A Mother brought her 4-year-old daughter, Meeka, to my clinic for consultation. The child was suffering from cough & cold. On taking history, I got to know that it was the fourth time within a span of 2 months that Meeka visited the hospital for complaints like fever, headache, cough and cold. The mother was on the verge of crying because according to her, Meeka barely recovers from one illness, before that the another one starts. They had done all the investigations, and everything seemed fine, but her immunity is just too weak. Meeka’s mother didn’t want to rely on medicines all the time. “Are there any natural remedies I could consider?” she asked me.
As a pediatrician, I come across similar scenarios quite often. Frequent illnesses are a normal part of childhood, but parents start to worry when a child seems to catch each and every infection. Although medicine is crucial in certain conditions, I frequently advise parents to supplement medical care with simple, effective home remedies to naturally boost, strengthen and reinforce their child’s immune system.
In Ayurveda, real health is seen as a state of harmony between mind, body & soul and not just the absence of disease. During childhood, Kapha Dosha is dominant, which provides stability, strength and is essential for the growth of child. However, imbalance in any of the Tridoshas—Vata, Pitta, or Kapha—can weaken their immunity and hampers the growth of child. By following Ayurvedic principles, we can naturally boost a child’s immune system and promote their overall stamina and well-being.
In this article, I am sharing some of the most effective home remedies and practices that helps to boost immunity in children.
Honey for Respiratory Illness
Honey is nature’s sweetening superfood, liked by almost all the kids. Honey is the best medicine for normalizing increased Kapha Dosha, which makes it a boon in respiratory illness. It is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Raw honey contains beneficial prebiotics, which makes it a superfood for gut health.
How to use:
Give your child a tablespoon of honey daily, either in morning or evening.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) for Respiratory Health
Tulsi or Basil is a popular Ayurvedic herb found in almost every Indian home. Tulsi has a high concentration of antioxidants, zinc and vitamin C, which boosts the immunity of a child naturally. Additionally, Tulsi helps in blood detoxification, therefore enhances the pulmonary blood flow.
How to use:
Prepare a light tulsi tea by boiling 7-8 leaves in one cup of water. Give it to children daily, especially during changing seasons, to protect them from cold and cough.
Golden Milk or Turmeric Latte (Haldi Doodh) for Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Turmeric, or Haldi, is well-known in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Turmeric has antibacterial and antiviral properties which helps in preventing and fighting infections. Golden milk improves the digestion of a child and also acts as an antioxidant.
How to use:
Add two pinches of turmeric in a cup of boiling milk. It can be given to your child before bedtime. This “Golden Milk” helps in improving immunity and aid restful sleep.
Ginger for Strengthening Immunity
As children are more prone to seasonal flu (like sudden fever, cough, cold, muscle and joint pain), ginger is the best remedy for its prevention at home. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties that helps in fighting the infections and strengthens the child’s immunity. Ginger removes the toxins from child’s blood stream and eventually protects liver.
How to use:
Brew 20-30 gram of ginger into a cup of water. Allow it to steep for 5 minutes, then add half teaspoon of honey. You can give this tea to your child daily or on alternate days.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) for Vitamin C
Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C and dietary fibers. Vitamin C supports the function of child’s digestive system and immune system. Amla promotes the Ojas (the essence of immunity in Ayurveda) in children and hence helps in keeping the body strong against infections.
How to use:
You can give Amla raw or in the form of Murabba (sweet jam pickle that is made with Amla) or 1/4th cup of Amla juice daily to your child. (Note:- excessive Amla juice can cause digestive problems)
Cumin – Fennel – Coriander for maintaining Agni (Digestive Fire)
Weak digestive fire (Agni) in children can lead to the accumulation of toxins (Ama), which can affect their immunity. Including spices like cumin, fennel, and coriander in your child’s meal can help in enhancing their digestive fire. These herbs helps in stimulating the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices, hence enhances digestive fire and strengthens immunity.
How to use:
You can add cumin-fennel-coriander in your daily dishes while making them or add these herbs in boiling water and make a mild tea. Serve it lukewarm after meals to enhance digestion and overall immunity of your child.
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage)
Daily or regular massage (Abhyanga) by oil (most preferably Coconut oil or sesame oil) is recommended for children to improve their overall well-being and immunity. It calms the nervous system, soothes the skin, strengthens the muscle, and balance the Tridoshas. It also helps in the temperature regulation of body.
How to use:
Take lukewarm sesame oil or coconut oil in a small bowl. Gently massage the oil on your child’s body in the same direction of grown hairs (Anuloma Disha). This can be done in the morning, half an hour before taking bath.
Ayurveda always emphasizes the holistic approach for living, we can nurture our children in natural ways. Ayurveda teaches us that strong immunity in children can be built by using the combination of natural remedies and proper daily routine.
Incorporating these simple home remedies in day to day lives, strengthens a child’s immune system and mental well-being. A healthy child will be a disease-free adult. Ayurveda offers gentle yet powerful ways to protect our little ones, keeping them strong, healthy and disease free.