Ayurveda views immunity as vyadhi-ksamatwa, the body's natural resistance to disease. This depends on factors like nutrition, environment, physical and mental constitution. Immunity is reduced by trauma, tissue wasting, psychological stresses like anger. Oja is the essence that provides strength and immunity. It circulates throughout the body, nourishes tissues, and regulates immunity. Rasayana and ojovardhaka therapies enhance immunity by improving nutrition, digestion, and microcirculation. Lifestyle practices like diet, exercise, and stress management also support the immune system according to Ayurvedic principles.

1. ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN
IMMUNE PROTECTION
Dr. Vandana Rawat
P.G.Scholar (Final year)
Kaya chikitsa Department

2. IMMUNITY
 Immunity is a biological term that describes a state of having sufficient biological defenses to avoid
infections, disease or other unwanted biological invasions.
 This is based on the property of self and non self recognition. That means immunity is carried out by the
process of recognition and getting rid of non self or materials that enter the body.
 It is defined as the resistance of a host to pathogens and their toxic products.

4. Innate Immunity
 Immunity with which an individual is born and possess by virtue of his genetic and constitutional makeup is
called innate or natural immunity.
 Innate immunity is inherited by the organism from the parents and protects it from birth throughout life.
 Innate immunity is provided by various components such as skin, mucus membrane, phagocytic cells etc.
 It acts as first line of defense to particular microorganisms.
Types-
1) Species immunity – If one species is resistant to certain infection and other species is susceptible to the same
infection then it is called as species immunity. Eg. Birds are resistant to anthrax but human are susceptible.
2) Racial immunity - If one race is susceptible while other race is resistant to the same infection then it is
called as racial immunity. Eg. Certain African race are more resistant to malaria and yellow fever but Asian or
Americans are susceptible to the same infection.

5. Mechanism of Innate Immunity
 1. Anatomical barrier
 2. physicochemical barrier
 3. Phagocytic barrier or Phagocytosis
 4. Inflammatory barrier or Inflammation
3) Individual immunity – If one individual of certain race or cast is resistant while other individuals of
same race or cast are susceptible to certain infection, then it is called as individual immunity. Eg.
Individual with genetic deficiency of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase are resistant to Malaria.

6. Anatomical barrier
1. Skin
 Skin provides first line of defense by preventing entry of microorganisms.
2. Mucus membrane:
 Mucus secreted by mucous membrane traps the microorganisms and immobilises them.
 Microorganisms and dust particles can enter the respiratory tract with air during breathing which are
trapped in the mucus.
 The cilia sweep the mucus loaded with microorganisms and dust particles into the pharynx (throat).
 From the pharynx it is thrown out or swallowed for elimination with the faeces.

7. Physiochemical barrier
 Acid of the stomach kills most ingested microorganisms.
 Bile does not allow the growth of microorganisms.
 Cerumen (ear-wax) traps dust particles, kills bacteria and repels insects.
 Lysozyme is present in tissue fluids and in almost all secretions e.g. sweat,
urine, tears, saliva etc.
 Nasal hair: they filter out microbes and dust in nose.
 Urine: it washes microbes from urethra.

8. Phagocytic barrier
 Phagocytosis is an important defense mechanism of host to provide immunity.
 Most of the bacteria that enter into host are killed by phagocytic cells such as Neutrophils, monocytes
and macrophages.
Inflammation
 It is an important defense mechanism of host to prevent infection. It is induced in response
to tissue damage caused by microorganism, toxins or by mechanical means.
 Main aim of inflammation is to prevent spread of injected microorganism or toxin from site
of injection and kill them on spot by phagocytosis.

9. ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
 Immunity which is developed later in life after microbial infection in host is called as Acquired or
Developed Immunity. Eg. If an individual is infected with chicken pox virus, he/she become resistant to
same virus in later life.
 Acquired immunity is provided by Antibodies and certain T-lymphocytes.
Types:
1. Active immunity - If host itself produces antibodies
A) Natural active immunity: immunity provided by natural infection.
B) Artificial active immunity: immunity provided by vaccination.
2. Passive immunity – If the host does not produce antibodies itself but antibodies produced in other host
provides immunity, then it is known as Passive immunity.
A) Natural passive immunity : A mother’s antibodies pass across the placenta to the foetus and remain for
several months. Eg. IgG antibody
B) Artificial passive immunity : Antibodies received from a medicine eg. From a gamma globulin injection or
infusion.

10. The acquired immune response consist of two main types-
a) Humoral Immunity/ Antibody mediated Immunity
 The word ‘humor’ means fluid.
 It consists of antibodies that circulate in the body fluids like blood plasma and lymph.
 B lymphocytes produces antibodies that regulate humoral immunity.
 It shows a quick response against pathogens.
 It is a major defense mechanism against extracellular microbes trying to invade the host systems.
 The antibodies produced by the B-cells bind to the antigens and neutralize the microbes and targeted
for destruction.
 Memory B cells- Some B lymphocytes do not become antibody-secreting plasma cells after antigenic
stimulation, but rather become memory cells.
 Memory cells circulate indefinitely in the blood and become active immediately upon repeat exposure
to the antigen.


11. Cell-Mediated Immunity
 Cell-mediated immunity is facilitated by the T-cells.
 T-cells are made in bone marrow, migrate to the thymus for maturation.
 They remain in the lymph system waiting to be activated by an antigen.
 T-cells respond to antigen when they bond to specific antigen called MHC proteins (major histocompatibility complex
proteins) on the surface of the antigen presenting cells.
 Once exposed to antigen, T lymphocyte proliferate and release large number of activated, specifically reacting T
cells.
 Whole activated T cells are formed and release into lymph and circulate throughout the body and move to the site of
infection.
 Cytotoxic T-cells (CD8) directly kill infected cells.
 Helper T-cells (CD4) “train” macrophages, activate phagocytic cells which phagocytose the pathogens & stimulate B-
cells to do their job better.

12.  Cellular immunity primarily defend against intracellular pathogens, multicellular parasites,
transplanted tissue and cancer cells.
 Some T-cells form memory cells after the infection is over.
 Humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity is a part of active immunity.
 These are the mechanisms which protect our body against diseases when our innate immune
system fails.
 As a part of acquired active immunity, they take place after a couple of days the infection
starts.

14. AYURVEDIC VIEW

16. Vyadhi-ksamatwa (natural resistance) is not of the same order constituents i.e. it
varies with individuals.
It also depends upon nutritional, environmental and individual factors- both
physical and mental.

17. Factors which reduces Vyadhiksmatva
The aetiological factors which, causes reduced immune capability-
 Abhighata – trauma (both physical and mental)
 Kshya – Dhatu kshya due to severe degenerative and wasting diseases,
malnutrition, starvation.
 Psychological stresses – anger (kopata). Anxiety (dhyanata) and grief (sokata)
etc.

18. Oja
 Oja denotes the biological substances that imparts strength to mind and various tissues in the body to
resist disease and degeneration
 Oja is the essence of all dhatu i.e. it reflects the appropriate nourishment of the body.
 It is most important entity regulating the functions of Dosha and other organs as well as sustenance of life.
 It can be also considered as an entity responsible for the defense mechanism.
Meaning of Oja as per Monier’s William dic. –
 Bodily strength
 Vigour
 Energy
 Vitality
 Support
 The principle of vital warmth and action diffused throughout the body.

19. vkst
r= jlknhuka “kqdzkUrkuka /kkrwuka ;r~ ija rstLrr~ [kYokstLrnso cyfeR;qP;rsA (lq +lw + 15/19)
;r~ lkjeknkS xHkZL; ;ÙkxHkZjlknzl% A laorZekua ân;a lekfo”kfr ;r~ iqjk AA
;L; uk”kks∙fLr /kkfj ;)n;kfJre~ AA;PNjhjjlLusg% izk.kk ;= izfrf’Brk% AA (p +lw + 30/10-11)

20. Formation of Oja

22. Circulation of Oja
 Ten great vessels (Mahamula Dhamanis) carry the Rasatmaka oja to entire body and the heart, on
which the whole life process depends.
 Different words have been used to denote Oja in various context like-
Rasa
Jivashonita
Prakrita Sleshma (Sleshmic Oja)
Ushma
Sharir Sneha
Bala
 Acharya Bhela has mentioned 12 sites of Oja i.e. six dhatu, pitta, kapha, sweda, mutra,
purisha, sukla

23. Types of Oja

25. Different Forms of Oja
 jlkReda – Circulates all over the body eg. Immunoglobulins, antibodies
 thfor”kksf.krs – white fraction of blood, WBCs
 /kkrwuka rstfl – Immune mechanism at tissue level eg. Macrophages, tissue specific
factors controlling immunity.
 “kqdzey#iekst% - provides protection to the fetus in intrauterine life.
Immunoglobulins crossing placenta to enter fetal circulation.
 “ys’ef.k izkd`rs%

26. Functions of Oja
 Oja is responsible for the sustenance of life in normalcy and results in death if diminished.
 Oja provides bala i.e. strength to manas (mind).
 It provides strength and immunity to various tissues in the body to resist disease and degeneration of body.
 Provides capacity to perform all types of function.
 It provides stability, strength, nourishment of mamsa dhatu, facilitate the smooth functioning of internal as
well as external sensory and motor organs.
 Maintains voice and complexation.

27.  The two kinds of ojas have direct influence on the body’s defense against decay, degeneration and
infections.
 Ojas provides the body with an appropriate substance, which inhibits, neutralizes and destroys the virulent
factors of the disease.
 These obviously relate to immunological factors both humoral and cellular, that destroys or neutralizes the
disease causing agencies which invade the body

30. Physiological Significance of Oja
 It is responsible for Vyadhikshamatya.
 It helps in maintenance of Homeostasis of body along with balanced tridosha.

31. Kapha, Oja and Bala
izkd`rLrq cya “ys’kek fod`rks eya mP;rs A
l psokSt% Le`r% dk;s l p ikIeksfIn”;rs AA p+ +lw+++ +17/117
Sleshma in normal state is responsible for ‘Bala’ (Immunity). Since the
Sleshmic Oja depends on functional state of Kapha.
Oja is the substance responsible for bala. Bala is of two kinds-
1) Capacity to perform physical activity
2) Vyadhikshamatva (Immunity)

38. In Ayurvedic practice, the objective of immune enhancement is
achieved through the use of Rasayana and Vajikarana therapy,
following Achar Rasayana measures and also by use of Ojovardhaka
remedies.

39. Following general measures for enhancing
immunity are described in Ayurveda
 Balanced healthy diet-
 The foundations of a healthy immune system are based on a whole food diet, avoidance of eating poor
quality foods that have been refined, heavily processed and are stale or rancid.
 Avoid over-eating and stimulants such as coffee and alcohol which lowers the agni and immunity.
 Take a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and other essential nurients etc. like vegetables, fruits,
pulses etc.
 Milk and ghee plays a vital role in Ayurveda towards building of oja.
 Use of madhur, snigdh, sheeta virya, laghu guna yukt aahar.
 Life style and daily rituals-
 Follow proper Dinacharya - Ratricharya (Daily regimen) and Ritucharya (Seasonal regimen) as mentioned in
ayurveda.
 Yoga, Pranayama, meditation and regular exercise are all factors that boost a strong immune system.

40.  Give importance to Trayopasthambha (ahara, nindra & brahmacharya) – a balanced diet,
sufficient sleep and celibacy are the three pillars of health.
 Practice Sadvritta and Achara rasayana – emphasize more on good personal and social behavior as
it affects mental and physical aspects of health.
 Protect Agni – agni is the base of health and longevity and hence give due importance to it by
taking care of diet and lifestyle habits.
 Perform ‘Kaale sanshodhanam’ – ayurveda advocates purificatory therapies (Panchkarma)
according to seasons and bala of the individuals.
 Avoid vegadharana of adharaneeya vega and gain good control over Dharaneeya vegas – do not
suppress natural urges like mutra, purisha, jrambha, apana vayu etc. and practice self control
over negative emotions by resorting to meditation and yoga.
 Follow Jaatakarmadi sansakaram – restoring to prenatal and post natal rituals described in
Ayurveda helps to boost up the innate immunity.

41.  Minimize stress- Stress hormones very effectively suppress the immune system. Reducing
exposure to stressful situations will undoubtedly preserve Ojas and improve immunity.
 Restore to rejuvenative therapies and balya aushadhi sevanam – there are various Rasayana
formulations and medicines that help to improve immunity.
 Use of jeevniya gana aushadi
 Aacharya Charaka had mentioned some balavardhak drayas like
 Kukutta mansa sevan
 Amalaki sevan- vayastapanrth
 Ksheera-ghrita abhyas
 Sabhi rasa ka sevan

42. Rasayana
 Rasayana measures act by one of the following three ways-
1) Acting at the level of Rasa – thus directly improving the quality of nutrition.
2) Acting at the level of Agni – i.e. by improving the digestion and metabolism of
the body.
3) Acting at the level of Srotas – i.e. by improving the micro-circulation, it ensures
proper perfusion and nourishment of the tissues.
 The integrity of channels is equally important for the distribution of Ojas to
the Dhatus which provides body immunity against degeneration and diseases.

43. Rasayana drugs
At the level of Srotas
At the level of rasa At the level of agni
Improved tissue nourishment
Improved quality of tissues
Immunity against diseases,
Longevity
Rasayana effects
Body Mental

44. Rasayana and Ojovardhak drugs
Ayurveda describes a number of drugs which possess immunomodulatory effect. eg
• Aswagandha
• Shilajatu
• Amalaki
• Tulsi
• Guduci
• Pippali
Rasayan like Chyavanprasha, Agastya haritki, Pippali rasayana, medhya rasayana are
used.
Rasayana working on respiratory systems are best for prevention of diseases like
corona virus and boosting immune system
• Punarnava
• Yastimadhu
• Triphala
• Louha
• Brahmi
• Vidanga

45. Some Research studies
 Guduchi - The active principle of guduchi have been found to possess anticomplementary and
immunostimulating activities
• Previous studies on the extracts of Guduchi reported antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective
activities.
 Yastimadhu - It has been found to be immunostimulative, which accelerates lymphocytic transformation
activation of macrophage and increases the leucocyte count.
• It also have antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
 Combination of the Rasayana drugs- Amalaki, Vidang and Atibala - It shows an increase in immunoglobulin
levels in infants which is significantly greater than that of multivitamin used cases. (Tuteja V.,1993)
 A combination of four important Rasayana drugs viz. Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Amalaki and Tulsi in equal
amounts was found to potenciate both the cellular and humoral components of immunity. (Chatterjee S. &
Das S.N.,1996)

46. Some common daily used herbs/spices used in
day-to-day life to boost immunity
 Lemons- improve immunity, remove toxins
 Ginger- improve digestion and removes ama- should be consumed 45 minutes before meals to give a very
good appetite and digestion.
 Cumin seeds- helps in digestion, digests and expels ama and balances doshas. To expel body toxins start
the day with drinking lukewarm water with powdered cumin and ginger.
 Turmeric- stimulate immunogenic effect and remove toxins from the body.
 Black pepper- cleanses the body entirely so that it facilitates the energy to reach the tissues in depth
 Almonds- nourishing and life-supporting. Eat 5-6 almonds a day to build energy and strength, help in
reducing the blood cholesterol levels, in improving memory.