Ayurvedic Herbs for Immunity

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers · Guduchi, Amrita, Chinnodbhava, Chakralakshnika, Tantrika, Kundalini, Vatsadani · Part used: Stem (primary — the most extensively researched part; used in classical Ayurvedic preparations and all major clinical trials); root (higher alkaloidA class of naturally occurring, often bitter-tasting plant compounds that frequently have strong effects on the body — caffeine and morphine are both examples of alkaloids. concentration; used in some traditional preparations); leaves and aerial parts (used in folk medicine and some contemporary formulations). Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I Volume III specifies the stem as the official pharmacopoeial part.

Phyllanthus emblica L. (syn. Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) · Amalaki, Dhatri, Amrita, Vayastha, Shriphala, Amritaphala · Part used: Fruit (dried or fresh ripe fruit — the primary part used in virtually all clinical studies and classical preparations). Seed, leaf, root, and bark are used in minor traditional applications, but the fruit is the pharmacologically dominant and pharmacopoeially specified part. API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) Part I Volume I specifies the dried fruit.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. · Nimba (निम्ब) · Part used: Leaf: most widely studied and commercially used part; used fresh, dried, and as extractA concentrated preparation made by pulling the active compounds out of a raw herb, usually using water, alcohol, or another solvent — generally stronger, dose-for-dose, than the raw plant material.. Bark (Tvak): used in classical Ayurvedic decoctions for fever and skin conditions. Seed kernel: source of neem oil and azadirachtin; primary use in agriculture and topicalApplied directly to the skin or a specific body surface, rather than taken internally. preparations; NOT used internally in standard doses due to toxicity concerns. Seed oil (expressed): topical use exclusively — internal use is toxic. Root bark: used in classical texts for worm infestations and gum disease; less commercially available. Flower: used in South Indian cuisine and traditional medicine; mild bitter tonicA substance traditionally used to gently strengthen and support the body over time, rather than treating one specific symptom quickly.. Fruit (Nimba phala): used in classical formulations; bitter, purgative at high doses. Twig (Dantakashtha): used as tooth-cleaning stick — one of the oldest dental hygiene tools in recorded history, mentioned in Charaka SamhitaA classical compiled text in Ayurveda, such as Charaka Samhita or Sushruta Samhita, containing foundational medical knowledge..

Asparagus racemosus Willd. · Shatavari, Shatamuli, Bahusuta, Indivari, Vari, Dvipika · Part used: Tuberous roots (primary — fleshy, fasciculated root tubers, 30–100 cm long, 1–2 cm diameter); leaves and stems used in some regional folk preparations. Roots harvested in autumn when alkaloid and saponinA plant compound that forms a soap-like foam when mixed with water — found in many adaptogenic herbs and traditionally associated with a range of effects on the body. content is highest. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I Volume I specifies roots as the official part.