FIGHT AGAINST ALLERGIES WITH AYURVEDA

Many people suffer from allergies every year. Researchers and doctors are still unclear on exactly why some people are affected by allergens such as dust, pollen and mold while others are not. Clean surroundings, immunizations and antibiotics prevalent now days may be responsible for many people's reactions to allergens. Other factors that may be contributing include diet, exposure to chemicals and carpeted housing. Doctors have traditionally asked sufferers to avoid the allergens causing a reaction, but this is often easier said than done. Modern treatments can create harmful side effects and reactions, worsening the situation. Scientists and researchers appear to be convinced that the ultimate solution will be to figure out ways of teaching the body to be indifferent to innocuous allergens.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE FOR ALLERGIES

In the spring, impurities inside the body are melting due to the rising temperature in the environment. The liquefied toxins clog the channels of the body. When the channels are blocked, nutrients are not delivered properly to the cells, and the body's immune system for resisting allergens becomes overwhelmed. In the spring, as flowers burst into bloom, they fill the air with pollen. So the allergens in the environment are increasing at the same time that the body's defenses are being challenged. That's the reason for the incidence of allergen reactions suddenly shooting up in the spring. For respiratory allergies, a particular sub-dosha of Kapha, called Shleshaka Kapha, is involved; it is responsible for maintaining moisture in the upper respiratory tract. As the ama (digestive impurities) in the body starts melting, it combines with Shleshaka Kapha to form a thick, sticky toxin called Shleshma, which starts to fill the respiratory tract and sinus cavities. The entire respiratory system, as a result, becomes a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to secondary issues.

Here are few Ayurvedic approaches helps to fight against allergies-

• Use Neti daily, once or twice with a weak saline solution and distilled water, to loosen up the heaviness of kapha, or earth and water energy, in the sinuses. This also helps clear out allergens that may be sticking to the mucus membranes.
• Practice Nasya: Dab a little bit of sesame oil spiked with eucalyptus or camphor in each nostril about an hour after using your Neti
• Taking trikatu, a combination of black pepper, long pepper and ginger, before meals to heat up the agni and improve digestion.
• Avoid cold, heavy foods and drinks, including dairy, wheat, meat, sugar, processed foods, leftovers, and iced beverages, as they can slow down the digestion and dampen the agni.
• Go on a kapha-reducing diet: Eat warm, light, natural, cooked foods that are easy to digest. Eat more fresh, organic vegetables and fruits. Cook the vegetables with a little bit of ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil to soothe the mucus membranes.
• Use warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne in your cooking.
• Enjoy ginger tea throughout the day, as it sparks digestive fire.
• Take triphala at night to help getting rid of the body excess toxins that can cause slow digestion. The Ayurvedic trio of amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki, derived from fruits, works to cleanse and strengthen your system.
• Develop a daily pranayama routine that includes Dirgha (Three-Part Breath), Ujjayi (Ocean-Sounding Breath), Bhastrika (Bellows Breath), and Kapalabhati (Skull-Polishing Breath).
• Exercise daily for 30 minutes or so, to help stimulate agni and eliminate ama. This can be a brisk walk, a fun fitness class, a yoga class, a hike, a bike ride, or a dance.

HOME REMEDY TO FIGHT AGAINST ALLERGIES -

Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a compound that is known to support a healthy inflammatory response. Turmeric can also help improve digestion and balance the flow of bile. Sage, red pepper, cumin and coriander are some other spices that are known to help the body to deal with allergens. Sautéing a combination of ground turmeric, cumin and coriander in ghee and using the mixture to season vegetables is a way of incorporating some of these helpful spices into your diet.

HERE ARE FEW AYURVEDIC DRUGS THAT ARE HELPFUL TO COMBAT ALLERGIES-

- Haridra khand
- Vayoshadi vatakam
- Eladi gutika
- Chayavanprasha
- Khadiradi vati