top of page
Writer's pictureVandana Pitke

Ayurveda for allergies


The air is crisp, the sky is blue,

The sun is warm, the grass is new,

The buds are bursting on the trees,

The world is alive, oh hear the bees!


Springtime's joy is everywhere,

The scent of flowers fills the air,

Birds are singing, flitting by,

In the clear blue of the sky.


Springtime's joy is a time of birth,

A time of growth, a time of mirth,

A time for us to shed our blues,

And celebrate the coming of new.


But for many people springtime might be dreadful!! Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are caused by an immune system response to airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include:

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy or watery eyes

  • Sore/ Scratchy throat

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Irritability

  • Ear congestion/ itching

The severity of seasonal allergy symptoms can vary widely, with some people experiencing only mild symptoms while others may experience severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily life.


In Ayurveda, seasonal allergies are seen as an imbalance of the doshas, particularly an excess of Kapha or Pitta dosha and accumulation of "ama" or toxins, in the body. When the body is unable to eliminate ama- it builds up in the tissues - that disrupts the natural balance of the doshas - it can weaken the immune system- that causes inflammation,- makes a person more susceptible to allergies.

Ama can accumulate in the body due to poor digestion and elimination, as well as a diet and lifestyle that is not supportive of the body's natural detoxification processes. Some common signs of ama accumulation include fatigue, digestive problems, skin problems, and a weak immune system. Ayurveda seeks to eliminate the ama and restore balance to the body through a healthy or right diet for your constitution, lifestyle changes, and Ayurvedic herbal supplements. That can include-

  • Eating a diet of fresh, whole foods and avoiding processed and packaged foods.

  • Incorporating herbs and spices into the diet that support digestion, such as ginger, cumin, and coriander.

  • Drinking warm water with lemon in the morning to stimulate digestion and elimination.

  • Engaging in regular exercise and movement to promote circulation and detoxification.

  • Practicing stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

  • Taking herbs and supplements that support detoxification, such as triphala or milk thistle.

Kapha Imbalance Symptoms-

When Kapha dosha is imbalanced, it can lead to excess mucus production and congestion, which can cause the following allergy symptoms:

  • Runny nose

  • Congestion

  • Sinus pressure

  • Post-nasal drip

  • Coughing

  • Wheezing

  • Fatigue

  • Heaviness in the head and body

  • Loss of appetite

  • Difficulty breathing deeply

In Ayurveda, Kapha imbalances are typically treated with warm, light, and dry foods and lifestyle practices that help to increase metabolism and promote movement in the body. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is recommended to increase circulation and break up excess mucus. Additionally, certain herbs and spices, such as ginger, turmeric, and black pepper, can help to reduce mucus production and promote healthy digestion.


Dasamulakatutrayadi Kwatham consists of dasamula, trikatu and vasaka. It is commonly used to support respiratory symptoms, such as sinus congestion, allergies, cold or chronic cough.


Haridrakhandam is particularly helpful for allergies. It is made with turmeric, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that helps lower inflammation and allergy symptoms. Haridrakhandam contains other herbs such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, which can help improve digestion and metabolism which helps to reduce the accumulation of ama in the body.


Pitta Imbalance Symptoms-

When Pitta dosha is imbalanced, it can lead to inflammation and irritation in the body, which can cause the following allergy symptoms:

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy or watery eyes

  • Hives or rashes

  • Swelling or inflammation

  • Headaches

  • Heartburn or acid reflux

  • Fever

  • Anger or irritability

  • Sensitive skin

In Ayurveda, Pitta imbalances are typically treated with cool, calming, and hydrating foods and lifestyle practices that help to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation. It is recommended to avoid spicy and acidic foods, and to emphasize cooling and hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and coconut water. Lifestyle practices such as meditation, gentle yoga, and spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and promote balance in the body and mind. Certain herbs and spices, such as aloe vera and coriander, can also help to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. In addition, herbs such as guduchi, amalaki, and neem may be helpful. Ingestion of clarified butter, or ghee, as well as aloe, can calm the inflammatory reaction that is typical of Pitta imbalance.


Breathing exercises- pranayamas

Alternate Nostril Breathing

supports the respiratory channels. Best pranayama for calming the mind from stress and for hay fever, wheezing, or sneezing.

Ujjayi

Ujjayi Pranayama activates the throat center and helps balance the entire energetic body. It also offers powerful support to the immune system.

Bhastrika

Bhastrika Pranayama creates internal heat, helps liquefy excess mucus, and generally clears obstructions from the respiratory system. Most beneficial for congestive allergies.









30 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page