5 herbs that you can consume during quarantine for better immunity

If there is anything that lockdown and quarantine has done good for us, it’s the health perspective. It has made us aware of the fact that health is and will be the foremost important thing in our life. And to be able to see a future ahead of us, we must take care of ourselves. As we all are quarantined right now, it is utmost important to focus on building our immunity as a good immune system will help fight against various diseases. And what better way to keep yourself immune then consuming the herbs that have been growing in your home garden? In words of Chef Vini Shivkar, Lecturer, Food Production ITM IHM, “Herbs provide an aroma and medicinal value to the food. It is always used as a seasoning and not as the main ingredient. Fresh herbs are mild in flavour, so are usually added at the end of the preparation. Herbs are incredible and their flavours usually over power the other ingredients and thus it is suggested to use them in small quantities.”

The phytonutrients present in herbs are something that directly supports your immune system. Most of these herbs have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants present in them that can help you fight against viral infections and flu. The medicinal properties present in herbs might help an individual to build his/her immunity that is why people are more focusing on consumption of herbs is their daily diet. Some of the most popular herbs used in India are tulsi, basil, methi, mint, lemongrass, coriander, ajwain leaves and mustard leaves. It is always suggested to consume fresh herbs as they contain a good level of antioxidants as compared to the dried herbs.

Tulsi or Holy Basil is an ayurvedic herb and the anticancer, immunomodulator and cytoprotective agent make this herb the ‘Queen of the herbs’, and is also known as adaptogenic herb. You can make Tulsi tea with this herb and it is quite effective against headache, indigestion, and anxiety etc.

Basil is often compared with holy basil, however it’s completely different from it. The presence of herb oils like pinene and terpineol determines the medicinal properties of basil and can help you identify it. It’s effective in treating intestinal gas, lack of appetite, and even blood circulations.

Methi or fenugreek is a very useful herbs in all forms – be it powdered, seeds or herb form. Fenugreek leaves are quite nutritious and contain a good amount of fibre, vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium. From restoring your sense of taste to the production of breastmilk, fenugreek can help even control your blood sugar levels and improve bowel issues.

Mint is known for its cooling and mouth-freshening properties, and has various varieties that you can easily find. Regular use of mint leaves can be very beneficial for respiratory disorders, various allergies, stomach problems and even aid weight loss.

A herb which is known to be rich in antioxidants, coriander is known be have various culinary uses. This condiment is packed with various minerals, essential oils and vitamin C which can help in treating indigestion, diarrhoea, high cholesterol and even anaemia.