Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : February 8, 2016 9:25 AM IST
If fall sick frequently due to low immunity and most of your time goes into visiting your doctor, make this simple change in your daily routine. Although drinking warm water, lemon and honey is a healthy idea as it has numerous health benefits, its role in improving immunity is unknown. But replacing this morning routine with tulsi leaves can help you improve your immunity naturally, says Dr Ravindra Ingale, General Physician, Internal Medicine, Aryan Hospital and Wockhardt Hospital, Navi Mumbai.
How it helps?
Tulsi leaves act as an immune-modulator, a compound which helps in maintaining and improving the immune response in body. It not only fights against the harmful disease causing bacteria and virus, but also boosts the production of healthy immune cells. It is also rich in antioxidants, which protect the healthy cells against the toxic free radicals and prevents cellular damage due to excess oxidation. Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology revealed that these medicinal leaves stimulate the production of T cytokines, NK (natural killer) cells and T lymphocytes, types of immune cells that protect against infection and hence, boost immunity [1]. Here are 10 more ways tulsi leaves keep you healthy.
How to use it?
Chew and swallow three to four fresh tulsi leaves on an empty stomach to increase immunity. Wash these leaves properly under tap water before consuming. And once you chew them, drink a glass or two of water. Avoid eating anything for at least the next 30 minutes. Do this first thing in the morning for a month for improved immunity. You may also like to read about 12 superfoods that boost immunity in children.
Reference:
Mondal, Shankar, et al. Double-blinded randomised controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. Journal of ethnopharmacology 136.3 (2011): 452-456.
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