Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Immunodeficiency
Question #17324
162 days ago
209

viruses - #17324

Kennedy

I feel like my immune system has been getting weaker over the past few years. No matter what I do, I seem to catch colds, flu, or some kind of viral infection every few months. It’s frustrating because even when I take medications, the recovery is slow, and I feel exhausted for weeks after. Whenever the seasons change, I start experiencing symptoms like a sore throat, congestion, body aches, and extreme fatigue. I’ve been told that these are common signs of viruses, but I don’t understand why I seem to get sick more often than others. I don’t have any major health conditions, so why does my body struggle to fight off viruses? I know modern medicine mostly treats the symptoms of viruses with pain relievers and antihistamines, but I want to strengthen my immune system naturally. That’s why I started looking into Ayurveda. Does Ayurveda have remedies that boost immunity and help prevent frequent viral infections? I read that herbs like Tulsi, Giloy, and Turmeric have antiviral properties—do they actually work in protecting against viruses? Are there any specific Ayurvedic formulations or tonics that help the body fight infections before they even take hold? Also, could my diet be affecting my immunity? I eat processed foods sometimes, and I wonder if they’re weakening my body’s ability to fight viruses. Are there specific foods that help strengthen the immune system naturally? Another concern I have is the long recovery period whenever I get sick. Even after a mild cold or flu, I feel drained for weeks. Can Ayurveda help speed up recovery after being infected by viruses? I’m tired of always feeling run down, and I want to find a natural way to keep my immune system strong year-round. Has anyone here used Ayurveda to prevent viruses or recover faster after being sick? What worked best for you, and how did it improve your overall health?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
162 days ago
4.83

In Ayurveda, a weak immune system, or Ojas depletion, is often at the root of frequent illnesses and slow recovery. Herbs like Tulsi, Giloy, and Turmeric are indeed well-regarded for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Tulsi helps balance the body’s response to infections, while Giloy strengthens immunity by improving the body’s ability to fight off infections. Turmeric, with its powerful antioxidant properties, supports overall health and reduces inflammation. Ayurveda also emphasizes strengthening digestion (Agni), as a weak digestive system can impair immune function. Foods that are warm, light, and easy to digest, like soups, stews, and cooked vegetables, can improve digestion and immunity. Processed foods and cold, heavy, or oily foods can weaken Agni, so it’s advisable to limit those. To speed recovery, Ayurveda recommends restorative herbs like Ashwagandha and Licorice, which help rejuvenate and support energy levels post-illness. Regular practices like yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep also play a crucial role in building resilience. Using these Ayurvedic remedies and lifestyle changes consistently can help improve immunity, reduce the frequency of infections, and speed up recovery after illnesses. Many individuals find they experience fewer and shorter bouts of sickness over time with this holistic approach.

13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Thank you for sharing your health concerns and interest in boosting your immune system naturally through Ayurveda. It sounds like you’re experiencing a significant imbalance that affects your vitality and resilience, particularly with seasonal changes.

### Understanding Your Imbalance According to Ayurveda, recurrent infections and prolonged recovery can stem from a weakened ojas (vital energy) due to a prakriti imbalance, typically linked to low agni (digestive fire). An improper diet—particularly processed foods—can exacerbate this situation, impairing digestion and immunity.

### Personalized Recommendations 1. Herbs for Immunity: - Tulsi (Holy Basil): Brew Tulsi leaves in hot water for tea daily. It helps in fighting viral infections and reducing inflammation. - Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Take 1 tsp of Giloy powder mixed in warm water once daily to boost immunity and manage fatigue. - Turmeric: Include 1 tsp of turmeric in your daily cooking. Consider also drinking Golden Milk—warm milk with turmeric and a pinch of black pepper.

2. Dietary Adjustments: - Whole Foods: Focus on fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Include seasonal vegetables and immune-boosting spices like ginger and garlic. - Avoid Processed Foods: Reduce processed and sugary foods, as they can weaken your immune system. Instead, consume nourishing soups and broths that are easy to digest.

3. Lifestyle Practices: - Routine: Establish a daily rhythm that includes regular meal times, sleep, and minimal stress. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep. - Exercise: Engage in moderate exercises such as walking or yoga, which help enhance circulation and energy levels.

4. Post-Illness Recovery: - Gentle Detox: Consider a mild detox with kitchari (a dish made from rice and lentils) for 3-5 days to reset your digestive system after illness. - Restorative Herbs: Post-infection, use Ashwagandha (1 tsp powder daily) to help rejuvenate your body and restore energy levels.

5. Ayurvedic Formulations: - Formulations like “Chyawanprash” can be beneficial to strengthen your immunity. Take 1 tsp daily, preferably in the morning.

### Monitoring Your Progress Keep track of how you feel after introducing these practices. It’s vital to allow some time—around a few weeks—to notice improvements. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized adjustments as your body responds.

By incorporating these Ayurveda principles into your routine, you’re taking significant steps toward enhancing your immunity and reducing both the frequency and duration of illnesses. Remember, a holistic approach will yield the best results. Let me know if you have more questions or need further assistance.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Isha Bhardwaj
I am someone who kinda learned early that medicine isn’t just about protocols or pills—like, it’s more about people, right? I did my BAMS with proper grounding in both classical Ayurveda and also the basics of modern med, which honestly helped me see both sides better. During internship, I got to work 6 months at Civil Hospital Sonipat—very clinical, very fast paced—and the other 6 at our own Ayurvedic hospital in the college. That mix showed me how blending traditional and integrative care isn't just theory, it actually works with real patients. After that I joined Kbir Wellness, an Ayurvedic aushdhalaya setup, where I dived into Naadi Pariksha—like really deep. It’s weird how much you can tell from pulse if you just listen right?? Doing regular consultations there sharpened my sense of prakriti, vikriti and how doshas show up subtle first. I used classical Ayurvedic texts to shape treatment plans, but always kept the patient’s routine, mental space and capacity in mind. Also I was part of some health camps around Karnal and Panipat—especially in govt schools and remote areas. That part really stays with me. You get to help ppl who dont usually have access to consistent care, and you start valuing simple awareness more than anything. I kinda think prevention should be a bigger focus in Ayurveda, like we keep talking about root cause but don’t always reach people before it gets worse. My whole method is pretty much built around that—root-cause treatment, yes, but also guiding patients on how to live with their body instead of fighting symptoms all the time. I rely a lot on traditional diagnostics like Naadi, but I mix that with practical therapies they can actually follow. No point in giving hard-to-do regimens if someone’s already overwhelmed. I keep it flexible. Most of my plans include dietary changes, natural formulations, lifestyle corrections and sometimes breathwork, daily rhythms and all that. I’m not here to just “treat illness”—what I really aim for is helping someone feel like they’ve got a handle on their own health again. That shift from just surviving to kinda thriving... that’s what I look for in every case.
5
270 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
25 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
41 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am a passionate and responsible Ayurvedic doctor, having completed my internship at the renowned VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala. My clinical journey has been shaped by the rich traditions of Kerala Ayurveda, where I gained extensive hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients with authentic Ayurvedic therapies. I am dedicated to delivering personalized and holistic healthcare, with a focus on preventive medicine and positive lifestyle modification. I actively counsel my patients on achieving optimal health through balanced diet, daily regimen, stress management, and natural therapies. Additionally, I am a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from the Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence, which allows me to integrate meditation and mindfulness techniques into my treatment protocols, promoting mental well-being along with physical health. My approach is rooted in compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to empowering patients on their journey towards complete wellness.
5
97 reviews
Dr. Khushboo
I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.
5
56 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Manjula
I am a dedicated Ayurveda practitioner with a deep-rooted passion for restoring health through traditional Ayurvedic principles. My clinical approach revolves around understanding the unique constitution (Prakruti) and current imbalance (Vikruti) of each individual. I conduct comprehensive consultations that include Prakruti-Vikruti Pareeksha, tongue examination, and other Ayurvedic diagnostic tools to identify the underlying causes of disease, rather than just addressing symptoms. My primary focus is on balancing the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—through individualized treatment plans that include herbal medicines, therapeutic diets, and lifestyle modifications. I believe that healing begins with alignment, and I work closely with my patients to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony using personalized, constitution-based interventions. Whether managing chronic conditions or guiding preventive health, I aim to empower patients through Ayurvedic wisdom, offering not just relief but a sustainable path to well-being. My practice is rooted in authenticity, guided by classical Ayurvedic texts and a strong commitment to ethical, patient-centered care. I take pride in helping people achieve long-term health outcomes by integrating ancient knowledge with a modern, practical approach. Through continuous learning and close attention to every detail in diagnosis and treatment, I strive to deliver meaningful, natural, and effective results for all my patients.
5
64 reviews
Dr. Vinayak Kamble
1 year
5
50 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
173 reviews
Dr. Sarfaraj Mujawar
I am an Ayurvedic consultant with experience working in different setups, each teaching me something new about patient care. I worked for 1 year at Sanjeevini Hospital in Gokak, where I handled OPD consultations, follow-ups, and guided patients through both acute and chronic conditions. It was a busy environment, but it sharpened my ability to make quick yet accurate decisions while keeping treatments rooted in classical Ayurveda. After that, I spent 6 months at Vinayak Hospital in Gottigere, Bengaluru – there the case variety was huge, from lifestyle disorders and joint pain to skin and digestive issues. It helped me adapt treatments to very different patient needs, often combining Panchakarma, diet changes, and herbal medicines into practical plans. Now I’m running my own clinic in Hubballi, Karnataka. Here, I have more freedom to design fully personalized treatment plans and spend extra time understanding a patient’s prakruti, lifestyle, and health history before deciding on the line of management. My approach blends Ayurvedic diagnosis, safe herbal formulations, and where needed, detox or rejuvenation therapies. I focus a lot on patient education too – cause a treatment works best when the person understands why they’re following it. Whether it’s helping someone recover from a stubborn digestive issue, manage chronic joint pain, or improve overall wellness, my goal is always to address the root cause, not just the symptoms. Running my own practice also means building trust with patients and seeing their progress over time, which is the most rewarding part of the work for me.
0 reviews

Latest reviews

Isabella
1 hour ago
Really appreciated the detailed advice! Answer was clear and practical, gave me some reassurance on managing my symptoms. Thanks a lot!
Really appreciated the detailed advice! Answer was clear and practical, gave me some reassurance on managing my symptoms. Thanks a lot!
Sebastian
6 hours ago
Thanks a lot for the helpful advice! You really cleared up my doubts and gave me some greta options. Feeling much more confident about managing my mom's symptoms.
Thanks a lot for the helpful advice! You really cleared up my doubts and gave me some greta options. Feeling much more confident about managing my mom's symptoms.
Isaac
9 hours ago
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!
Wyatt
9 hours ago
That advice was super clear and so helpful! Thanks for the detailed recommendations and explanation, feel more confident about what to do next.
That advice was super clear and so helpful! Thanks for the detailed recommendations and explanation, feel more confident about what to do next.