Tag: ayurvedic remedies for allergy

How can Ayurveda kick allergy out of the body naturally?

Allergy and Ayurveda:Overview

ALLERGY’ is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to certain substances which it misidentifies as harmful. This overreaction of the immune system is called an ‘allergic reaction,’ and the substances which trigger such a reaction are called ‘allergens.’

An allergy or allergic reaction generally manifests itself in the form of some commonly-occurring disorders of the skin and respiratory system. These disorders include eczema, hives, asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.

AYURVEDA’ is an ancient, holistic (whole body) system of medicine, which is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The core concept of Ayurveda is that an equilibrium of the body’s three fundamental bio-elements or ‘Doshas’ —Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — leads to good health.

The main aim of Ayurvedic medicine system is to prevent the occurrence of diseases and to promote health and well-being. To achieve this aim, Ayurvedic experts mainly depend on the use of herbal formulations to treat diseases naturally, and also recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to patients suffering from different disorders.

Herbal Remedies for Allergy

Ayurvedic Perspective of Allergies

According to Ayurveda, allergies are generally a result of an excess of the Kapha and Pitta dosha, or the earth and fire elements. Ayurveda believes that the main causes behind the occurrence of allergies are accumulation of toxins and low immunity.

More specifically, the Ayurvedic viewpoint of allergies is that ‘genetics’ is the primary reason that causes an individual to suffer from allergies. These are considered to be a result of the one or all of the following conditions:

  • Weak agni (digestive fire)
  • An individual’s state of vykruti (imbalance)
  • The presence of ama (undigested or poorly digested food which turns toxic and interferes with the bodily processes).

The management of allergies naturally with the help of Ayurveda involves the diagnosis of the root-cause of allergy for every individual patient, and its subsequent treatment.

How Ayurveda can treat allergy naturally?

Ayurveda can effectively kick allergy out of the body naturally with the help of herbal formulations which can cure different types of allergies by:

  • Detoxifying the body by eliminating toxins.
  • Strengthening the immune system.

In addition, Ayurveda practitioners also suggest some necessary modifications in the diet of patients suffering from allergies.

More specifically, Ayurveda is beneficial in treating Vata, Pitta and Kapha types of allergies in the following ways:

Vata allergies

  • According to Ayurveda, Vata allergies are caused because of dryness, and their symptoms mostly include dry cough with, insomnia and anxiety.
  • To cure Vata allergies,Ayurvedic practitioners recommend that patients should drink tea made from ginger root (Zingiber officinale) 4-5 times a day, and also inhale sesame oil.

Pitta Allergies

  • These allergies cause excessive heat in the body, and are associated with symptoms like burning eyes, rashes and loose stools.
  • Ayurvedic cure of these allergies involves the consumption of tea prepared from Neem leaves (Azadirachta Indica), and also a mixture of warm milk and half a teaspoon of turmeric (Curcuma Longa) powder. Moreover, patients are also asked to inhale coconut oil 2-3 times a day.

Kapha allergies

  • These allergies are developed due to moist, humid conditions and their symptoms include slow digestion, and mucus production.

Management and Treatment of Allergies

  • For relief from these allergies, Ayurvedic experts recommend that patients should drink one glass of warm water with half teaspoon of liquorice (Mulethi or Glycyrrhiza glabra), after every meal. Another method of treatment is to take half a teaspoon of ‘Sitopaladi’ churna with honey, three times a day.
  • Other than the above-mentioned Ayurvedic treatments for different types of allergies, there are some excellent herbs which are considered to be extremely beneficial for relief from allergy in general

The widely-known anti-allergy herbs include:

  1. Haridra (Turmeric Rhizome -Curcuma Longa)
  2. Neem (Azadirachta Indica)
  3. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  4. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
  5. Shirish (Albezzia lebbock)
  6. Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica)
  7. Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  8. Bharangi (Clerodandrum serratum)
  9. Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)
  10. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)
  11. Vaasa (Adhatoda vasica)
  12. Anantmool (Tylphora asthmatica)

Ayurveda can effectively treat allergies in a natural manner if the patients follow some strict guidelines with regard to changes in diet and lifestyle habits, along with taking herbal formulations. In specific, patients suffering from allergies can gain benefits from Ayurvedic treatment if they remember that:

  • Heavy foods — like meats, nuts, sugar, dairy products, and processed foods — should be avoided
  • Iced beverages should be avoided
  • Plenty of warm water should be consumed throughout the day
  • Eating habits should be altered, so that the lunch is a hearty meal while the dinner is a light meal
  • Exercise should be made a part of daily routine, for stimulating agni and eliminating ama
  • Yoga breathing practices should be tried in order to relax the body and the mind
  • Adequate sleep should be ensured
  • Intense stress should be avoided because it can aggravate allergies
  • Herbal oil massage should be done to improve blood circulation and eliminate allergy-causing chemical toxins.

In addition to the above-mentioned guidelines for allergy management, there are also some other Ayurvedic approaches to treat allergies. These approaches are listed below:

  • Use a Neti pot once or twice a day, with a weak saline solution and distilled water, to reduce the heaviness of Kapha.
  • Practice ‘Nasya’ (nearly one hour after using Neti pot) by dabbing some sesame oil spiked with eucalyptus/camphor in both nostrils
  • Practice a daily ‘Pranayama’ routine which should include Kapalabhati (skull-polishing breath), Dirgha (three-part breath), Ujjayi (ocean-sounding breath), and Bastrika (bellows breath)
  • Take a Kapha-reducing diet that includes warm, light, natural, and cooked foods which can be easily digested
  • Increase the use of ‘warming’ spices — like ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and cumin — in cooking

Conclusion:

  • Ayurveda can kick out allergies from the body in a safe and natural manner. However, it is advisable that people suffering from allergies should have their allergy diagnosed properly, and should consult a  registered Ayurveda practitioner for guidance related to the best diet plan for them, as well as the use of the most suitable herbal formulations to cure the allergy.

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How to Manage Seasonal Allergies with Diet and Home Remedies

Ayurveda, the age-old science of life has always emphasized to maintain the health and preventing the diseases by proper diet and lifestyle regimen rather than the treatment and cure of the diseases.

With the change in season, there are various changes in bio-life around us. If the body is unable to adopt itself to stressors due to changes in specific traits of seasons, it may lead to Dosha Vaishamya which in turn render the body to disorders.

In allopathic medicine, there is primarily only a symptomatic treatment but in Ayurveda, it can be managed with simple home remedies and diet.

seasonal allergies

What is Allergy?

  • An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body when it comes in contact with a substance that is in fact harmless.these hypersensitive response comes from the natural immune system.

What are the different types of allergies?

In Ayurveda, there are two types of allergen reactions:

  • One is the type that a person is born with which is caused by genetic predisposition. This allergy can be due to certain allergens in the environment such as: dust, pollen etc.
  • The second category includes a seasonal reaction or sensitivity that a person has acquired later in life which can be dealt very easily and is the main focus of this article.

What are the causes of Seasonal Allergies according to Ayurveda?

The main cause of seasonal and acquired sensitivities is a reactive type of toxin known as “Amavisha”.

  • Ama in the body is created by the incomplete digestion of the food which eventually travel to different organs or tissues in the body and get lodge there.
  • If Ama is not flushed out, this Ama interacts with the organs, tissues where it gets settled and it develops into the reactive toxin known as “Amavisha”.
  • When substances such as dust, pollen react with Amavisha, this creates a reaction.
  • Amavisha disrupts the immune system. As a result, when the immune system is affected by the accumulation of Amavisha, it cannot function normally and loses its Adaptability.

Symptoms of allergies

What are the symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

  • Running nose
  • Watery and itchy eyes
  • Severe itching
  • Swelling of the membranes
  • Vomiting
  • Wheezing
  • Sneezing
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Body ache
  • Hoarseness of the voice
  • Headache

How to manage Seasonal Allergies with Diet and Home Remedies:

Nasal Rinse

1.Nasal Rinse:

  • Nasal rinse or neti-pot is the practice of pouring warm salt water through the nasal passages as it moistens the mucous membranes and cleanses the nasal passage from dust, pollens, excess mucous etc.

Gargling:

2.Gargling:

  • If the throat is aggravated, gargling with a bit of honey in hot water is beneficial.

How to use:

  • Gargling can also be done with 1 cup of hot water and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of natural mineral salt.

Cinnamon

3.Cinnamon:

  • Cinnamon is very effective in treating seasonal allergies. It also helps in easing the pain of sore throat.

How to use:

  • Mix 1/4 tablespoon of cinnamon powder in honey and add it in a glass of lukewarm water. Stir well and consume it once a day.

Turmeric Milk

4.Turmeric Milk:

  • Turmeric is considered as the best natural anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic.

How to use:

  • Add 1/2 tsp. turmeric and ginger paste to 1 glass of milk and boil it for few minutes. Drink it warm. Take turmeric milk regularly for effective and good results.

Guava

5.Guava and its Leaves:

  • Guava is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, copper, potassium, folic acid and many other phytochemicals. The leaves of guava are also helpful in treating cold and sore throat by reducing mucus formation, lung congestion and makes the respiratory tract free from infections as it contains iron and Vitamin C in abundance.

How to use:

  • The juice of immature and raw guavas or guava leaves decoction should be consumed regularly.

6.Asafoetida:

  • Asafoetida (Hing) has anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic and anti-viral properties in curing respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, allergies, common cold etc. Hing acts as a respiratory stimulant that is very useful in releasing   phlegm.

How to use:

  • Make a fine paste of 1/4 tsp. of Asafoetida, 1/4 tsp. of ginger extract and add little honey. Add this paste to lukewarm water. Consume this mixture twice a day.

Herbal Tea

7.Herbal Tea:

  • Herbal Tea can be prepared at home with the help of ingredients available in the kitchen such as: black pepper, ginger and basil leaves.

How to prepare?

  • Take 5-10 black pepper, 1 inch fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp. dried powder of basil leaves.
  • Make the powder of black pepper and add all these ingredients in milk and allow it to boil. Strain it and drink this herbal tea by adding honey into it.

8.Triphala Powder:

  • Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formula comprised of three fruits which balances all the three doshas in the body. It also has the unique property to gently cleanse and detoxify the digestive tract and nourishes, replenishes and rejuvenates the tissues.
  • The digestive strength is intricately related to the immune response so clearing out as well as firing up the digestive capacity can be tremendously helpful.

How to use:

  • Take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes. Cool it and drink.

What Foods to Eat and Avoid?

  • Eliminate dairy products as it increases Kapha dosha in the body. Cheese, creams, yogurt etc. should be avoided.
  • Include spices in the diet as they burn Ama in the diet. Spices such as: cumin, black pepper, coriander, turmeric in the diet.
  • Eat fresh and well cooked food.
  • Foods prepared from the refined flour such as: bread, cakes, pastries, biscuits and fast food should be avoided.
  • Avoid fruits such as bananas.
  • Avoid cold beverages such as: cold drinks.
  • Chew a piece of ginger or garlic.
  • Get fresh air and sufficient rest.
  • Include herbs such as: Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Mulethi (licorice powder), and Indian gooseberry fruit powder in the diet.

Questions:

  1. What is the cause of seasonal allergies according to Ayurveda?
  2. Can seasonal allergies be managed at home?
  3. Why turmeric is used as a natural remedy for curing seasonal allergies?
  4. Why dairy products should be avoided while suffering from seasonal allergies?

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