Herbs for Immunity

8 Sri Lankan medicinal plants traditionally used for this purpose. Open a herb to see its Sinhala, English and botanical names, the parts used, how it is prepared, the research behind it and safety notes.

Use with care: Traditional use does not prove that a herb works or that it is safe for you. Talk to a doctor or a registered Ayurveda practitioner before using herbs to treat a condition, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicines, or treating a child. Read our disclaimer

Fruits & Seeds

Kaluduru (Nigella sativa): Black Seed and the 82-Trial Verdict

(Nigella sativa)

Kaluduru (Nigella sativa) arrived in Sri Lanka along the spice routes and settled into two places at

Roots & Rhizomes

Sudu Lunu (Allium sativum): Garlic, the Kitchen Medicine With 80 Clinical Trials

(Allium sativum)

Sudu lunu (Allium sativum) is the rare traditional medicine that modern science has tested to exhaus

Bark & Wood

Rasakinda (Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi, Immunity and the Liver Question

(Tinospora cordifolia)

Rasakinda (Tinospora cordifolia) is called amrita in Sanskrit — the nectar of immortality — and few

Leaves

Maduru Thala (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Holy Basil, Tulsi and the Mosquito Leaf

(Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Maduru Thala (Ocimum tenuiflorum) carries two identities at once. To Ayurveda it is Tulsi, the elixi

Fruits & Seeds

Nelli (Phyllanthus emblica): Amla, Triphala's Third Fruit

(Phyllanthus emblica)

Nelli (Phyllanthus emblica) is the fruit that plays a trick on you: bite it and it is astringent and

Leaves

Sera (Cymbopogon citratus): Lemongrass, Citral and a Calming Cup

(Cymbopogon citratus)

Sera (Cymbopogon citratus) is the stalk you bruise and drop into a curry, and the tea you make when

Fruits & Seeds

Dehi (Citrus aurantifolia): Lime, the Sour Fruit in Every Sri Lankan Remedy

(Citrus aurantifolia)

Dehi (Citrus aurantifolia) is squeezed into more Sri Lankan remedies than any other plant: into the

Roots & Rhizomes

Diyamitta (Cissampelos pareira): The Velvet-Leaf Vine Tested Against Dengue

(Cissampelos pareira)

Diyamitta (Cissampelos pareira) is a slender climber with soft, heart-shaped leaves that Sri Lankan

Other uses

Digestion (42) Coughs and Colds (22) Skin Conditions (22) Blood Sugar and Diabetes (18) Fever (16) Urinary and Kidney Health (16) Cooling the Body (14) Joint Pain and Arthritis (13) Wound Healing (12) Sleep and Stress (9) Diarrhoea (8) Oral and Dental Health (8) Constipation (7) Cholesterol and Heart Health (7) Hair Care (7) Liver Health (6) Asthma and Breathing (5) Women's Health (4) Inflammation and Swelling (4) Memory and Brain Health (4) Eye Health (4) Weight Management (3) Piles (Haemorrhoids) (3) Intestinal Worms (3)