Best Ayurveda home remedies every parent can use to keep their child disease-free

How to keep your child healthy: Children are born with some natural defences, but a robust immune system that can help fight infections, develops over the first five years (Image: Pexels)

Does your child often catch a cold or suffer from a stomach bug every now and then?  While it shouldn’t be this way, it is common to see children fall sick, especially when the weather changes. And the first thing parents do when a child is sick is reach for medicines and antibiotics, hoping for quick relief.

However, a gentler approach using Ayurveda can help and strengthen the body from within.

Benefits of Ayurveda

Both modern medicine and Ayurveda believe that good immunity begins in the gut. Children are born with some natural defences, but a healthy immune system that can help fight infections, develops over the first five years.  Proper nutrition, good sleep, safe environment and emotional stability are the factors that play a crucial role.

Also read | Try these 8 simple Ayurvedic tips to boost your metabolism

Dr Susmitha C, Consultant, Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, tells Moneycontrol that strong digestion, balanced routines, and age-appropriate herbal support lay the foundation for lifelong health. “Ayurveda identifies Agni, or digestive fire, as the cornerstone of health. When digestion is strong, the body absorbs nutrients efficiently, the gut microbiome flourishes, and the tissues grow robust. When digestion weakens, children become more vulnerable to allergies, food sensitivities, and recurrent infections,” she says.

Keeping that digestive fire steady, she adds, is key to ensuring a child’s body can defend itself naturally. According to Ayurveda, simple daily habits can fortify a child’s resilience.

Easy Ayurveda therapies

Dr Susmitha suggests a few tried-and-true Ayurveda practices:

• Abhyanga or oil massages help to calm the nervous system and improve circulation.
• Nasya, the gentle nasal drops may protect against comes and seasonal allergies.
• Maintain consistency in meal timings and sleep schedules. This keeps the body’s internal clock steady.
• Outdoor play to boost mood, metabolism, and natural immunity.
• Limited screen time. It allows better sleep and emotional balance.

“These small habits teach the body to defend itself rather than rely on suppressive medication. They also help children feel more grounded and energetic in their daily lives,” she says.

Herbs that nurture both body and mind

Ayurveda suggests using different herbs for different stages of a child’s growth.

• Herbs like Suvarna (purified gold) and Vacha (Acorus calamus) in early childhood can boost immunity and support early brain development.
• Adaptogenic herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in later childhood help improve memory, focus, and emotional balance and are often given in medicated ghee.
• These herbs strengthen the brain and gut, which are key for resilience.
• Combining routine, good nutrition, and herbal support helps children fall sick less, grow stronger, stay calmer, and be more emotionally balanced.

1. How can I boost my child's immunity naturally?

Ayurveda suggests maintaining strong digestion, balanced routines, and age-appropriate herbal support to build robust immunity. Proper nutrition, good sleep, and a safe environment are essential for a child’s immune system.

2. What are some simple daily habits to fortify my child’s health?

Consistent meal and sleep schedules, outdoor play, limited screen time, and practices like Abhyanga (oil massages) and Nasya (gentle nasal drops) can help strengthen a child's natural defences.

3. How does digestion impact my child’s health?

According to Ayurveda, strong digestion (Agni) ensures efficient nutrient absorption and a healthy gut microbiome. Weak digestion can lead to allergies, food sensitivities, and recurrent infections in children.

4. What are some recommended Ayurveda therapies for children?

Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga (oil massage) to calm the nervous system, Nasya (nasal drops) for seasonal allergies, and maintaining consistent routines help improve overall health and immunity in children.

5. Which herbs are beneficial for children’s growth?

Ayurveda recommends herbs like Suvarna (purified gold) and Vacha (Acorus calamus) in early childhood for immunity and brain development, and adaptogenic herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in later childhood for memory and emotional balance.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.