The season for seasonal allergies is here! You must have noticed that most allergies occur during winter and pollen season. A dip in temperature causes many other winter illnesses that a lot of people experience. People who are allergic to something try to avoid coming in contact with it but somehow, they attract allergens and symptoms occur. Seasonal allergies are generally tackled with medicines but that is not the only way to tackle them. Ayurveda also has some solutions to offer to you. Want to know how Ayurveda can help in beating seasonal illnesses? Find the answer in this article.
What Are Allergies in Ayurveda?
To begin with, let us first tell you how Ayurveda describes allergies. There are various types of allergies that are triggered by various allergens. The three classifications of allergies are food-borne allergies, airborne allergies and contact allergies. However, the definition of Ayurveda for allergies is slightly different. According to Ayurveda, the major causes of allergies are weak Agni(digestive fire), vikruti(imbalance), presence of ama(toxic elements that are collected in the body due to poorly digested food) and genetics.
When the body identifies an allergen or causing factor of allergies, it triggers unpleasant reactions. Actually, the body recognizes something as harmful even if it is not so. In most cases, this is due to compromised immunity that people suffer from immune issues and allergies are one of them. In order to get rid of the pathogen or allergen, the immune system acts up and causes different allergic reactions.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Here are some safe and proven ayurvedic remedies to combat seasonal allergies. You can try these to get immediate relief from the allergic attack.
Use a neti pot
Do you know what a neti pot is? This is a container that is specifically designed to flush out mucus and debris from the nasal cavity. This is particularly helpful in easing the symptoms of colds, sinuses and flu. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must try neti pot twice a day. This is also called nasal irrigation which is a personal hygiene method however, it is better to consult a doctor if you are trying it for the first time.
To use the neti pot technique, use distilled water and a weak saline solution. Make sure you are using bottled water for this therapy. As per Ayurveda, this loosens the heaviness of elements earth, water and Kapha in the sinuses. This helps in getting rid of the allergen that might be stuck in the mucus membrane.
Practice Nasya
Nasya is a kind of Panchakarma therapy that allows body cleansing through nasal cavity. In this practice, you drop oil or drugs in each nostril that reaches to the body. For seasonal illnesses, you are supposed to use sesame oil with a drop of camphor or eucalyptus oil. Just dab a little bit of this oil mixture into the nostrils. This is particularly to be done after doing the neti pot technique as it is most effective after that.
Also Read: Tips To Spot An Allergy Attack
Trikatu
Trikatu is a popular Ayurvedic mixture that comprises long pepper, black pepper and ginger. A churna is made out of these ingredients to treat a multitude of illnesses. This is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy that is also helpful in beating seasonal illnesses. If you are allergic, you must have one teaspoon of trikatu powder before having your meal. This helps in igniting the digestive fire.
Follow a kapha-reducing diet
Balancing kapha is a must to secure holistic health. The best and easiest way to do that is following a kapha-reducing diet. This diet includes whole, freshly cooked foods that are warming, easy to digest, light and dry. Generally, warm foods are placed in this category as they help in regulating moisture levels, reducing mucus production, improving digestion and maintaining adequate heat in the body. To combat seasonal illnesses, have properly cooked light foods with necessary spices. Have only organic vegetables as they are safe and good for the body. You can have some ghee in food to promote mucus health.
Use warming spices
Eating bland food is not everyone’s cup of tea. While spicy food is a strict NO in the diet for a healthy body, there are certain spices that should be added to your food they help in balancing the doshas. The most helpful spices for seasonal allergies are black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper and turmeric. Add these spices to your foods daily to stay preventive of seasonal allergies and illnesses.
Also Read: You Must Try This Winter Spice Syrup To Keep Your Body Warm During Cold
Ginger Tea
Yes, the mighty ginger tea is exceptionally great in tackling seasonal illnesses. Not only you are supposed to add ginger to your food but you must also consume ginger tea to boost digestion and ward off the risk of allergies.
Triphala
Triphala is an ayurvedic mixture of potent herbs like bibtaki, haritaki and Amalaki. The name Triphala is given as it is made from these three fruits that are dried and powdered. If you can get the authentic Triphala powder, have one teaspoon of it before bed to cleanse the body. It boosts digestion and elimination toxins to strengthen the system. You can also take Triphala tablets that are easily available.
Pranayam
To improve nasal activity and prevent allergies, one must do pranayama exercises. Ayurveda suggests doing Bastrika(bellows breath), Dirgha(three-part breath), Kapalbhati pranayama and Ujjayi(ocean-sounding breath). Additionally, exercising daily for at least 30-40 minutes is also helpful in stimulating Agni. You can indulge in a dance class or a yoga session or gym or a simple brisk walk would also do for you. Just be active to strengthen your physical core and prevent frequent allergic attacks.
Also Read: The 5 Different Types of Meditation and Its Effects On Mind & Body
Don’t have cold and heavy foods
This is not exactly a remedy but this is one of the most important steps if you are considering Ayurveda for allergies. You need not have heavy foods like wheat, dairy, processed foods, sugar, etc. Besides, avoiding cold foods particularly in the cold season is also a must for allergic people. This includes iced beverages. These foods are restricted in the diet as they are believed to affect the digestive system or Agni.
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