Spring can be particularly a bad season for those who suffer from allergies in Australia. It’s the time of the year when grass, weed and tree pollens run high that causes allergies.

These allergies often come with frustrating symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy throat and more. In severe cases they can even trigger asthma attacks that make breathing difficult. For managing these irritating  symptoms allergy treatment in Ayurveda offers effective allergy relief by targeting its root causes- often imbalances within the body itself.

What exactly are allergies? Why do we have them in our lives and not in others? 

There are 3 types of allergies  that can trigger these unpleasant reactions: food allergies, airborne allergies and contact allergies. In each case, body recognizes something harmful that is typically not harmful. The immune system boosts into overdrive to try eliminating these allergens and irritants.

According to Ayurveda some primary causes of allergies, are genetics; weak agni or digestive fire; a person’s state of vykruti, or imbalance; or the presence of ama, undigested or poorly digested food that turns toxic and interferes with the body’s functioning 

Symptoms of Spring Allergies

• Red and watery eyes
• sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy skin, eyes, nose, ears and mouth
• Stuffy nose due to congestion
• Puffy eyes
• Postnasal drip, where there is a sensation of mucus dripping down the back of throat
• Hives
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Dry, scratchy or sore throat
• Cough

Causes of Spring Allergies

Pollen is one of the primary spring time allergy triggers. Trees, grasses and weeds release these minute particles into the air; when they land on someone allergic, it can send their immune systems reeling – potentially sending an allergy sufferer downhill quickly.

Immune systems often misinterpret pollen as allergen and respond with antibodies; this triggers histamine release into your body’s bloodstream, prompting further immune reactions by your body.

Histamine causes swelling of the nose and eyes to block allergens from entering and causes you to sneeze as an attempt at expelling any allergens from your respiratory system.

Pollen can travel far, so its effect doesn’t limit itself to plants in your neighborhood. Pollen itself may not be solely to blame for spring allergies: when rain falls, mold growth indoors and out rises rapidly, while cleaning may stir up dust mites throughout your home.

Spring Allergy Treatment in Ayurveda

Herbal Remedies

• Turmeric– is one of the well known herbal remedies in Ayurveda because of its antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antihistamine properties- it is used for the treatment of various infections and allergy symptom control. In allergy seasons, this antihistamine effect will reduce the production of histamine which is the prime factor responsible for allergies.
• Tulsi– also known as holy basil has many therapeutic uses such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and immune, all of which are suitable for respiratory conditions like allergy and rhinitis. They can even calm some side effects if they’re taken internally for overall wellness.
• Neem– Neem is a known detoxifier with medicinal benefits when used to treat skin allergies, rashes and skin inflammatory conditions. Its additional antimicrobial action prevents the springtime allergy triggers.
• Haridra– is a powerful herb which can be used in place of turmeric when dealing with inflammatory conditions making it suited for treatment of skin allergies, dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. It also has antioxidants.
• Ashwagandha– is an immunity booster and an anti-inflammatory adaptogen. It can help reduce stress in the body while enhancing immunity in allergic prone individuals, so as to prevent further allergic reactions while treating chronic diseases including asthma and allergies with its anti-inflammatory effects.
• Guduchi– is an important herb of Ayurveda, especially for immunity support, by reducing allergic reactions like asthma or skin allergy by controlling immune system and detoxifying the body. Also aids in inflammation reduction with its anti-inflammatory property.
• Shatavari– helps in allergy caused by overactive immune system not only against respiratory allergies but also against allergies of skin by assisting immunity and protecting against allergens through inflammation regulation.
• Manjistha– has already been known to help with skin allergies and skin inflammation, assists blood detoxification by removing substances which are allergens.
• Triphala– is composed of three herbs (Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki), helps balance internal systems while strengthening immunity to reduce allergic reactions over time and detoxifies your body to protect from allergies or respiratory conditions.

Ayurvedic Therapies

Nasya (Nasal Cleansing Therapy)

Nasya or nasal cleansing therapy is an Ayurveda therapy where medicated oil or herbal decoctions are passed through nasal passage to cleanse and clear sinuses and the respiratory system. Nasya helps alleviate congestion while protecting against allergic rhinitis and improving respiratory function; herbal oils include Anu Taila and Shadbindu Taila.

Panchakarma (Detoxification Therapy)

Panchakarma or detoxification therapy is an all-inclusive procedure that purges your body of harmful toxins (Ama) while restoring harmony among its doshas (energy channels). Panchakarma procedures that specifically benefit spring allergies can include these methods:

• • Vamana (Therapeutic Vomiting): This procedure assists in getting rid of excess Kapha dosha located in the upper respiratory tract. It is prescribed for individuals having congestion, bronchial asthma and sinus in allergic situations.In this procedure, after taking herbal preparations, vomiting may be necessary to eliminate excess substances e.g. mucus and toxins from your body.

• • Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): It aids in the flushing out of toxins and excessive Pitta from the body, in order to find relief from skin allergies, rashes and other ailments that are triggered by the presence of some allergens. It is also effective against most of the allergic symptoms and reactions.
    
    Herbal laxatives function in body cleansing and symptom relief by promoting bowel motions aimed at getting rid of excess waste within the body.
  • Nasya: As described above, Nasya therapy forms part of Panchakarma to clear nasal passages and balance Kapha.
  • Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): Swedana helps open the body’s channels, facilitating the sweat-based release of toxins. Often employed after Nasya or Vamana treatments to clear respiratory congestion.
    Under this therapy, individuals are exposed to herbal steam inhalations to induce sweating and open up their respiratory system.

Shirodhara (Oil Therapy for Head)

Shirodhara therapy involves pouring warm herbal oil continuously over one’s forehead to ease anxiety, reduce stress levels and treat allergy-related headaches, sinus congestion and respiratory conditions. Shirodhara massage utilizes sesame or brahmi oils, with this method pouring warm oil over your forehead in a rhythmic manner- soothing your senses while simultaneously relieving nasal congestion or sinus issues.

Jal Neti (Nasal Irrigation)

Jal Neti is another treatment in Ayurveda and involves rinsing the nostrils with sterile salted water to clear off the source like allergens, mucus or irritants causing the allergic rhinitis and other symptoms accompanying it. Jal neti especially cleanse pollen grains, dust and mucus out from airways that are responsible for breathing problems like asthmas, headaches and even chills.

In neti pot therapy, It involves pouring lukewarm sterile saline water through one nostril and out another to cleanse the nasal passage, unblock the blockages and provide relief from sinus headaches.

Herbal Steam Inhalation (Swedana) 

Inhaling herbal-infused steam helps clear blocked nasal passages and relieve symptoms such as congestion or difficulty breathing, providing immediate relief. Tulsi, Eucalyptus, Camphor, or Peppermint oils may all be added for maximum benefits, such as soothing nasal passages while clearing airways of congestion caused by internal or external allergies.

Rasayana Therapy (Rejuvenation)

Rasayana therapy is to combat allergic reactions and build immunity through herbal formulas such as Chyawanprash, Ashwagandha and Shatavari. Diet recommendations should also be included in this therapy regime to achieve maximum results.

Ayurvedic Tips and Remedies

Dietary Tips

• Avoid kapha aggravating foods like, Cold, heavy and oily foods, Processed and sugary foods and Excess salt and sour foods. 
• Favor Light, Warm and Spicy Foods. 
• Drink Warm Water and Herbal Teas.

Morning Routine

• Waking up earlier to start your day helps boost circulation and also prevents sluggishness which Kapha dominance may bring into the morning.
• Dry body brushing (Garshana) using a natural bristle brush prior to taking the shower can improve lymphatic circulation, lessen the retention of water and fight Kapha build-up.
• Every morning, try oil pulling by swishing sesame or coconut oil around in your mouth for 5-10 minutes – this helps remove toxins from the oral cavity while relieving congestion and throat irritation due to allergies.
• Gargle with warm salt water or turmeric water to clear the throat, reduce inflammation and avoid allergies-induced phlegm buildup. 
• use a neti pot with sterile saline water in it (Jal Neti) for nasal irrigation – clearing nasal passages by clearing away allergens like pollen while simultaneously relieving congestion.

Physical Activity and Exercise

Daily Exercising: Engaging in 30 minutes of regular physical exercise daily will help stimulate Agni and dispel ama; walking briskly, attending fitness classes (Vinyasa yoga, for instance), hiking, biking or dancing classes are recommended.

Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Establish a daily breathing exercise regime consisting of Dirgha (Three-Part Breath), Ujjayi (Ocean Sounding Breath), Bastrika (Bellows Breath) and Kapalabhati (Skull Polishing Breath).

 

At Ayurclinic, we take an integrative approach to treat allergy. Our Ayurvedic experts offer personalized treatments, remedies, lifestyle modification therapy plans and therapies tailored specifically to address the causes of any allergy and disease symptoms you are experiencing. Please be aware that information presented here should only be used as a reference; never replace professional healthcare support! For holistic wellness solutions, visit our clinic- our practitioners can provide the best Allergy Treatment in Ayurveda; Book your appointment with us now!