine. It has special warming and penetrating qualities that help to “carry” herbs deep into the tissues where they’re needed the most. Try Turmeric Honey or Elderberry Honey to mix into your herbal teas for kids and adults alike. Yum!

Adults can also add these extracts to their immune support arsenal:

Immune Strong herbal extract is a synthesis of Ayurveda’s most powerful immune builders including Turmeric, Kalmegh, Licorice root, Tulsi, Amalaki, Ashwagandha, Echinacea, and ginger. Contains organic grain alcohol. Reach for Immune Strong when your kids come home with a cold or when you are caring for an ill family member. Gotta… stay … strong.

Immune Health NOW is a fast-acting herbal formula that supports respiratory health and delivers powerful immunity herbs including Sitopaladi, Turmeric, Vasaka, Licorice, Amalaki, Tulsi, Neem, ginger, and cardamom. Reach for this formula when you start to feel the first signs of a cold coming on. Combine with warm water and sweeten with honey.

Common Sense Immune Support: Grandma Was Right

Herbs and exercise aside, don’t forget the maternal wisdom that has been passed down through the generations. Good rest facilitates the recovery process. In order to rest, we must first slow down and take the necessary time to heal. The longer we put it off, the longer it will take to get well. Even we adults need to admit when we need to stop so we can shut down and care for ourselves or allow ourselves to be cared for. I know it’s hard. It’s hard for me, too. As a parent, I feel I don’t have the time to succumb to illness. Alas, we all have our time when we need to let the natural process take its course. It’s not a sign of weakness. If anything, we affirm for our partners and our kids that it’s good to care for ourselves.

As Daniel Tiger says, “When you’re sick, rest is best.”

Confused?
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** The above links are affiliate links from Banyan Botanicals that afford me a small commission when they are purchased, at no cost to consumers. I’ve been using these products for me, my family, and my clients for years and would never suggest anything that I wasn’t 100% confident about. Thank you for supporting my small woman-owned Ayurvedic business!

Discover the transformative power of Ayurveda for women’s health and wellbeing. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to enhance women’s well-being by integrating principles of lifestyle, nutrition, herb medicine, yoga, and meditation. Choose an entry way that interests you to get started!

Ayurveda can address the challenges women face in today’s fast-paced world. Ayurveda provides effective solutions to manage stress, maintain good nourishment, and sustain energy levels. Let the time-tested tradition of Ayurveda empower you to cultivate overall well-being and address the unique needs of women’s bodies and minds in the digital age.

Understanding Ayurveda for Women’s Health and Wellbeing

Ayurveda understands that health and wellness is a personal thing. This is not a cookie-cutter approach. Your challenges and needs are unique to your body-mind system, which is decided by the balance of your doshas.

The Three doshas and Your Body-Mind Type

The three main doshas are ruled by different natural bioforces including Air (Vata), Fire (Pitta), and Earth/Water (Kapha). Your constitution is based on the predominant dosha in your body-mind system. Since everyone has a different combination of doshas, this makes your wellness journey as unique as you are.

For example, if you have predominantly Air energy, you’re a Vata body-mind type. If you tend to be fiery, you may be a Pitta type.

Not sure? Get my Self-Discovery Guide below to find out.

What’s my dosha and body-type? Do I have imbalances?
Find out in our Self-Discovery Guide.

Get the Self-Discovery Guide

Imbalanced doshas mark the onset of disease.

It’s helpful to know that any of your doshas can become imbalanced. This can happen when we let go of healthy routines and foods. Like the holidays! When this happens, we can start to notice mild symptoms that come and go like indigestion, insomnia, and irritability. This is a good sign that something’s up and your mind-body system is asking for balance.

You can correct course by returning to routines and foods that are most supportive of the dosha that is unhappy. For example, when we eat in a rush this may give us indigestion. Eating on the go introduces more air energy into our digestion. That aggravates the Vata dosha. When we return to regular, more relaxed meals again we may feel better. Vata has been satiated. For now. Make sense?

Ayurvedic Nutrition for Women

Ayurveda nutrition for women’s health and wellbeing is all about embracing a holistic approach to food. It’s about finding nourishing foods that not only provide sustenance but also support focus, energy, and mood throughout the day and throughout the month. In addition to choosing the right foods, practicing mindful eating is crucial as it helps us develop a deeper connection with our bodies and nourish ourselves regularly.

Ayurvedic diet is a personal journey meaning that based on the state of your doshas (balanced or imbalanced), you may need foods that are balancing to that particular dosha. Ayurveda also teaches us to make seasonal changes to our food so we’re not eating the same thing all the time. Our needs change along with the changes in our environment. For example, we tend to eat more cooling fruit and salads in the Summer and more warming, comforting foods in the Winter. You’re probably already doing this!

The Best Foods for Women’s Health and Wellness

If there’s anything that Ayurveda has taught us is that wholesome nutrition is timeless. In other words, Grandma was right. Eat your greens. Eat whole grains. Eat warm meals. Don’t eat foods with mystery ingredients, etc.

Ayurveda believes back to the basics is best. You can’t go wrong with unprocessed, whole foods. For a well-rounded diet, try to get the real deal as often as possible and include foods from each food group every day. Yes, it can be that simple! Ayurveda also favors cooked food because it’s warm, nourishing and easier to digest. Try to eat something cooked every day. Add a cup of soup to your meal whenever you can.

An inclusive diet of whole (unprocessed) foods, healthy protein sources, healthy fats and so on are all good ideas for women. Maybe more importantly, try to avoid processed foods including flours and sugars because they do very little for us nutrition-wise which means we won’t get long-lasting energy.

Why Timing Matters in Women’s Holistic Nutrition

The biggest difference for women’s nutrition is timing, especially menstruating women because we lose a lot of nutrients around our period. Due to that, there is a nutrition cycle that better suits a woman’s body and mind during her reproductive years.

This means you favor some foods during one phase of the menstrual cycle and other foods during other phases. These foods support hormone balance (which is a misnomer because women’s hormones are always changing!). This can be life-changing for women who suffer from PMS and painful, heavy periods including those in perimenopause.

You really can eat your way to a more peaceful period!

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Ayurveda also says that the foods you need the most are based on a combo of the balance of your doshas and the current season. Remember that Ayurvedic nutrition is personal and so what works best for your bestie may not be great for you. Everyone has their own special needs based on the energetic makeup of their body-type and imbalances they might have going on.

A Word About Dieting and The Ayurvedic Diet

Women have suffered from the diet industry for long enough. I mean, really suffered! Women need MORE nourishment NOT less. MORE real food and LESS processed stuff. Restrictive diets are generally for those with food allergies and sensitivities. Otherwise, women should enjoy a wide range of whole foods as long as they digest them well and they get good focus and energy in return.

The Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Women’s Health and Wellness

Let me start by saying that there isn’t a “silver bullet” Ayurvedic herb for women. Remember, your unique body-type/constitution? Yep, I would suggest herbs that support your special balance of the doshas that addresses imbalances, too.

Whenever I talk about herbs, I like to do a consultation first because your needs can be very specific. It also depends on the season. However, if there are a handful of herbs that I tend to refer to again and again. That is a whole blog post unto itself. More on that coming soon!

East and West Herbs: Better Together for Women’s Health

I also like to take an East-West approach to both diet and herbs and may combine Nettle with Shatavari and Dandelion with Ginger. Combining Eastern and Western herbs is something I like to do because they complement each other so well.

Please talk to an experienced herbalist first before you start taking herbs. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor especially if you’re on medications that might react with herbs. Your doctors need to know everything you’re taking whether it’s OTC, prescribed or self-prescribed so they can look for interactions.

You can set up a Free 20-minute Discovery Call with me to ask me general questions about taking herbs.

Managing Stress for Women’s Health and Wellness

For women, managing stress may be just as crucial as maintaining a healthy diet. Adopting daily habits that reduce stress isn’t merely advisable in our digital era; it’s essential for staying energized and avoiding illness.

In today’s faced-paced environment, we’re constantly releasing stress hormones, which heightens the risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases. Stress management is a priority for women in today’s high-stress culture.

For women, who often shoulder the majority of responsibilities in managing work, home, and family, it’s crucial to prioritize health and self-care routines. Understanding that time is limited, it’s essential to find moments for self-care whenever possible.

Here are five lifestyle essentials that can assist women in feeling more relaxed and less overwhelmed.

• Move your body every day for 20-30 minutes (break it up between AM/PM) in a way that’s enjoyable for you. Walk more, take the steps, park further away from your destination, etc.
• Drink a glass of water before you drink anything else in the morning. You might like a cup of warm water with ginger or lemon on cool mornings.
• Take a break at some point in your day to unplug and relax even if it’s just for 5 minutes.
• Go outside every day to get some air and Vitamin D from the sun.
• Have a wind-down routine like pjs, sleepy tea, reading, etc.
• Turn off screens an hour before bed whenever you can.
• Go to bed by 10 PM

Yoga and Meditation for Women’s Health and Wellness

Yoga and meditation are fantastic additions to a woman’s health regimen. Yoga boosts mood-enhancing hormones and maintains both physical and mental fitness. Meditation strengthens the mind in the face of everyday stressors.

Studies show that meditation can do the following:

• Reduce stress
• Manage anxiety
• Manage depression
• Lowers blood pressure
• Promotes emotional health
• Improves focus and memory
• Increases self-awareness
• Regulates mood
• Improves sleep

Meditation is something you can’t do wrong, even as a beginner. Start with brief sessions focusing on body and breath awareness. Attune to your senses and environment. Such simple exercises enhance awareness, a key aspect of meditation. It’s not about silencing the mind, which is an impossible task. Instead, cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness of your surroundings is an excellent starting point—and remember, breathing is important too!

If you want to start a meditation practice, I suggest choosing a meditation app and listening to guided meditations. Listening is an easy way to start. Just sit back and relax.

• I love the Balance meditation app because it has so many options to fit into my schedule like short, guided meditations for waking up, an afternoon nap, a midday refresh, a walk, a bedtime stretch, or soothing music to lull me to sleep. The options are endless! You can even get your partner and kids involved in meditation, too. And, no they are not paying me to say so!

• I also love the Insight mediation app because it’s free and there are so many guided meditations to choose from. Plus, you can listen to my guided meditations there as well!

Sign up for my Women’s Meditation Group on the Insight app.

Ayurveda Courses for All Stages of a Woman’s Life from Reproductive Years to Menopause

Choose an online course that suits your needs and transform your lifestyle into one that supports your health and wellness goals. Why not start today? There’s no time like the present!

The Balanced Cycle with Ayurveda course is designed to assist women in harnessing the power of holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle medicine to naturally balance their energy and hormones, including my top yoga and meditation tips.

The Graceful Menopause course does the same for women who are entering perimenopause so they can experience a smooth transition into menopause.

Enrolling in any of our courses provides you with:

• 6-8 weeks of educational and motivational guidance with instructional videos.
• PDF guides featuring dietary, herbal, and lifestyle protocols featuring my unique East-West approach.
• Webinars to review the main principles and practices.
• Private, secure online client portal (HIPPA compliant)
• Invites to live webinars and events including the Women’s Full Moon Circle
• Option for all online clients to enhance their learning experience through a private telehealth consultation with me, available at an extra charge.

Discover the empowering feeling when you take charge of your health and wellness journey. Receive content in a simple, understandable format to avoid stress and overwhelm – you don’t need more of that!

Let Ayurveda empower you to address the challenges women face, in all stages of life, and cultivate overall well-being from the inside out. All you need is to choose a place to begin. Peruse our many online courses and programs to find the best place to start.

Keep in mind that Her Well Being’s online courses are not intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making changes to your health regime or medications.

Take a look at our online Ayurveda courses for women here!

Online Courses Page

If you need help deciding, schedule a Free Discovery Call with Heather to talk about your options.

We look forward to hearing from you!

It’s easier than you think to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your daily routine to experience the profound impact on your overall health, managing hormonal imbalances, enhancing fertility, and promoting optimum health well into our golden years.

Combine Online Courses and Private Ayurvedic Consultation for a Personalized Experience with a Qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner

Customize your wellness plan through a combination of online learning and private consultation with Heather’s years of expertise with women’s wellness issues and unlock your innate capacity for balance and well-being. You can get started with this article and then decide where you want to go!

Be well,

Heather R. Burkart

Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner

Founder, Her Well Being Ayurveda & Yoga

Please be advised that the content on this website is for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a medical professional.