Ayurvedic Remedies For Allergy

An allergy is a disorder of the human body’s immune system. It occurs due to environmental substances called allergens. Allergy is the extreme inflammatory response of the body to excessive activation of white blood cells. The number of people getting affected with allergies keeps increasing and it is estimated that 1 in every 3 people are victims of some type of allergy. According to scientists, the incidence of allergy may be related to genes and the environment. Allergy also can be acquired through genes by birth.

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Asthma, eczema, hives, hay fever, and other food allergies are common examples of allergies. The other allergies may occur as reactions to the venom of insect bites. The substances that cause allergies are pollen, contact with mold spores, dust miles, pet dander, and the use of certain medicines.

Ayurveda and Allergy

According to Ayurvedic principles, in the ancient Indian healthcare system, disturbance in the balance of life forces (three doshas) present inside the body and outside in the universe can cause diseases. Seasonal allergies are connected to the earth which is related to Kapha. Ayurveda aims to correct the dosha aggravation through a balanced diet and some herbal medicines and preventive actions. Ayurveda treatments for allergies are more popular because of this holistic approach.

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Ayurveda attributes allergies to the accumulation of excess wastes, impurities, and toxins in the body. Improperly digested foods called Ama and impurities like chemicals get absorbed into the bloodstream and cause irritation to the immune system and allergies mostly on the skin and other tissues.  Allergens like pollen and dust aggravate the reaction of the immune system that results in allergy.

According to Ayurveda allergies are mostly related to the digestive system and the diet. The primary aim of the treatment is therefore to regulate the metabolic process and cleanse the system from toxins and impurities. Improved digestion can strengthen the body to fight against allergies.

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Types of Allergies

Allergies are found in various forms depending upon the affected tissues. When the tissues in the digestive system are affected, the allergic reaction of the body causes diarrhea. If the area of attack is the skin, then skin rashes and hives may be noticed. If the respiratory tract is affected it results in inflammation, sneezing and mucous flow.

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Prevention and Diet recommendation

Warm and freshly cooked foods are easy to digest. Avoid too much refrigeration as it makes the food indigestible.  Very hot, sour, and acidic foods cause inflammation and should be avoided.

Spices like turmeric and coriander have detoxifying properties and should be included generously in the diet. Fennel has a cooling effect and ginger is good for digestion. Black pepper can clear the channels to facilitate the absorption of nutrients.

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Ayurveda recommends that you should eat the right kind of foods that suit your body constitution. The heavy meals should be taken during lunchtime as the sun provides the heat energy ‘Agni’ that helps in the digestion of food. Light food should be taken for dinner as digestion becomes weaker after the evening. Sipping warm water helps in improving digestion and in purifying the body.

Lifestyle recommendation

Keeping awake late till night and late dinners can interfere with the natural cleansing functions of the body. It is therefore advisable to sleep early as this will improve the quality of sleep thereby rejuvenating the body and calming the mind. The overall effect is a healthy body that can fight allergies. Purifying the body before the onset of allergy season and following a healthy routine will keep allergies away. Yoga and meditation can help in maintaining a well-balanced body and mind that ensures a disease-free life.