​​The sudden onset of the recent pandemic resulted in schools being shut down not just in India but also around the world. Children stayed out of school and away from group interactions for more than two years. It is only now that the schools have re-opened, albeit in a phased manner, and have allowed children back in.

Children are now attending classes, meeting their friends, and spending a lot more time together than before. This brings an element of anxiety for the parents about their child’s safety from infections.

While getting vaccinated and maintaining personal hygiene are the best ways to keep children safe from COVID-19, it is essential more than ever to strengthen their immunity.  

For this, all you need to do is to understand the way children’s immunity works and how you can use Ayurveda to boost their immunity.

Understanding Your Child’s Immunity

Children’s immune systems are set up differently from adults. How their immunity levels will be in the future starts taking shape in their formative years. It not just protects them from such suddenly occurring illnesses but also prevents potential consequences later in their lives.

Like adults, their immune system is also made up of:

• Bone marrow
• Spleen
• Skin
• Lymph nodes and vessels
• Thymus

Why Is It Essential to Strengthen Your Child’s Immunity?

Here are some important reasons why children’s immunity needs to be strengthened right from their early years:

• A strong immune system fights diseases and prevents pains and other debilitating symptoms.
• When their immune system is not strong, they are more vulnerable to not just COVID-19 but also other serious illnesses.
• Taking steps to make their immune system stronger relieves parents of stress and anxiety.

Why Is Ayurveda The Best Way to Enhance Children’s Immunity?

Considering the modern lifestyle, children’s immunity is affected by several factors. These include a lack of a balanced diet, eating too much junk, not exercising, and not getting adequate rest.

Ayurveda is the safest way to protect your child’s immunity without causing any side effects that medicines and chemicals usually cause. It is amongst the world’s oldest healing and medicinal systems that emerged in the Indian subcontinent. It is natural, safe, and well-accepted by most children without any ill effects.

According to this ancient science, there are seven layers in the human body that decide how strong the immunity will be. These include Rasa, Mamsa, Majja, Asthi, Shukra, Rakta, and Medha.

Let’s take a look at immunity-boosting herbs that make all these layers stronger and boost your child’s immunity. We have also added tips on how to sneak these into your child’s diet. Do Men Have Testosterone Cycles? Find out!

Moringa (Sahajan)

Moringa is one of the best herbs to add to your child to increase their immunity. This herb has a high lectin, antioxidant, and vitamin C content that keeps them safe from infections. Moringa is also rich in antimicrobial and antibiotic substances that save your children from bacterial and viral infections.

Besides building their immunity, Moringa also keeps your children energetic and free of digestive disorders.

Since Moringa has a slightly bitter taste, you can add its powder to your children’s smoothies, sandwiches, and dips. You can even add this herb while baking muffins, pancakes, and cakes.

Winter Cherry (Ashwagandha)

Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha has been used for more than 5,000 years in Ayurveda, especially for its immunity-improving properties. All the parts of this herbal plant are loaded with several immunity-benefitting ingredients. Its roots have essential volatile oils and amino acids and its fruits and leaves are full of flavonoids.

It is also full of antioxidants and is the preferred substance for treating cough & cold, flu, and viral fever.  

The best way to include Ashwagandha in your child’s diet is to mix it with milk or water along with some soaked nuts and seasonal fruits.

Heart-leaved Moonseed (Giloy)

One of the best herbs for children’s immunity, Giloy is a medicinal plant that is now used all over the world to treat various ailments and preserve immunity. It is hailed for its immunity-boosting benefits so much that Giloy is often termed as ‘Amrit’.

It gets its rich properties from its constitution that’s made up of alkaloids, steroids, and glycosides. It also contains antimicrobial properties that cleanse the liver and is the best way to get rid of toxins from your children’s bodies.

You can add Giloy juice to your child’s glass of water to improve their immunity.

Considered the holy herb, Tulsi is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Herbs’. It is said to have the capability to penetrate deep and dry tissues and normalize body functions. It is considered to be an adaptogen that promotes resilience against diseases and stress.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Its antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds protect the immune system from various infections and toxicity.

To include Tulsi in your child’s diet, you can boil a few leaves and let the water cool down. You can add this to their fresh juice, soup, or as a curry base in their veggies. Natural Herbs to Consume in Cold Weather.

What Are Some Precautions to Keep in Mind?

All the herbs mentioned above are a safe and natural way to improve immunity response in your child. Rarely have there been any side effects reported.

Here are some handy guidelines to keep in mind while administering these herbs to your child:

• Never self-medicate your child. Always talk to your pediatrician to decide on the best herbal ingredient and to decide an appropriate dosage.
• Make sure that you choose only the best and the most natural ingredients.
• Keep an eye on your child’s reaction after taking the herbs. In case you see any side effects, report them to your doctor immediately.

These herbs are a practical and safe way to boost your children’s immunity for life. A great advantage of these herbs is that they are time-tested and easily available in every household’s pantry. Including them in your child’s diet will not just ensure that they are protected from COVID-19 but also help them enjoy a happy and wholesome childhood.