The ayurvedic approach to combating allergies

Ayurveda believes that an imbalance of the three Doshas is the root cause of all allergies. When your Doshas are not at their optimal levels, allergic reactions are aggravated, which in turn make it incapable for your body to expel the built up toxins due to a weakened immune system, resulting in allergic reactions. When this condition continues for long periods of time, the allergy becomes a chronic condition

Allergic symptoms depend on the type of allergen; some affect the skin, leading to several skin conditions, others may cause nasal congestion and other related respiratory issues, and some food allergies cause digestive disorders that lead to vomiting and bowel disorders.

Combating allergies using the ayurvedic approach involves treating the root cause of the allergy, rather than by merely addressing the symptom. This is what makes this ayurvedic technique an unique approach to achieve long-lasting benefits and relief from all diseases

Is ayurveda effective in fighting allergies?

Side effects –

Ayurveda works with the person – body, mind, and soul. Whilst there are no side effects of Ayurvedic medicines, the Ayurvedic doctor plays a vital role in your treatment. He will understand your persona, your lifestyle and the various physical and emotional balances involved before recommending any treatments.

What type of allergies can ayurveda help with?

• Seasonal allergies
• Hay fever
• Allergies to food
• Allergies to pollen
• Allergies to animal dander and dust mites

Balancing the Doshas 

The symptoms of specific diseases or disorders experienced by different individuals depend on the Dosha that is aggravated the most. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the Doshas, and believes that only when all the Doshas reach equilibrium, the body and mind can work together at their optimal capacity.

The three Doshas- Kapha, Pitta and Vatta are responsible for different functions of the body. Any imbalance in either one or more of these Doshas may lead to allergic conditions.

Kapha Allergy Symptoms

In Ayurveda, the accumulation of the Kapha Dosha, which is made up of earth and water elements, is said to be responsible for the allergy symptoms experienced in the spring season which is brought about by pollen based allergens– nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing are all believed to be due to this. Further, it can also cause heaviness in the stomach and sluggish digestion.

For  Kapha-type allergy symptoms, there are several effective therapies that will relieve acute symptoms.

The traditional nasal cleansing system known as Jalneti, is a self-practice which involves clearing the nasal passages with salt water with a Neti Pot. This helps to regulate pressure in the head.

Other treatments that help relieve acute Kapha allergy symptoms include:

• The use of pungent and bitter herbs and spices to reduce Kapha, including ginger, cayenne, pepper, basil, cumin, cardamom, sage, turmeric, and cinnamon. 
• Drinking hot honey water, or ginger lemon tea. 
• Trikatu: an Ayurvedic herbal treatment to reduce Kapha, which can be taken daily. 
• Lightening the body in other ways, such as daily exercise and use of a dry sauna.

Pitta Allergy Symptoms

When allergy symptoms arise in the summertime, it is often due to an imbalanced Pitta Dosha. Pitta is governed by elements of water and fire, and in the summer, excess heat may produce inflammation in the respiratory tract or skin. These symptoms are usually rash, headache, burning or red eyes, and inflammation in the sinuses and airway (sinusitis, bronchitis), hives, rashes, eczema, heartburn, stomach upsets, indigestion, and vomiting are common symptoms. Pitta imbalance leads to food sensitivity and allergies to hot and spicy foods, citrus and sour fruits, fermented foods, and vegetables like potato and tomato.

To calm and cleanse Pitta and its resulting allergy symptoms, Ayurveda recommends incorporating cooling herbs, such as coriander and cilantro into your diet. In addition, herbs such as guduchi, amalaki, and neem have proven to be helpful. You can drink cool juices prepared from natural ingredients, ingestion of clarified butter/ghee, as well as aloe, can calm the inflammatory reaction that is a common result of an imbalanced Pitta. These herbs also contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support our immune system.

Vata Allergy Symptoms

These allergies are experienced in the digestive system that cause symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort and pain, stomach cramps, gurgling intestines, intestinal colic caused by a blockage, tingling mouth, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and face. It can also lead to other allergic symptoms like headache, continuous wheezing and sneezing, dry cough, dry eyes, joint pain, muscle spasms, and insomnia. These may be seen more typically in the fall as the air becomes cold and dry. 

Vata imbalance causes extreme sensitivity to foods like raw food items, several types of beans, and specific animal proteins like pork and red meat.

It is important to stay hydrated and drink warm liquids, such as ginger tea with honey or licorice tea. To balance the Vata, use calming herbs such as ashwagandha, which  calms the immune system’s response to allergens. 

It is imperative to consume a Vata-calming diet consisting of warm and oily food prepared using organic oils or ghee and avoid dry food and leftovers. Eat cooked vegetables and avoid vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, dark leafy greens, and most beans even in cooked form. Eat foods that are smooth in texture like rice pudding, bananas, hot cereals, root vegetables, and pureed soups.

Ayurveda stresses the importance of boosting internal immunity by consuming a healthy diet, incorporating a favourable lifestyle, in addition to taking herbs and undergoing revitalising Ayurvedic treatments.

Some primary causes of allergies, according to Ayurveda, are genetics; weak agni (digestive fire); a person’s state of vykruti (imbalance); and/or the presence of ama, undigested or poorly digested food that turns toxic and interferes with processes in the body, therefore, following a diet best suited to managing your symptoms is vital.

A few habits to practice which in turn will help reduce your symptoms are:

• Avoid cold or frozen foods, carbonated beverages, and leftover foods. It’s vital to consume foods called roughage that are easy to digest. These include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and dark leafy vegetables that should not be overcooked, thereby preserving its nutrients.
• Avoid cold, heavy foods and drinks, including dairy, wheat, meat, sugar, processed foods, leftovers, and iced beverages, as they can slow down digestion and dampen the agni.
• Make freshly cooked food a rule of thumb, including whole foods that are light, dry, warming, and well-spiced. 
• Avoid or reduce junk food and sweets, and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a good variety of legumes. 
• Take trikatu, a combination of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, before meals to heat up the agni (digestive fire).
• Develop a daily pranayama routine that includes Dirgha (Three-Part Breath), Ujjayi (Ocean-Sounding Breath), Bastrika (Bellows Breath), and Kapalabhati (Skull-Polishing Breath).

You may benefit from a one-track diet or a combination of many, therefore it is always recommended to speak with your ayurvedic doctor who will assist you in a detailed plan, advising you on which types of food to eat and which types to avoid to better assist you in your goal to be allergy-free and live life to the fullest!