Allergy & Ayurvedic Management

 An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is misguided because these foreign substances are usually harmless and remain so to non allergic people.Allergy producing substances are called ‘Allergens’.

Common allergens are

• Pollen from trees, grass etc.
• Dust.
• Mold.
• Animal dander etc…

 
Common symptoms are

• Running nose.
• Watery eyes.
• Itchy nose, eyes and roof of the mouth.
• Sneezing.
• Stuffy nose.
• Hives.
• Dark circles under eyes etc…

Things which make these symptoms worse

• Aerosol sprays.
• Pollution.
• Irritating fumes.
• Cold temperature.
• Humidity.
• Wind.
• Smoke.

Allergy usually affects the skin, respiratory symptoms and the eyes more.

Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction. It starts soon after being exposed to something a person is severely allergic to. The symptoms may be swelling, itching or rashes. Some may have trouble breathing, a tight feeling in their chest or dizziness. Some feel anxious, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrohea or even lose consciousness.

Commonly found causes are severe allergy to food (like shell fish, nuts, eggs etc), medicines (like antibiotics, aspirin etc), latex or rubber (in gloves, household articles etc), insect bites (bees, wasps, saw flies, fire ants etc).

Ayurvedic considerations:

Causes include contact with

• Dust
• Wind
• Cold wind
• Rain
• Polluted water
• Insects
• Plant parts (Pollen etc)
• Consumption of food with incompatible qualities etc.

Decreased ‘Vyadhi Kshamatawam’ aggravates the conditions.

Symptoms include

• Skin rashes
• Skin itching
• Itching & redness of the nose
• Sneezing
• Frequently getting affected with cold, cough etc.
• Improper digestion, improper bowel movements etc.
• Feeling of uneasiness Etc.

Treatment includes

• First and foremost, identification of the reasons which cause allergy and avoiding them.
• If any local effects remove/treat the local causes.
• Regular bowel cleaning using Ayurvedic medicines.
• Follow proper diet habits, avoiding consumption of food with incompatible qualities (refer the chart below).
• Following the food and the activities which increase ‘Vyadhikshamatwam’ (Immunity). If required, medicines can be taken for the same.
• Judicious intake of turmeric (with buttermilk).