In This Article
Immunity is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. In Ayurveda, the immune system is closely linked to the balance of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has a unique influence on immunity, and understanding how the doshas affect immunity can help to maintain balance and improve overall well-being.
Vata individuals tend to have a more delicate immune system, which can lead to issues such as frequent colds, flu, and infections. They may also experience dryness in the body, leading to difficulty in maintaining a strong immune system. To support Vata immunity, it is important to consume warm, cooked foods and to avoid cold, raw, or dry foods. Herbs such as ginger, licorice, and ashwagandha can also be helpful in stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Pitta individuals have a strong immune system, which can lead to issues such as overheating, inflammation, and infections. They may also experience heat in the body, leading to difficulty in maintaining a strong immune system. To support Pitta immunity, it is important to consume cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and mint. Herbs such as coriander, fennel, and licorice can also be helpful in reducing heat and promoting a strong immune system.
Kapha individuals tend to have a sluggish immune system, which can lead to issues such as weight gain, fatigue, and slow digestion. They may also experience dampness in the body, leading to difficulty in maintaining a strong immune system. To support Kapha immunity, it is important to consume light, dry, and warm foods and to avoid heavy, sweet, or cold foods. Herbs such as ginger, cumin, and black pepper can also be helpful in stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Overall, in Ayurveda, maintaining a strong immune system is seen as crucial for overall health and well-being. It is important to understand the unique immunity needs of each dosha, and to make dietary and lifestyle choices that support a strong immune system. Regular use of herbs can also be beneficial in supporting immunity and reducing inflammation.
Herbal Supplementation
Herbs play a crucial role in Ayurvedic medicine, as they possess unique healing properties that can be used to address a wide range of health issues and bring balance to the doshas. Each dosha has unique needs when it comes to supporting the immune system, and certain herbs can be more beneficial for each one.
Vata individuals tend to have a delicate immune system, so they benefit from warming and grounding herbs that nourish the body.
- Ashwagandha: the most well studied adaptogen able to support deep sleep while boosting daytime energy, stamina, mood, and immunity. Balances vata and kapha.
- Immuno-Blast: LifeSpa’s first defense formula for the beginning of an immune event. It boosts immunity by supporting lymphatic function which carries the immune system.
- Chyawanprash: is an vitamin C rich herbal paste used for immunity, rejuvenation, and energy.
- Respiratory Restore: Ayurvedic long lasting respiratory relief for both vata (dry) and kapha (productive) imbalances.
- Triphala: a natural immunomodulatory that supports immunity for vata, pitta, and kapha.
Pitta individuals tend to have a strong immune system but can easily become overheated, so they benefit from cooling and soothing herbs.
- Tulsi Holy Basil: one of the most sacred plants in Ayurveda used for immunity, mood, sleep, worry, energy, and developing higher states of consciousness.
- Neem Boost: a combination of neem leaves and amalaki that balances Pitta in the digestive tract while breaking up unwanted biofilm in the intestinal tract that can lead to weak immunity.
- Amalaki: the immune boosting wonderberry that cools, repairs, and rejuvenates all tissues of the body.
- Triphala: a natural immunomodulatory that supports immunity for vata, pitta, and kapha.
Kapha individuals tend to have a sturdy immune system, but can become sluggish and congested, so they benefit from invigorating and cleansing herbs that support the elimination of toxins.
- Warm Digest: helps to warm and stimulate the digestive system, boost immunity, reducing congestion, and sluggishness.
- Turmeric Plus: helps boost immunity and reduces excess kapha (phlegm) while improving liver, lymph, and digestive function.
- Mucus Destroyer: a blend of Ayurvedic herbs (turmeric, ginger, sitopladi churna, and black pepper) that gently pulls mucus off the gut lining restoring normal function.
- Respiratory Restore: Ayurvedic long lasting respiratory relief for both vata (dry) and kapha (productive) imbalances.
- Triphala: a natural immunomodulatory that supports immunity for vata, pitta, and kapha.
If you are new to taking Ayurvedic herbs or supplements, we highly recommend downloading this short free ebook to set you out on the right track from the get-go:
Dinacharya (Ayurvedic Daily Routine)
Dinacharya, or daily routine, is an important aspect of Ayurvedic medicine and can greatly support the immune system. Some practices that can support immune function include:
- Waking up early: Rising early and starting the day with a sense of freshness can help regulate the body’s natural rhythms and improve overall health.
- Jihwa Prakshalana (tongue scraping): Scraping the tongue can remove bacteria and toxins from the tongue, which can improve oral health and support the immune system.
- Drinking warm water: Drinking warm water first thing in the morning can help flush out toxins and support the immune system. Option: add juice of ¼ lemon.
- Gandusha (oil pulling): In the shower, swish oil around the mouth for 10-15 minutes to support a healthy mouth microbiome and protect against undesirable bacteria and gum issues. We recommend using LifeSpa’s Swish Oil Pulling Therapy.
- Nasya (nose oiling) and Karna Purana (ear oiling): In the shower, add a few drops of LifeSpa’s Nasya Oil in the nose and ears. This is an easy way to keep the sinuses, eustachian tube, and cervical lymph lubricated, clear, healthy, and functional.
- Abhyanga (self-massage): Applying warm oil to the body while showering or before bathing can calm Vata, fight stress, improve circulation, and help stimulate immunity. We recommend using LifeSpa’s Tri-doshic Massage Oil or Lymphatic Massage Oil.
- Grounding practices: Practicing yoga, pranayama (breathing), meditation, or other forms of exercise in the morning before starting your day can help boost the immune system and improve overall health. Practice my One Minute Meditation up to ten times per day to help cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Eating at regular intervals: Eating at regular intervals can help regulate the digestive system and prevent overeating or undereating, which can support immune function. Make breakfast and lunch the main meals of the day.
- Eating a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is balanced in terms of the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent) can help ensure that all the necessary nutrients are being consumed and that the immune system is functioning properly.
- Avoiding eating late at night: Eating late at night can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and negatively impact the immune system.
- Avoiding eating in front of the TV or computer: Eating while distracted can lead to overeating and poor digestion, which can weaken the immune system.
- Get to bed early: Settle into bed early around 9:30 PM so you are asleep by 10 PM.
In Ayurveda, the daily routine, known as Dinacharya, is considered a crucial aspect for leading a fulfilling life, which is why I created the 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge. Each day in this eCourse, you will learn a new challenge to incorporate into your daily routine that relieves stress, promotes health, and quiets the mind. By the end of the Ayurveda Challenge, you will have effortlessly incorporated a daily routine that lasts for 20-30 minutes, and it will be simple, enjoyable, and impactful. You will soon experience feelings of calmness, focus, and increased energy. This daily routine will not be seen as a chore, but rather a means of reward, as the benefits far outweigh the small time investment.
Nutrition
According to Ayurveda, each dosha has specific dietary needs and practices that support the immune system.
For Vata dosha individuals, it is important to consume warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as soups and stews. Spicy, cold and dry foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Vata. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in healthy fats, such as cultured ghee, olive oil and avocado, to help lubricate the digestive tract. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Vata individuals to eat seasonally during the Fall and Winter seasons when Vata individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Vata that can lead to fatigue, weak immunity, and poor sleep.
We recommend downloading our Winter Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Vata during this season. For Vata body types during the winter months, it is especially important they follow these Vata-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are pungent, bitter, and astringent or have a cold, dry, and light quality.
- Increase foods that are sweet, sour, and salty or have a heavy, oily, and hot quality.
For Pitta dosha individuals, it is important to consume cooling foods such as fruits and vegetables. Spicy, cold and dry foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Pitta. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in healthy fats, such as coconut oil and flaxseeds, to help cool the digestive fire. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Pitta individuals to eat seasonally during the Summer when Pitta individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Pitta that can lead to indigestion, irritability, and skin concerns.
We recommend downloading our Summer Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Pitta during this season. For Pitta body types during the summer months, it is especially important they follow these Pitta-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are pungent, sour, and salty or have hot, dry, and light quality.
- Increase foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent or have a heavy, oily, and cold quality.
For Kapha dosha individuals, it is important to consume warm, light and dry foods such as salads and steamed vegetables. Heavy and oily foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Kapha. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to help keep the digestive tract moving. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Kapha individuals to eat seasonally during the Spring when Kapha individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Kapha that can lead to fatigue, sadness, congestion, and heaviness.
We recommend downloading our Spring Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Kapha during this season. For Kapha body types during the spring months, it is especially important they follow these Kapha-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are sweet, sour, and salty or have heavy, oily, and cold quality.
- Increase foods that are pungent, bitter, and astringent or have a light, dry, and hot quality.
It is important to note that these are general recommendations and it is always best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the best dietary plan for your individual needs.
As humans have advanced, we have grown more and more disconnected from the natural cycles and circadian rhythms which leaves many of us scratching our heads when we’re asked to eat seasonally. To help us reconnect with these rhythms, I created a free program that delivers seasonal guidance and recipes every month directly to your inbox. I call it the 3 Season Diet Guide, I highly encourage you to check it out. New research suggests that our gut microbes are meant to change seasonally with the foods we eat. Seasonal microbes optimize digestion, mood, and immunity, the way nature intended!
Cleansing
Cleansing plays a crucial role in Ayurveda as it is aimed at purifying the body and restoring balance to its natural systems. At times, the imbalances in our doshas can become so severe that regular dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices are not sufficient to bring us back into balance. In such cases, a more comprehensive detoxification program, known as a cleanse, may be necessary. Cleansing can correct doshic imbalances that are negatively affecting our physical and emotional health, thereby enhancing our overall well-being. These cleanses can be performed seasonally, in Spring and Fall, or as needed to support the body’s natural cleansing processes. LifeSpa offers a wide variety of cleansing options to fit your unique needs, discover the perfect cleanse for you here.
Further Education
Expand your knowledge by exploring these comprehensive ebooks and engaging online courses related to immunity:
- Ayurvedic Guide to Immunity (free eBook)
- Short Home Cleanse (free eBook)
Getting Started
Ayurvedic Immunity-Boosters and the Role of Rasayana and Your Lymphatic System
John Douillard’s Ayurvedic Immunity Protocol
Chyawanprash: Ayurveda’s Immune System and Seasonal Respiratory Support
Hack Your Immunity with Mushrooms, Colloidal Silver, and Herbs
Triphala: Ancient Herbs for Modern Immune Systems
Neem: Ayurveda’s First Immune Responder
Recent Articles
In this episode of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, host John Douillard, D.C., C.A.P., welcomes back Michael Mastro, North America’s leading expert on vastu: the ancient Vedic system of architecture and design. Today they discuss the connection between your health and medical vastu.
Podcast Episode 150: Medical Vastu with Michael Mastro
