Dirty is Immunity
- Madhukar Dama
- 5 hours ago
- 10 min read
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Prologue: Cleanliness is Not the Same as Sterility
We Indians once lived in close contact with soil, animals, sweat, smoke, sun, and seasons. We didn’t fear dirt — we respected it. But over the last 50 years, under pressure from western-influenced advertising, modern medicine, urban planning, and formal schooling, we were told that everything natural is dirty, and everything factory-made is clean.
We changed soaps, clothes, foods, even our beliefs. But in this war against "dirt," we unknowingly destroyed our immunity. This is the slow story of how.
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1. Mud Play: Childhood Immunity vs. Indoor Sterility
Then: Children played barefoot, climbed trees, handled soil, and lived with pets and livestock.
Now: Urban kids stay indoors with screens, artificial toys, and sanitizers.
Science Says: Early exposure to microbes trains the immune system to differentiate friend from foe. Without this, immune systems become hypersensitive — leading to allergies and autoimmune issues. This is the hygiene hypothesis.
References:
Strachan DP. (1989). BMJ.
Rook GAW. (2012). Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology.
Urban Tip: Encourage terrace gardening or soil play in balcony tubs.
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2. Cow Dung & Ash: Earth-Sanitizers We Rejected
Then: Homes were wiped with cow dung. Vessels were cleaned with wood ash.
Now: Bleach, phenyl, detergent, and steel wool are used.
Science Says: Cow dung contains natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Ash is alkaline, cutting grease and killing pathogens.
References:
Prakash B et al. (2013). Journal of Environmental Biology.
Sharma ML et al. (2000). Indian Journal of Occupational Health.
Urban Tip: Use bio-enzymes or vinegar-lemon mix for safe cleaning.
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3. Fermented Foods: From Pickles to Probiotics
Then: Pickles, buttermilk, fermented rice (pazhaya saadam), idli-dosa batter.
Now: Refrigerated, pasteurized, and packaged foods.
Science Says: Fermented foods contain live bacteria and enzymes that improve gut health, which directly supports immunity.
References:
Marco ML et al. (2017). Current Opinion in Biotechnology.
Sonnenburg J & Backhed F. (2016). Nature.
Urban Tip: Homemade curd, kanji, or small batch pickles are easy.
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4. Sweat & Body Odor: Natural Detox Misunderstood
Then: People worked, walked, sweated, and used natural baths like neem or turmeric scrubs.
Now: Body sprays, deodorants, ACs, and chemical soaps dominate.
Science Says: Sweat helps eliminate toxins. Body odor comes from natural bacterial action, not disease.
References:
Buono MJ et al. (2007). Journal of Environmental and Public Health.
Urban Tip: Bathe with plain water when indoors. Avoid antiperspirants.
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5. Fever, Mucus, and Pus: Not the Enemies
Then: Fever was seen as a cleansing mechanism. People rested, ate light food, and waited.
Now: Paracetamol for every fever. Antibiotics for every cough. Fear of pus or mucus.
Science Says: Fever increases immune cell activity. Mucus traps pathogens. Pus shows immune system fighting.
References:
Kluger MJ. (1991). Physiology Reviews.
El-Radhi AS. (2012). World J Clin Pediatrics.
Urban Tip: Use warm fluids, rest, castor oil packs. Observe before panicking.
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6. Castor Oil: Ancient, Sticky, Powerful
Then: Used for babies, constipation, arthritis, skin issues, even emotional healing.
Now: Considered smelly, sticky, suspicious.
Science Says: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid — anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and detoxifying. External packs stimulate lymphatic flow.
References:
Vieira C et al. (2000). J Ethnopharmacology.
Singh M et al. (2015). Indian J Traditional Knowledge.
Urban Tip: Weekly belly pack using 20 ml castor oil, covered with cotton and towel-wrapped hot water bag.
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7. Natural Skin Layers: Hair, Oil, Calluses
Then: Hair, skin oils, thick palms were signs of strength.
Now: Scrubbed, waxed, perfumed, chemically polished.
Science Says: Skin oils carry antimicrobial peptides. Hair traps dust. Calluses prevent blisters.
References:
Grice EA & Segre JA. (2011). Nat Rev Microbiol.
Barnard E et al. (2016). Journal of Dermatological Science.
Urban Tip: Use natural oils. Avoid over-scrubbing. Let your skin breathe.
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8. Non-Refrigerated Ferments: Microbial Treasure
Then: Curd set fresh daily. Leftover rice fermented. Vinegar and compost from peels.
Now: Fear of spoilage leads to overuse of refrigerators.
Science Says: Controlled fermentation promotes good bacteria and immunity-supporting compounds.
Urban Tip: Set small portions of curd daily. Try kanji or fermented rice water.
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9. Earth, Dust & Smoke: Context Matters
Then: Floor-sitting, barefoot walking, wood-fired cooking, incense.
Now: Chairs, synthetic footwear, LPG, perfumes.
Science Says: Brief smoke exposure increases immune activity. Barefoot walking (earthing) improves inflammatory response. But chronic smoke indoors harms lungs.
References:
Smith KR et al. (2014). The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
Chevalier G et al. (2012). Journal of Environmental and Public Health.
Urban Tip: Walk barefoot in garden. Use outdoor wood smoke if possible. Avoid chronic indoor pollution.
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10. Invisible Dirt: Processed Food, Stress, Inactivity
The real modern dirt:
Sugar, white rice, maida, dairy, salt, refined oils
Microwave food and plastic containers
Constant stress, fear, EMF exposure, late nights
Science Says: Chronic stress suppresses immune function via cortisol. Poor diet reduces gut immunity. EMF and blue light affect sleep cycles and immunity.
References:
Segerstrom SC & Miller GE. (2004). Psychological Bulletin.
Glaser R & Kiecolt-Glaser JK. (2005). Nature Reviews Immunology.
Urban Tip: Simplify your food. Walk daily. Sleep early. Reduce screen time.
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Epilogue: Immunity is Not Sold, It Is Cultivated
We began fearing what protected us. We scrubbed away the signs of strength. We forgot the immune system needs training, not avoidance.
Your body is not a sterile chamber. It is a living forest. What you called dirt was the very thing that made you human, made you strong, made you capable.
Let us stop fearing our roots. Let us bring back the old wisdom, in new ways. Let us grow back our immunity.
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Why Did Our Immunity Become So Weak?
A huge layered healing dialogue between a natural healer and a Kalaburagi family who are suffering from recurring illnesses, fatigue, and poor gut health.
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Characters:
Madhukar the Healer – calm, grounded man who speaks with compassion but clarity
Vijayamma – mother, 42, often tired, gastric problems, skin rashes
Siddesh – father, 47, with high BP, acidity, and allergies
Manju – son, 14, frequent colds, no stamina
Rani – daughter, 9, poor appetite, constipation
Setting: Early morning, under a neem tree outside their home in Kalaburagi
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🌿 Part 1: The Body Is Not Weak – It Was Forgotten
Madhukar:
Vijayamma, I don’t think your family is weak. Your bodies are not sick – they are just confused. They are trying to adjust to a lifestyle that doesn’t match what your ancestors lived. That confusion shows up as gas, colds, allergies, tiredness.
Siddesh:
But everything is neat now. We keep the house clean, drink RO water, use handwash, cook fresh.
Madhukar:
You’re keeping the house clean, but the body's memory is still searching for soil, sweat, and sun. Immunity doesn't come from sterility. It comes from exposure.
Manju:
Appa doesn’t let me play in mud. He says, “You’ll get worms.”
Madhukar:
That worm is part of your immune education! Without it, your body doesn’t learn.
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🧴 Part 2: What You Called Dirty Was Actually the Training
Vijayamma:
When I was small, we never got sick like this. We ate everything, drank water from borewell, walked barefoot.
Madhukar:
Yes. That dust, that dung, that raw fermented buttermilk – they weren’t filth. They were immunity lessons. Every scratch, every fever, every sweat was a test the body passed.
Rani:
But Amma now uses phenyl every day. She sprays everything with that lemon-smelling spray.
Madhukar:
That spray kills not only bad bacteria, but also the good bacteria that protect your skin and lungs.
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🔥 Part 3: Fever, Cough, Pus – They Are Cleaning, Not Diseases
Siddesh:
When I get fever, I take Dolo. Every time.
Madhukar:
Fever is fire. It burns waste, it calls immune soldiers. Taking Dolo without allowing that process is like putting out a forest fire before it clears the dead wood.
Vijayamma:
Then what should we do?
Madhukar:
Castor oil on belly, rest, hot water, light food. Don’t fear fever. Understand it.
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💧 Part 4: Your Body Has Five Doors of Cleaning
Madhukar:
Let me explain. Your body removes waste through five doors:
1. Sweat – blocked by AC, deodorants
2. Urine – weakened by low water, wrong salt
3. Stool – ruined by polished rice, maida
4. Mucus – suppressed with cold syrups
5. Skin eruptions – attacked with creams
If you shut all these doors, where will the waste go?
Manju:
It stays inside?
Madhukar:
Yes. Then it becomes chronic disease, low stamina, poor digestion.
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🍚 Part 5: Food That Looks Clean, But Feeds Disease
Rani:
What’s wrong with our food? We use packet atta and sunflower oil.
Madhukar:
That’s the problem. That atta has no fiber. That oil is dead. Your body craves living food – fermented, sprouted, earthy. You give it plastic food.
Siddesh:
But it’s branded and sealed. Isn’t that safe?
Madhukar:
Safe for shelf life, not for your life.
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🛢️ Part 6: Castor Oil – Your Forgotten Family Doctor
Vijayamma:
My mother used to apply castor oil to our belly every Sunday. Why did we stop?
Madhukar:
Because TV told us “it’s dirty, it smells.” But it was your most intelligent medicine. It clears the lymph, calms the mind, pulls out toxins through skin.
Rani:
Can I use it?
Madhukar:
Yes, dear. You put 20 ml on your belly every night, cover with cotton and a hot water bag wrapped in towel. That’s it. Do this for 3 months and you will see magic.
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🌾 Part 7: How to Get Your Immunity Back – Without Medicine
Siddesh:
But what’s the treatment? Do we have to take tablets?
Madhukar:
No tablets. No supplements. Listen:
1. Daily walk barefoot for 30 minutes.
2. Use castor oil pack on belly daily for 3 months.
3. Stop 6 white foods: maida, polished rice, sugar, refined oil, salt, dairy.
4. Eat fermented foods: buttermilk, pickle, pazhaya saadam.
5. Allow mild fevers and colds to clean the system.
6. Reduce use of plastic, sanitizer, deodorant.
7. Sweat daily through walking or home work.
8. Touch soil, cows, neem, ash.
9. Use ash or bio-enzymes for cleaning utensils.
10. Sleep early. Rest well. Laugh more.
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🔚 Part 8: Immunity Is Not in Hospitals – It’s in Your Hands
Vijayamma:
It feels like we forgot everything that made us strong.
Madhukar:
You forgot because someone convinced you that immunity comes in pills, vaccines, and check-ups. But immunity is a slow fire. You have to feed it with touch, sun, soil, food, and rest.
Manju:
Then I can play in mud?
Madhukar:
Yes. Play, fall, bleed a little, sweat a lot. You will grow strong again.
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💬 Epilogue: Healing Is Returning, Not Replacing
Madhukar (standing up):
You don’t need to do anything new. Just return to what your body already knows.
Clean doesn’t mean sterile.
Modern doesn’t mean immune.
Branded doesn’t mean better.
Your grandmother knew more about immunity than any pharma company.
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DIRT IS LIFE
(For Kalaburagi. For you. For the memory in your bones.)
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You started scrubbing when they told you to.
You scrubbed your skin till it stung.
You scrubbed the mud from your child’s nails.
You scrubbed the smell of sweat,
The scent of smoke,
The oils of your grandmother’s hands.
You scrubbed it all.
Because some white man on the TV said: “99.9% germs killed.”
And you didn’t ask what died with the 99.9%.
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They told you your cow dung was dirty.
Your ash was unsanitary.
Your buttermilk smelled.
You agreed.
And traded it for lemon-scented poisons,
Steel-gray disinfectants,
Plastic boxes of dead curd.
You removed the smell of life
And kept the scent of laboratories.
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You called the oil sticky.
You called the fever dangerous.
You called the skin rash an enemy.
You didn’t see your body
Was trying to clean itself
The only way it knew.
Through sweat.
Through mucus.
Through tears.
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Your grandmother knew.
She didn’t panic when your child coughed.
She didn’t run to chemists when you had fever.
She gave castor oil.
She gave buttermilk.
She gave rest.
She looked at illness
Like a monsoon —
Let it rain.
Then let it go.
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You used to sit on the floor.
Now you have chairs that don’t love your spine.
You used to squat and cook.
Now you microwave in silence.
You used to share water with the birds.
Now you buy sealed bottles that quench nothing.
You used to eat food that rotted.
Now you eat food that never dies.
So your gut —
It forgot how to live.
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Your son plays with an iPad.
Not in the dust.
Your daughter uses strawberry shampoo.
Not neem, not shikakai.
You clean the house five times a day.
But inside —
Inside is a swamp.
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Because immunity was not in a hospital.
It was in your buffalo shed.
It was in the fermented rice pot.
It was in the callus on your heel.
It was in the scream of a child who fell,
And stood up again.
Without handwash.
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They told you to fear infection.
But you should’ve feared
Processed food.
Dead oils.
Plastic milk.
Loud nights.
Blue light.
Loneliness wrapped in apps.
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You took medicine for fever.
You silenced the cough.
You stopped the pus.
But you didn’t ask
Why your body was begging you to listen.
You weren’t sick.
You were trying to heal.
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Then came fatigue.
Then came early diabetes.
Then came the BPs and acidity and gas and dust allergies and tired eyes
and stiff knees
and silent bowels
and breathless stairs.
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And someone said:
"Try a supplement."
"Take calcium."
"Try immunity shots."
“Buy probiotics.”
You opened your wallet.
But not your eyes.
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Let me say it plain.
Immunity is mud.
It is dung.
It is fermented rice.
It is a castor oil pack on your belly.
It is sweating every day.
It is resting when you are tired.
It is letting your child fall.
And bleed.
And cry.
And grow.
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The cleanest people
Are often the sickest.
The dirtiest child in the field
With a buffalo tail in one hand
And a half-eaten guava in the other —
That child,
He is the last warrior of health.
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Go back.
Sit in the sun.
Drink the buttermilk.
Touch your cows.
Remove the paint from your food.
Put the phones to sleep.
Walk barefoot.
Let the sweat flow.
Rub castor oil on your stomach
Like your grandmother once did.
Burn camphor.
Keep silence.
And do not call it backward.
Call it immune.
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Because what you threw out as filth,
Was your shield.
And now you are naked
In a world that only sells you band-aids.
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Let the skin smell.
Let the food rot (a little).
Let the child fall.
Let the fever rise.
Let the castor oil drip.
Let the sweat stink.
Let the earth touch your feet.
This is not backward.
This is coming home.
This is coming alive.
This is what your blood remembers.
You just forgot.
But dirt remembers you.
And it's waiting.
Patient.
Like all mothers do.
