Natural Allergies Treatment Home Remedies From Ayurveda

According to the Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America, 1 in 5 people, or an estimated 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergies.¹ We’re all pretty familiar with allergies. An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to a substance that is in fact harmless. So what can you do? In this article we describe several natural allergies treatments and allergies treatment home remedies.

We also cover allergies causes, allergies symptoms and the Ayurvedic body types or doshas, incompatible foods, allergies treatment home remedies and so much more. Keep reading. There’s a lot to learn and use here!

Allergies Causes + Ayurveda
Allergies Symptoms By Ayurvedic Body Type
Incompatible Foods
Diet + Lifestyle Tips For Natural Allergies Treatment
Allergies Treatment Home Remedies
10 Herbs For Allergies Treatment In Ayurveda
Herbal Allergies Treatment Home Remedies
Allergies Treatment With Classical Ayurvedic Formulations
Other Herbs For Allergies Treatment
Other Useful Allergies Treatment
When To See The Doctor

READ MORE: Sinus Infection (Sinusitis), Symptoms, Causes, Natural Remedies, How To Fight The Flu With Ayurveda, How To Use A Neti Pot Correctly

Allergies Causes + Ayurveda

An allergy to certain causes occurs suddenly and is predictable. The hypersensitive response comes from the natural immune system and ranges from a slightly uncomfortable feeling to a fatal anaphylaxis.

An allergy is a disorder of one’s own immune system. Although allergic reactions often occur suddenly and acutely, it is good to know how the condition gradually builds up on the basis of Ayurveda. What hereby takes place in the body, is of great importance. Any reaction of the body has a cause.² The substances in your environment that cause allergies, are referred to as allergens. Not everyone suffer, but those who are sensitive to certain allergens, have to deal with allergies.

In Ayurveda, allergic manifestation is mentioned under the concept of Saatmyaasatmya. An allergy can happen due to an inherent dosha imbalance caused by both internal and external factors.

Internally, allergies manifest due to exposure to Asaatmya ahara-vihara. This means, that which is incompatible to a particular individual. They can also result from virudha ahar (incompatible foods eaten simultaneously, ama (indigenous toxins formed due to impaired digestion) and vihar (an unhealthy lifestyle).

Externally, contact with different toxic materials or allergens can cause reactions in the form of allergies.

As a result of these causative factors, the Kapha and Pitta dosha, along with rasa which is plasma and other inter- and intra-cellular fluid systems including the lymph, and rakta (blood tissue) can become vitiated.

READ MORE: Kapha Diet: Everything You Need To Know, Pitta Diet: Everything You Need To Know

Allergies Symptoms By Ayurvedic Body Type

The allergic reaction is acute if Vata dosha also becomes vitiated due to the above mentioned factors, as in the case of allergic rhinitis, asthma and anaphylaxis. The manifestation can also include symptoms of constriction such as wheezing which is due to the narrowing of the bronchial tree or headache, as well as sneezing, ringing in the ears, a drop in blood pressure and other Vata-type discomforts.

Pitta aggravated allergies usually occur when the hot, sharp qualities of an allergen come in contact with the skin and then subsequently enter the bloodstream.

Pitta predominant allergies are therefore often skin-based reactions such as hives, rashes, itching, allergic dermatitis, eczema and may also involve bloodshot eyes. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, Pitta allergies can cause heartburn, acid indigestion, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms of allergic skin reactions are mentioned as Sheetapitta-Udarda-Kotha, marked by rashes, by the Ayurvedic scholar Madhavakara.³

Kapha type allergies are the most likely to be exacerbated during the spring season because of the onslaught of pollen-based allergens. Kapha allergy symptoms include irritation of the mucus membranes, hay fever, pruritic rashes, cough, sinus infection, cold and water retention. These type of allergies can be acute if accompanied with Vata dosha or can be a latent reaction of the body to the allergens.

Don’t know your Ayurvedic Body Type or Prakriti? Click HERE to take the FREE Quiz.

Incompatible Foods

Some foods cause an adverse or toxic reaction which is harmful to one’s health. Certain food combinations or certain ways of preparing food can also lead to negative reactions in all people. The most allergenic foods cause a reaction because they contain substances that cannot coexist well together. They clog the channels of the body and thus weaken the dosha. The following combinations of foods you should avoid.

• Milk + acidic foods.
• Milk + fruit.
• Milk + fish.
• Excessive intake of acidic foods.
• Cooking with honey or warmed honey.
• Honey with hot beverages.
• The combination of honey and alcohol.
• Yogurt and cottage cheese eaten late at night.
• The combination of hot and cold foods at the same time, like soup and salad or hot coffee with ice cream.
• Consuming cooled, cold and dry food during the winter months.
• Half-cooked or uncooked whole foods, in particular with non-vegetarian food.

Prevention is always better than cure. Prevent allergies by avoiding the above allergies causes.

READ MORE: Dates Benefits, How To Eat Dates + Amazing Date Pudding Recipe, Aviyal Recipe: Mixed Vegetables In Coconut Cream, Indian Spiced Buttermilk Recipe For Strong Digestion

Diet + Lifestyle Tips For Natural Allergies Treatment

Do’s….

• Eat at least two hours before going to bed.
• Drink warm water or herbal teas throughout the day.
• Avoid heavy foods including dairy products, fried foods, cold foods, rice, beans and legumes.
• Minimize spices, pickles and chilies in cooking. Honey, nuts and seeds can be taken in moderate amounts. Take sesame oil in your mouth as a rinse and hold for 5 to 10 minutes in your mouth (after brushing your teeth).
• Eat fresh, seasonal fruits for your daily dose of antioxidants against the damaging effects of weather, pollution and to prevent allergies.
• Always ask yourself before eating, ‘Am I hungry?’
• If you are a mother who breastfeeds, avoid an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Breastfed children that receive a vitiated breast milk can trigger a proneness to allergies. The same goes for pregnant mothers also and this may work to avoid allergies in newborns.
• Always eat fresh food and avoid food that is prepared with preservatives, dyes or other chemical additives.
• Have a short walk in the fresh air combined with breathing exercises to prevent allergies. Yoga and Pranayama strengthen the natural defense system.

Don’ts….

• Don’t exercise excessively or do physically demanding exercise.
• Don’t fast, eat excessively or eat only a certain type of food.
• Don’t expose yourself to cold wind, wet clothes and a sudden change of temperature like an air-conditioned office from the outside heat.
• Don’t eat fermented foods and take late-night heavy meals. Dinner should be light and digestible.
• Don’t sleep during the day. Daytime sleep leads to narrowing of the biokanalen causing blockages in the metabolic process.

READ MORE: 21 Sleep Inducing Healthy Foods And Beverages For Insomnia, How To Include Bitter Foods In Your Diet, How To Include Astringent Foods In Your Diet

Allergies Treatment Home Remedies

Allergies treatment home remedies keep allergens and allergy triggers at bay. There are lots of home, natural and herbal remedies for the skin, nose, eyes, and other parts of the body.

• Warm water gargling with salt helps.
• For inflamed eyes, use a mixture of lime + mallow + chamomile tea.
• Quince + Honey + Ginger show a good impact on the throat.
• Eye irritation may be reduced by washing with cold water.
• Keep yourself away from allergens.
• A hot shower is effective to ward off allergens.
• Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen, mites and dust.
• Dust mites favor humid places that may trigger an allergy.
• For a congested and inflammatory nose, using peppermint tea can help.
• A paste of sandalwood + lime juice, a best bet for affected areas of the skin.
• Carrot juice, or a combination of carrot juice with beet and cucumber juices can help.
• Squeeze half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water and sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey. This not only flushes the system of toxins but also acts as an anti-allergic agent.
• Take 5 drops of castor oil in half a cup of any fruit or vegetable juice, or have plain water on an empty stomach in the morning. Or mix one part Turmeric and two parts Amla powder. Store in a glass bottle. Take one small teaspoon twice daily with water.

READ MORE: Turmeric Benefits (Curcumin), Dosage, Side Effects, Amla: The Sour, Anti-Aging Ayurvedic Super Fruit + Amla Recipes

10 Herbs For Allergies Treatment In Ayurveda

It is not enough just to quell allergies symptoms. The long-term solution is to delve into the root cause and build up the body’s immune system to effectively withstand allergens.

According to the Ayurvedic texts, the dravya (substance) which causes vishaad (sorrow or depression) is known as Visha. Herbs which act against toxic substances are called Vishghna (anti-toxic). Ayurvedic scholar Charaka described Vishghna Mahakashaya which include ten herbs that have an anti-toxic effect.

These herbs were described for the management of different diseases caused by vish (toxins), such as allergies. They have a very good role in allergic disorders and are able to break down the pathogenesis of anurjata (allergy).

Please note that mast cells, tissue cells of the immune system, mediate inflammatory responses such as hypersensitivity and allergic reactions.

1. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Curcumin reportedly has anti-allergic effects and can inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells. These results prove curcumin useful for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases related to histamine or mast cells.⁴

2. Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia)

Extracts of Rubia cordifolia reduced anaphylactic reactions in peanut-allergic mice, suggesting potential as an allergy treatments. Antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, hemostatic, anti-lipid peroxidative activity and hypoglycemic activities were found too.⁵

3. Rasna (Pluchea Lanceolata)

A study investigating the immunosuppressive properties of Pluchea lanceolata, popularly known as Rasna, showed a plausible role in relieving the inflammatory condition. Quercetin which is an antioxidant has been identified in the air-dried leaves of Rasna. Anti-inflammatory activity and immunosuppressants were found, which is used to control severe manifestations of allergic, autoimmune and transplant-related diseases.⁶

READ MORE: The Ayurvedic Key To Managing Autoimmune Disorders, Charlene, 35, Relieved Of Neurological Autoimmune Disease Symptoms

4. Cardamom (Shookshma Elaa, Elettaria Cardamomum)

One study shows that there is anti-inflammatory activity of the oil extracted from commercial cardamom seeds. Moreover, it has analgesic and antispasmodic activity.⁷

5. Paneedi Or Trivrit (Operculina turpethum)

This plant was found to have encouraging antimicrobial, anti-hepatic, anti-nephrotoxic, anti-ulcer, antidiarrheal, anti-diabetic, cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory activities. It is due to the presence of turpethin, turpethinic acid (A–E) in high quantity. It has significant medicinal values and is safe for therapeutic remedies.⁸

6. Sandalwood (Chandan, Santalum album)

Sandalwood album oil has an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-proliferative agent. Sandalwood album oil has also shown promise in clinical trials for treatment of acne, psoriasis, eczema, common warts, and molluscum contagiosum.⁹

7. Kataka (Strychnos potatorum) 

Different extracts of S. potatorum seed have potent anti-anaphylactic activity through mast cell stabilization.¹⁰

8. Sheerish (Albizia lebbeck)

It was concluded that Sheerish has a potent mast cell stabilizing property.¹¹

9. Sindhuvara (Vitex negundo)

Extract of vitex negundo leaves shows degranulation of mast cells.¹²

10. Shlesmataka (Cordia dichotoma) 

The plant parts of Shlesmataka, such as the leaves, fruit, bark and seeds, possess anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulator and analgesic activity.¹³

READ MORE: 37 Tips To Fight Inflammation Caused By Pitta Dosha, The Best Food For Diabetics, According To Ayurveda

Herbal Allergies Treatment Home Remedies

SOME HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ALLERGES

Green Tea. Drink green tea and chamomile tea. They both contain natural antihistamines and can help balance the immune system. Green tea is packed with a powerful antioxidant. Because EGCG blocks their production, allergy symptoms are reduced.¹⁴

Butterbur. Butterbur is one of the most promising and well-researched herbal allergies treatment. Some studies suggest that a butterbur extract called petasin may work as well as antihistamine medicines.¹⁵

Birch Pollen Honey. Considering how good it tastes, having some raw honey every day to help control seasonal allergies may sound too easy to actually work well. But don’t discount this ancient remedy. According to NCBI, taking a tablespoon of local, raw honey every day will help your body build a tolerance to the local pollen that is running amuck on your sinuses. The International Archives of Allergy and Immunology published an article in 2011 which suggested pre-seasonal use of birch pollen honey for affected people with birch pollen allergies.

READ MORE: Sinus Infection (Sinusitis), Symptoms, Causes + Natural Remedies, Neti Pots For Colds, Sinus Infections + Tinnitis, How To Use A Neti Pot Correctly

Allergies Treatment With Classical Ayurvedic Formulations

• Trikatu. Trikatu is a traditional Ayurvedic formula containing three herbs: black pepper, long pepper and ginger. This combination is renowned for its ability to kindle agni, digest ama (natural toxins), support clear breathing, rejuvenate the lungs, balance mucus production, clear the mind, and support proper metabolism. This formula is traditionally mixed into raw honey to form a paste. Because it is quite heating, Trikatu is not the best choice when Pitta is especially high and may not be appropriate during pregnancy.¹⁶
• Haridrakhand. Haridrakhand is a traditional Ayurvedic formula whose main ingredient is Turmeric (Haridra). It also contains pepper, cardamom and Indian gooseberry. According to Bhaisajya Ratnavali, the main indication of Haridrakhand is itching and skin rashes or red spots. It can be helpful in all types of skin disorders characterized by the following symptoms: hives, inflammation, small and raised skin bumps, leaking fluid from the skin, itching, foul odor from the skin due to any underlying disease and swollen skin. It is used in various skin disorders like itching, worm infestation and may be helpful in skin allergies. It makes the complexion radiant.¹⁷ Haridrakhand can be used regardless of the dominance of the Dosha.
• Sitopaladi Churna. Sitopaladi churna is a popular poly-herbal Ayurvedic formulation used in allergy and respiratory diseases. One study justified the classical use of its anti-allergic claim by performing the mast cell stabilizing activity. It can be used in allergic disorders.¹⁸

Other Herbs For Allergies Treatment

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging Nettle has anti-inflammatory qualities that affect a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, preventing hay fever symptoms if taken when they first appear.¹⁹ The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in allergy treatment.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

This herb is very popular in reducing inflammation of all kinds including allergies. According to modern herbalism, Ashwagandha contains withaferin and withanolides, which are natural steroids and stabilize allergic reactions.²⁰

Peppermint Oil

Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can oftentimes immediately unclog the sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats. Peppermint acts as an expectorant and provides relief for allergies as well as colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis. It has the power to discharge phlegm and reduce inflammation — a leading cause of allergic reactions. A study published in the European Journal of Medical Research suggests that peppermint oil treatment has anti-inflammatory effects — reducing the symptoms of chronic inflammatory disorders such as allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.²¹

READ MORE: How Ashwagandha Helps Acne, Research Proves Ashwagandha Highly Effective For Arthritis, 21 Ways To Take Ashwagandha (Ashwagandha Remedies + Recipes)

Other Useful Allergies Treatment

Apart from the above mentioned herbs, some other things also can be useful.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial “good bacteria” that live inside your GI tract and help defend against infections, viruses, allergies and more. They are so effective that a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics discovered that women who regularly take probiotics during pregnancy significantly reduce their child’s risk of developing allergies.²²

Quercetin

A recent study found evidence that quercetin is effective at reducing allergies because it helps calm down hyperactivity of the airways. It is so powerful that Iranian researchers have proven that quercetin can help control peanut allergies, the leading cause of life-threatening or fatal allergy attacks. Various sources suggest that it is best to use quercetin as a long-term remedy.

When To See The Doctor

People often deal with their allergy symptoms for years without seeking treatment. Many symptoms are manageable with antihistamines and decongestants, especially for those who only experience symptoms seasonally. However, for some, symptoms either become severe enough or last long enough that they disrupt the ability to live a normal life. In those cases, you should consider seeking treatment.

You should especially seek medical attention if over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief. Use the above herbs under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

READ MORE: Kapha Diet: Everything You Need To Know, Honey Ginger Remedy For Weight Loss, Immunity, Worms + More, Turmeric Benefits (Curcumin), Dosage, Side Effects + More

References
1. “Allergies.” ACAAI Public Website, 10 Jan. 2017, acaai.org/allergies.
2. R.K. Sharma, Charak Samhita, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, Sutrasthan 26/81, pg-481.
3. K.R. Shrikanta Murthy, Madhavanidana, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, Chapter-50, pg-165.
4. Nugroho, Agung Endro, and Zullies Ikawati. “Effects of Benzylidenecyclopentanone Analogues of Curcumin on Histamine Release from Mast Cells.” ResearchGate.net, ResearchGate 2018, June 2009, www.researchgate.net/publication/24406803_Effects_of_Benzylidenecyclopentanone_Analogues_of_Curcumin_on_Histamine_Release_from_Mast_Cells.
5. Chitra V*., Pavan Kumar K., Neuroprotective Studies of Rubia cordifolia Linn. on β-amyloid Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice, International Journal of PharmTech Research, Vol.1, No.4, Oct-Dec 2009, pp 1000-1009.
6. Paul. “Immunosuppressants – Clinical Applications | Australian Prescriber.” NPS MedicineWise, 1 Aug. 2006, www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/immunosuppressants-clinical-applications.
7. al-Zuhair, H, et al. “Pharmacological Studies of Cardamom Oil in Animals.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8981560.
8. Gupta, Shweta, and Akash Ved. Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628523/.
9. Moy, Ronald L., and Corey Levenson. “Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749697/.
10. Patil, Umesh Jayantarao, et al. “Antianaphylactic and Mast Cell Stabilization Activity of Strychnos Potatorum Linn. Seed.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193623/.
11. Venkatesh, P, et al. “Anti-Allergic Activity of Standardized Extract of Albizia Lebbeck with Reference to Catechin as a Phytomarker.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20109037.
12. Nair, A.M., and M.N. Saref. “Studies on the Mast Cell Stabilizing Activity of Vitex Negundo Linn.” ResearchGate.net, ResearchGate 2018, Jan. 1995, www.researchgate.net/publication/285723771_Studies_on_the_mast_cell_stabilizing_activity_of_Vitex_negundo_Linn.
13. Jamkhande, Prasad G., et al. “Plant Profile, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Cordia Dichotoma (Indian Cherry): A Review.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3805104/.
14. Maeda-Yamamoto, M. “Human Clinical Studies of Tea Polyphenols in Allergy or Life Style-Related Diseases.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23448449.
15. Sahelian, MD, Ray. “Butterbur Extract Supplement Benefit, Allergy, Asthma, and Migraine Headache.” RaySahelian.com, Ray Sahelian, 1 Feb. 2017, www.raysahelian.com/butterbur.html.
16. Laxmipati Sastri, Yogaratnakara, Chaukhamba Prakashan,Varanasi, Purvardhagata, pg-113.
17. Sidhinandan Mishra, Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Udardshitpittakothadhikar, 55/13-22.
18. Makhija, Inder K., et al. “Mast Cell Stabilization Potential of Sitopaladi Churna: An Ayurvedic Formulation.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807997/.
19. Roschek, J r, et al. “Nettle Extract (Urtica Dioica) Affects Key Receptors and Enzymes Associated with Allergic Rhinitis.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19140159.
20. http://anaturalhealingcenter.com/documents/Thorne/articles/Ashwagandha.pdf
21. Juergens, U R, et al. “The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of L-Menthol Compared to Mint Oil in Human Monocytes in Vitro: a Novel Perspective for Its Therapeutic Use in Inflammatory Diseases.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Dec. 1998, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9889172.
22. Elazab, N, et al. “Probiotic Administration in Early Life, Atopy, and Asthma: a Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23958764.
23. Shishehbor, F, et al. “Quercetin Effectively Quells Peanut-Induced Anaphylactic Reactions in the Peanut Sensitized Rats.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20548131.