Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. According to Ayurveda, hayfever is not merely an immune response but a manifestation of an underlying imbalance in the body, particularly linked to impaired digestion and accumulation of toxins (Ama).
Symptoms of Hayfever
Hayfever primarily affects the respiratory system, manifesting as:
Kapha Imbalance Symptoms:
Congestion
Excessive mucus
Itchiness
Swollen eyes
Puffy face
Heaviness
Pitta Imbalance Symptoms:
Burning eyes
Inflammation
Yellow nasal discharge
Skin problems
Headaches
Dietary Recommendations
Foods to Avoid: To manage hayfever effectively, it is crucial to avoid certain foods that can aggravate Kapha and Pitta doshas:
Meat
Dairy (cheese, yogurt, milk)
Processed foods
Excessive sour, salty, and sweet foods
Cold drinks, desserts, sweets, and yoghurts.
Fermented foods
Alcohol .
Foods to Favor: Opt for foods that support a balanced digestive fire and help reduce symptoms:
Light, lukewarm, and freshly prepared foods.
Warm cooked foods
Herbal teas (ginger, cinnamon, clove, turmeric)
Local raw honey (helps burn mucus and builds resilience to local pollen)
Include spices like turmeric and black pepper in your daily diet.
Consume hot soups and liquids to liquefy congested mucus.
Eat plenty of steamed green vegetables garnished with black pepper and basil.
Ayurvedic Remedies for hayfever
Neti Pot:
Using a Neti pot can help clear the nasal passageway from mucus, reducing congestion and improving breathing.
Nasya:
Nasya involves applying or pouring a few drops of herbal sesame oil (Anu Thailam) or ghee inside the nostrils. This nourishes the nose and helps the sinus.
Apply ghee inside your nostrils with your little finger before steeping out to keep allergens at bay.
Shata Dhauta Ghrita:
For burning eyes and inflammatory skin problems, apply Shata dhauta ghrita around the eyes or affected areas.
Essential Oils:
Diffuse eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender oils to help you breathe better. These oils can open up the nasal passages and reduce inflammation.
Face Massage:
Massage the sides of your nose in small circular motions to clear the sinuses. Doing this for a minute can make a noticeable difference in relieving congestion.
Other helpful remedies:
Ensure a sound sleep at night, sleep at 10pm.
Try steam inhalation to relieve nasal congestion and sneezing.
Use masks when exposed to irritants like dust, smoke, or pollen.
Maintain a regular physical activity such as yoga & pranayama.
Daily Herbs for Hayfever
Incorporate these everyday herbs to naturally reduce hayfever symptoms:
Long Pepper (Pippali): An immunomodulator with mucus removing properties.
Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and effective in removing congestion.
Liquorice: Soothes the lungs and throat.
Turmeric: Prevents the onset of hayfever.
Holy Basil: Rejuvenates the respiratory system and heals congestion and runny nose.
Treating the Root Cause
While the above remedies help manage hayfever symptoms, addressing the root cause is essential for long-term relief. Ayurveda recommends a comprehensive approach:
Spring Cleanse:
A seasonal cleanse helps eliminate accumulated toxins from the body, preparing it to handle allergens more effectively.
Immunity Boosting Herbs:
After cleansing, use immunity-boosting herbs to restore and maintain a healthy immune system. Herbs like Amla, Guduchi and Tulsi are beneficial.
For a personalised plan tailored to your specific needs and constitution, contact me at contact@theayurvedicmum.com.
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