WHAT IS ALLERGY?
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy depends on its cause.
Allergy is a hyperactive response of the immune system to particular substances called allergens. These allergens may be food, pollen, dust, drugs, molds, air-borne, dog, cat, mushroom, soy, gluten, etc.
Common allergic disorders include asthma, eczema, and hay fever.
Allergy Causes:
Doctors don’t know why some people experience allergies. Allergies appear to run in families and can be inherited. If you have a close family member who has allergies, you are at greater risk for developing allergies.
Although the reasons why allergies develop arent known, some substances commonly cause an allergic reaction.
Common allergy triggers include:
Air-borne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold
Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk
Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp
Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
Latex or other substances you touch can cause allergic skin reactions
Allergy Symptoms:
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Itching in
Eye
Ear
Lips
Throat
Palate - Nettle rash/Hives
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sickness
- Sinus Pain
- Sneezing
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Allergy Tests:
Blood tests-
Quantitation of total plasma IgE
Tests for specific IgEs recognizing a wide range of allergen
Skin test–
Allergy specialists perform and interpret allergy skin tests.
Allergy complications:
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Allergic fungal sinusitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Another allergy- Having one type of Allergy increases the chances of being allergic to something else
- Asthma – In many cases, asthma is triggered by exposure to an allergen in the environment (allergy-induced asthma).
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Infection of lungs
- Infections of the ears
- Sinusitis
Prevention Of Allergy:
Identify and avoid the causative allergen
Wear a medical alert bracelet —
Suppose you have ever had a severe allergic reaction. A medical alert bracelet (or necklace) lets others know that you have a severe allergy if you have an allergic response and cannot communicate.
Allergy in Ayurveda:
When there is an imbalance between tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), the immune system weak with weak Agni (Digestive fire), a weak Agni results in Ama (toxin) formation in the body. Allergies are more common in people with Ama in their system.
Therefore, Allergy is more common.
- Weak Agni (digestive fire)
- Ama accumulation (toxins)
- IIndividuals’basic body constitution.
- Imbalanced Dosha in the body (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha)
- State of the Dhatu (tissue) Agni (digestive fire) determines which tissue or organ system will be affected.
- Several allergens in the body.
- Weak immune system
Types of Allergy in Ayurveda:
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy is planned according to doshas.
So, Allergies can be of three types:
Vata related Allergy
Pitta related Allergy
Kapha related Allergy
Causes:
All Vata aggravating factors.
Such people are allergic to dry, bitter, spicy and astringent foods, raw foods, cold foods, beans, cold, dry, windy weather, excess stress, and overactivity.
Symptoms:
The nervous system, respiratory system, bones, and colon are essential Vata organs and systems; hence the symptoms are seen in these body parts.
- Bloating of the stomach
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Discomfort
- Tingling sensations in limbs
- Loss of sleep
- Twitching of muscles
- Bone aches and pains
- Intestinal colic is seen in these parts.
- Such people are also prone to constipation, anxiety, and restlessness.
Causes:
Pitta aggravating factors like spicy, sour, and salty foods, citric fruits, fermented food articles, hot weather, and extreme sunny conditions. Such people have susceptible skin and are allergic to certain fabrics, metals, synthetic materials, etc.
Symptoms:
Skin, eyes, parts of the digestive system, liver, and spleen are essential organs of Pitta Dosha.
- The symptoms seen in these parts of the body are red rashes
- Urticaria
- Allergic dermatitis
- Eczema
- Redness of the skin with itching and pustule formation
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Acidity
- Diarrhea
- Burning
- Redness of the eyes.
Causes:
Kapha aggravating factors like sweet, sour, and salty foods, including dairy foods, cheese, yogurt, milk, etc. Also, fruits like cucumber and watermelon may lead to allergic reactions. The allergies are aggravated during the cold, rainy, and cloudy seasons.
Symptoms:
Sinuses, nasal passages, and respiratory system parts are all Kapha organs.
- The symptoms include a runny nose
- Mucus accumulation
- Hay fever
- Congestive disorders
- Colds
- Coughs
- Sinusitis
- Kapha-related asthma
- Water retention
- Heaviness in abdomen
- Sleeping disorders.
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy:
Ayurveda believes in Nidana – Parivarjanam.
That means avoiding the cause of the disease. So, avoid all common allergens in everyday life.
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy comes under two categories. Instead, this is a common approach for almost all chronic diseases.
Shodhana:
Ayurvedic detoxification help to remove the root cause of the allergic reaction. It also helps to correct the imbalanced Agni, eliminate excess Dosha from the body, and helps to strengthen the immune system. This is usually done when there is no acute phase of the allergic reaction.
The five actions of detoxification known as Panchkarma are as follows –
Vomiting (Vamana): Kapha related allergies
Purgation (Virecana): Pitta related allergies
Enemas (Basti): Vata related allergies
Blood-letting (Rakta Moskhana): Blood-related and Pitta related allergies
Nasal treatments (Nasya): Kapha related allergies
Shamana:
Treatments and therapies for acute phases of allergic reactions.
Avoid all causes relating to Vata allergic reactions.
Take a Vata pacifying diet which includes mild sweet, sour, and salty tastes.
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy (Vata) includes herbs like —
- Trikatu (Trikatu is an Ayurvedic blend of equal parts of the fruits of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Long Pepper (Piper longum), and the rhizomes of Ginger (Zingiber officinale).)
- Triphala — Ayurvedic herbal Rasayana formula consisting of equal parts of three fruits, taken without seed: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
- Ashwagandha
- Guggulu
- Dashmool (ten roots) In ten sources, five roots are of the tree, and the other five are roots of shrubs. Combination of Kshudra Pancha Mool (Sarivan, Pithvan, Badi Kateri, Choti Kateri, and Gokhru) and Mahat Pancha Mool (Bilva, Agnimantha, Shyonak, Kashmari, and Patala)
- Tulsi (holy basil)
- Herbal teas containing ginger, cumin, lemon, and orange are beneficial.
- Applying hot Mahanarayan oil locally(on the affected body part) will also help. Some people also take a few drops of this oil in hot water.
- Frequent Basti (enema) administration also helps to reduce the frequency of allergic attacks.
- Commonly Dashmool enema or Mahanarayan oil enema is given.
Avoid all causes relating to Pitta allergic reactions.
Avoid spicy, salty-sour foods, and concentrate on bitter and astringent tastes like green vegetables and salads. Make sure cooked food is eaten at all times, and this is far better than raw food.
Avoid direct contact with the sun and scorching conditions.
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy (Pitta) includes herbs like–
- Shatavari
- Guduchi
- Triphala
- Brahmi
- Neem
- Manjistha
- For skin-related conditions, Neem and Manjistha are a perfect combination. Both these herbs have blood cleansing properties.
- Herbal teas with fennel, ginger, and saffron are beneficial for such conditions.
- Therapeutic purgation helps eliminate excess Pitta and heat from the body, which usually leads to allergic reactions.
- Bloodletting is also very useful.
- Sandalwood and rose are suitable for external applications.
- Tikta Ghrita is very effective
- Coriander juice
- Coconut water
Avoid all causes relating to Kapha allergic reactions.
Avoid cold, heavy, and stagnant foods like cheese, yogurt, milk, cream, etc.
Avoid cold, rainy, and wet weather.
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy (Kapha) includes herbs like–
- Trikatu,
- Pippali,
- Guggulu,
- Triphala,
- Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Therapeutic vomiting and purgation are beneficial.
- The nasal administration of oils that contain herbs like black pepper and Pippali is excellent.
- For symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and congestion, Jala Neti (nasal wash) is beneficial.
Yoga for allergies:
Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy is incomplete without Yoga.
In general, for all types of allergies—
Vata Allergy-
- Sun salutations
- Forwards bends and extension poses are good.
- Breathing exercises like Anulom -Vilom
- Proper nostril breathing (Surya Bheda)
Pitta Allergy-
- Spinal twists are good.
- Breathing exercises like Anulom -Vilom are beneficial.
- Chandra Bheda or left nostril breathing,
- Shitali Pranayama (breathing through the mouth and over the tongue)
- Shitkari Pranayama are good.
Kapha Allergy-
- Sun salutations are most beneficial.
- Extension positions are sound.
- Breathing exercises like
Kapalabhati,
Proper nostril breathing
and Ujjayi Pranayama are good.
It is strongly recommended that you consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any detoxification process to eliminate Ama or taking Ayurvedic herbs for any disease or condition. The treatment protocol may change based on a person’s body constitution and illness.
Home Remedies for Allergy:
There are many common home remedies included in Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy.
- Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Use neem oil to massage the affected areas. Neem can also be taken internally as a natural remedy for skin allergies that can heal the skin from the inside out. Take neem capsules or drink neem-tulsi juice for glowing skin.
- Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia): The herb Guduchi or giloy has a relaxing impact on nerves, improving digestion and fighting against infections.
1. Giloy juice, when had on a regular basis, can be a very effective treatment for skin allergies.
2. One can also combine giloy juice with juices of neem, amla, or aloe vera as herbal remedies for skin allergies. Make an anti-allergy mask by mixing giloy with amla and neem powders to get clear skin. - Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia): Manjistha is a cooling herb that cleanses the blood and supports healthy skin. The neem and manjistha mix can also be taken internally; take half tsp. Of the herbal blend in warm water thrice a day, after meals.
- Haridra (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents because of its clarifying solid and detoxifying effect and potent healing effect on the digestive system, liver, blood, and the skin. Haridra can be used in daily cooking for a holistic cure for skin allergies, or one can also use turmeric topically in the form of masks or oil.
- Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum): Trikatu + Basil + Cloves + Camphor + Coriander in equal quantities. Take half a teaspoon of the powder with warm water twice daily. Take steam inhalation by adding tulsi and eucalyptus leaves to hot water.
- Kumari (Aloe Barbadensis): The application of fresh aloe vera gel is a powerful cure for itchy skin. You can also add a few drops of healing essential oils like cedarwood, chamomile, geranium, rose, jasmine, or lavender to help with skin rashes and allergies.
- Sariva/Anantamool (Hemidesmus Indicus): It cleans blood problems like heat and toxins at the root of skin allergies. Take 30 gms of anantamool and boil in one liter of water till it reduces by 1/5th to prepare a decoction. Filter and drink 50 ml twice daily. Get anantamool benefits for skin with a topical treatment made by mixing the powder with milk and honey and applying to the affected area.
- Khadira (Acacia Catechu): Khair or khadira is very helpful in managing Pitta conditions like heat and toxin accumulation – common causes of skin allergies. The herb also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Boil a small piece of cutch with water and add this to your bathwater. A paste of khadira leaves can be used topically to get relief from itchy, inflamed skin.
Ayurvedic Supplements (to be taken under physician’s guidance – Consult Now)
Ayurvedic preparations for Allergy:
There are many formulations for Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy —
- Haridrakhanda
- Khadiraristha
- Arogyavardhini
- Gandhak Rasayana
- Mahamanjisthadi Kadha
- Sarivadyasava
- Panchatikta Ghrita
- Guggulu
- Kaishore Guggulu
- Triphala Juice
- Kamdudha Ras
- Talkeshwar ras
- Kushthkuthar ras
- Kayakalap vati
- Chanderprabhavati
Diet and Lifestyle changes For Allergy:
Changing diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle is a key to Ayurvedic treatment for Allergy; not only allergies rather any disease.
Diet —
- Drink lots of water as one of the top natural remedies for allergies as it helps to detox.
- Bitters foods should be taken regularly.
- Avoid an extra amount of proteins and fat.
- Avoid foods that take very much time to digest and cause Amavisha.
- Avoid the types of food which irritate your skin.
- Spicy and sour foods should be avoided.
- Make sure bowel movements are regular.
- If one is allergic to gluten, one is advised to eat a gluten-free diet. The same goes for any other food allergy or food sensitivity.
Lifestyle —
- Cleanse the skin and hair properly.
- Exercise regularly.
- Do meditation and Yoga Regularly.
- Avoid chemical-based creams and lotion.
- Keep your living quarters free of pollen and allergen. (Remove old carpets, ensure that dust doesn’t accumulate in corners, wash woolen bedding thoroughly, keep everything dry to prevent mold, etc.)