Immune is the balanced state of multicellular organisms having adequate biological defences to fight infection, disease, or other unwanted biological invasion, while having adequate tolerance to avoid allergy, and autoimmune diseases. Immunity is the capability of multicellular organisms to resist harmful microorganisms from entering it. Immunity involves both specific and nonspecific components. The nonspecific components act as barriers or eliminators of a wide range of pathogens irrespective of their antigenic make-up. Other components of the immune system adapt themselves to each new disease encountered and can generate pathogen-specific immunity.

Keeping the immune system in balance, it is of the utmost importance in all stages of life. As the natural defence system, it is designed to spring into action to support every area of the body. For example, if body is castle, immune system is the soldiers patrolling the perimeter and every corridor within the walls. 

Many herbs have traditionally been used to support the immune system. These botanicals promote a healthy response to stress, support healthy inflammatory responses and promote a naturally healthy microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

With little change in our diet and routine life style, we can ensure that our immune system is strong enough to protect us against the infections. From sleeping for 8 hours, to walking in the sun, to eating a balanced diet that helps to reduce stress levels; make sure to get an adequate quantity of Vitamin A, B6, C, D and E that can help increase the strength of the immune system.  These ways are simple but they can really be helpful if followed. Follow them and witness the change in our body’s strength to fight illness. Apart from these, regular consumption of green vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts that are loaded with nutrients are essential to boost our immune system. Considering the above view in mind a new recipe, as given below, has been developed.

Boil milk                    250 Ml.

Turmeric powder      half spoon

Shunthi                    two pinch 

Kaiser                     two strands

Almonds                 2 crushed

Honey q.s

Chocolate or other flavours may be added

Milk: milk contains almost every single nutrient that our body needs. It is a rich source of excellent quality protein, different fats, many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorus. It is often fortified with other vitamins, especially vitamin D necessary to sustain growth and development that makes it one of the most nutritious foods available.  Milk also contains a wide variety of hormones that promote development of the body.  Being a rich source of calcium, milk may promote increased bone mineral density, cutting the risk of osteoporosis. Milk and its products have also been linked to reduced blood pressure. Recent scientific studies showed that major components of milk have shown to modulate immune function.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): Turmeric is rich source of nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, Fat, Dietary Fibre, B-Complex Vitamins,   Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium,  Sodium, Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids,  and Omega-6 Fatty Acids.   Phytonutrients in turmeric include curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, tumerones, and tumenorols. Curcumin is responsible for better regulation of inflammation, oxidation, cell signalling, blood sugar levels, blood fat levels, and brain levels of the omega-3 fatty acid called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), among its many benefits. It is reported that curcumin has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. Apart from anti-inflammatory benefits, decreased cancer risk, and support of detoxification, turmeric is potential for improving cognitive function, blood sugar balance, and kidney function, as well as lessening the degree of severity associated with certain forms of arthritis and certain digestive disorders. Therefore, regular intakes of turmeric powder enhance body’s immunity.

Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): Shunthi or dry Ginger is full of nutrients like carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, sugar, sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, riboflavin, and niacin. Ginger contains more than 400 chemical compounds, but researchers believe the gingerol compounds are responsible for health benefits. Several studies have shown that ginger has significant biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial, insect repellent, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, immunomodulatory, and relaxant properties. Ginger has also been reported to influence both cell-mediated immune response and nonspecific proliferation of T lymphocyte.

Kaiser (Crocus sativus L.): Kaiser is rich in bioactive compounds like crocetin, crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin. Crocetin and crocin have antioxidant, antineoplastic, neuroprotective, and possibly antidepressant properties. The structural core of crocin and crocetin protects against retinal damage and has neuroprotective activities. Safranal has antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antineoplastic, and antidepressant properties. A precursor to safranal, picrocrocin has antioxidant and antineoplastic effects. Recently, numerous studies have reported that Kaiser and its main constituents such as safranal, crocins, and crocetin could be effective against various diseases because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulatory effects.

Almonds  (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb):  Almonds are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre, and are associated with a number of health benefits like cardiovascular health, diabetes, and related weight management benefits. Almonds are also a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, phosphorus, potassium,  B6 vitamins, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.  Almonds are reported to possess various pharmacological properties, such as anti-stress , anti-oxidant, immunostimulant, lipid lowering , and laxative . The almond is highly beneficial in preserving the vitality of the brain, strengthening the muscles and prolonging life. A recent study has suggested that almonds may stimulate the immune response and thus contribute to an antiviral immune defence.  

Honey:  Honey is widely accepted as food and medicine by all generations, traditions and civilizations, both ancient and modern. The most common nutrients found in honey are Vitamin B6,niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin. Honey also contains minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc. It has been known to possess antimicrobial property as well as wound-healing activity. Its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection. Its Immunomodulatory property is relevant to wound repair too. Recent study suggests that honey could boost the immune system and increase survival time in invasive aspergillosis. Studies have also  shown that honey can inhibit the growth of a range of important microbes and able to modulate immunological parameters related to the immune system.