Simple home remedies.

By Shruti Kothari

Given the recent atmosphere, good health practices are becoming increasingly important. The most effective ways to decrease your chances of contracting viruses include washing your hands frequently, and refraining from touching your face. However, an additional preventative route is to keep yourself strong. Sleep regularly, exercise, and try out these four easy home remedies to boost your immunity.

ZESTY JUICE SHOT

We call these shots because, well, they’re definitely not for sipping. However, they’re certainly worth the pain, as they are full of vitamins A and C, and antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory goodness. Blend together two medium carrots, one inch of ginger, one peeled lemon, one clove of garlic and a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar. Strain and shot. That will give you enough for three servings.

EASY TURMERIC SUPPLEMENT

While Indians are born hearing about the immuno- miracle haldi (turmeric), we normally cook it into food, or drink it with warm milk. Still, since our diets and dietary requirements are now more varied, we present you with this easy tincture to have on its own, or add to anything else for a boost. Mix together three tablespoons of ground turmeric with half a cup of raw Manuka honey (any raw honey will do), a quarter cup of raw apple cider vinegar, half a teaspoon of natural pink salt, and half a teaspoon of ground black pepper. Consume one tablespoon at a time.

HOLY BASIL TONIC

Tulsi (holy basil), an age-old ingredient for good health, boosts Natural Killer cells and T-helper cells to improve your immunity. Grind together one inch of ginger, 15 washed holy basil leaves, a teaspoon of palm sugar, and five whole peppercorns, roasted until they are aromatic. With a lid on the pan, boil the resulting coarse paste with a glass of water, until the liquid level reduces by a quarter. Cool, strain, and drink in one go.

BLACK CUMIN DIGESTIVE POWDER

Another classic recipe is methi-ajwain-kala jeera powder, which helps with good digestion as well as increasing immunity. Take one tablespoon of kala jeera (black cumin seeds), two tablespoons of ajwain (bishop’s weed), and five tablespoons of methi (fenugreek seeds), and dry roast these ingredients separately until aromatic. Allow them to cool and then grind into a fine powder. Take one teaspoon with warm water before bed.