An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body when it comes into contact with a foreign substance. The hypersensitive response comes from the natural immune system and ranges from a slightly uncomfortable feeling to a fatal anaphylaxis. Seasonal allergies are quite common. They are often characterised by a runny nose, red eyes, and itchiness.

What are the causes of Seasonal Allergies?

The substances present in the environment such as dust, pollen etc. are known as allergens. When allergens are inhaled, they cause excessive secretions in the respiratory organs, narrowing of bronchi, asthma attacks etc.

According to Ayurveda, weakened Vata dosha disrupts Kapha and Pitta. Aggravated Vata and Pitta doshas cause rashes, burning, watery eyes and fever whereas aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas cause blockages in the bronchi, excessive secretions, and asthma attacks.

Ayurveda focuses on certain diets, living patterns and risk factors with the different types of doshas. By following correct principles, avoiding unhealthy diet and lifestyle, one can avoid allergies.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies According to Ayurveda Include:

• Low digestion strength.
• Wrong food combinations.
• Long-term intake of drugs like aspirin leading to depleted immunity and making the person prone to dust allergies
• External factors such as dust, pollen etc.

What are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Hoarseness of the voice
• Headache
• Tickling sensation and irritation in the nostrils.

Ayurvedic home remedies are effective in managing and treating seasonal allergies. These remedies not only provide relief but also strengthen the immune system. Allergic management through Ayurveda is not a new concept. This condition can be managed with the help of simple herbs present in one’s kitchen.

Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

1. Ginger: Ginger is a common ingredient in cough syrups because it possesses expectorant properties and helps in loosen the phlegm from the lungs. Ginger juice taken with honey is a home remedy for all types of seasonal allergies. Take fresh ginger slice and extract its juice. Take 1 tablespoon of ginger juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix ginger juice with honey and swallow it slowly.

2. Licorice root: Glycyrrhizin is the major component present in licorice that releases an enzyme which helps in regulating the access of glucocorticoid to steroid receipting hormones, which thereby slows down the transformation of cortisol to cortisone which helps in reducing the inflammation by increasing the effect of cortisol.

   How to prepare licorice tea: Add dried licorice root by adding dried licorice root in a pan filled with hot water. Allow it to boil and steep for few minutes. Drink this herbal tea at least twice a day.

3. Thyme tea: Thyme is a great herb for treating seasonal allergies because of its anti-microbial properties. Thyme helps in relaxing the muscles of bronchi and trachea and helps in reopening the blocked airways. Lightly bruise the handful of thyme springs in mortar and pestle and then boil the seeds and steep it for around 15 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice and add sugar to taste. Drink this tea warm at least twice a day.

4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is effective in treating seasonal allergies as it helps in easing the pain of sore or dry throat. Add powdered cinnamon and few cloves in water and allow it to boil for few minutes. Strain the solution. When the liquid becomes lukewarm, add little honey and drink it.

5. Turmeric Milk: It is one of the best home remedies for seasonal allergies because turmeric is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent. Add a little turmeric to milk and boil it for few minutes. Drink this milk twice a day.

6. Black Pepper: Black Pepper contains a compound known as capsaicin which is similar to guaifenesin- an expectorant found in counter cough syrups. This compound found in long pepper helps in clearing the mucus and eases the running nose. Take 5-10 black pepper, 1- inch fresh ginger and ½ tablespoon dried and powdered basil leaves. Add all these ingredients to milk and allow it to boil. Strain it and drink this herbal tea after sweetening with ½ tablespoon of honey.

7. Mix ½ teaspoon of Amla (Indian gooseberry) powder with 1 teaspoon of honey and take this mixture twice a day.

8. Triphala Powder: Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic formula comprised of three fruits: Harad, Amla, and Bahera. It is known for its ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the digestive tract as digestive strength is intricately linked to the immune response, so taking Triphala powder is quite useful. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water once a day.

9. Gargling: If the throat is aggravated, gargling with 1 cup hot water and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of common salt or mineral salt is quite soothing and it clarifies the throat.

Diet: Take light food and lukewarm water. Avoid fermented food, too hot or too cold food, sweets, fruits like bananas, bakery and dairy food products, ice creams and cold drinks. Late night heavy meals should be avoided. Dinner should be light and digestible. Avoid exposure to cold wind.

The following Combinations of Food should be Avoided.

• Milk + Acidic foods.

• Milk + fruits.

• Consumption of hot honey.

• Combination of honey and alcohol.

• Combination of hot and cold foods at the same time. For example, coffee with ice.

• Half cooked or not cooked whole foods especially non-vegetarian food.

Yoga Exercises for Seasonal Allergies Include:

• Various yogic exercises such as jal neti and sutra neti reduce allergy symptoms.

• Nadishodhana Pranayam helps to remove congestion or blockage of the Nadis thereby allow the free flow of Prana.

• Anulom Vinolum Pranayam develops mental calmness and easy nasal congestion.