With Ayurveda there are many ways of boosting the immune system. One way is to keep your Doshas balanced. When the Doshas are balanced the immune system is strong and it becomes difficult for any sickness or disease to take hold.

But what can you do while you are on your path to balanced Doshas?

Here are some simple ways you can fight off a cold or flu before it catches you!

1. Gargle
   When you feel the slightest itchy or burning feeling in your throat start immediately gargling with hot water and salt 5-6 times a day – especially after eating and before bed. The combination of hot water and salt can stop the production of bacteria in the throat where many colds start.

2. No Sugar
   Stay away from any sugar – fruit sugars included – sugar feeds bacteria.

3. Neti Pot
   In the morning use a Neti Pot to clean your nose and sinuses. Neti Pots use warm water and salt to cleanse and get rid of bacteria and mucus in the nasal passages.

4. Nasyum
   Use a Nasya Oil in your nose daily, best to do in the morning. Keeping the nasal passages lubricated will help prevent bacteria from taking hold.

5. Drink Hot Water
   Throughout the day drink hot water – you can add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and/or herbs such as; Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Ginger, Tumeric, Pine (which is also high in vitamin C)
   
   Why hot water?

   • It’s easier for the body to absorb than tepid or cold water
   • Flushes out immunity-compromising ama (toxins) from your system
   • Hydrates your mucus membranes, loosening mucus
   • Pacifies Kapha dosha with its heating property

6. Eat Light Foods
   Eat plenty of warm soups and broths. Keeping the food light and easy to digest will allow your body to focus more on fighting the bacteria than the digestive process.

7. Take Astragalus Astragalus is an herbal formula or supplement that has shown to boost the immune system. A pilot study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that astragalus extract activates immune cells within 24 hours.

8. Early to Bed
   Going to bed early and keeping stress to a minimum will help your immune system be at it’s strongest.

9. Avoid Extremes
   Do not do any excessive exercise or sports, stay out of extreme cold or heat, stay out of the wind and keep your body comfortably warm.

If you take the time at the first signs of a cold or flu to help your body with these preventative measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of getting a cold or flu. These steps can also help your immune system to become stronger each time.