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Hayfever

Hayfever is a pain in the nose! When airborne pollens, dust or chemical irritants overload the system then the immune system goes on the offensive and tries to protect the delicate mucus membranes by releasing lots of IgE antibodies. These protective cells bind with white blood cells and this causes the release of histamine. Although it stops invasion of the offending airborne critter it also causes the release of the associated hayfever and allergy symptoms:

Typical Symptoms: 

Alternate blocking and clearing of nasal passage

Symptoms appear and disappear suddenly

Nasal discharge may be thin and watery or thick and heavy

Heavy head

Itchy eyes, nose and throat

Frequent sneezing

Difficulty breathing due to congestion of nasal passages

Weakness and fatigue

Ayurvedic Viewpoint:

Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India. It uses natural remedies to give optimum health.

An allergy is the result of how ‘tolerant’ we are to a certain substance. If our personal threshold is overstepped then the flood-gates are forced open. Ayurveda perceives this function of tolerance as the responsibility of digestion; how much of what can we digest?

If our digestion becomes impaired we cannot metabolise and ‘digest’ what we are putting in or what is coming into us. This can create a toxic overload that coats our mucus membranes and obstructs the free flow of air.

A very good strategy for treating allergies is to strengthen digestion by avoiding sticky and congesting foods such as dairy products, refined sugar and sometimes wheat.

Treatment:

There are some very effective natural treatments for hayfever. Here are some of the recommendations that Ayurveda makes:

Organic Trikatu capsules or liquid extract. This is a spicy blend of ginger, black pepper and long pepper. It helps to regulate digestion, clear congestion and excess mucus while increasing circulation. Having a natural affinity for the lungs it is a superb remedy for hay fever and allergic rhinnitis as an immediate way of drying up nasal secretions

For very acute conditions, combine with Organic Peppermint & Pippali Formula which reduces allergies, stops sneezing, itching and mucus production due to its anti-histamine like function.

Nasya Nasal Oil is useful for clearing toxins and congestion from the head. Apply 2 drops to each nostril 2 times/day.

Organic Rosewater eye drops: Use the drops to cool irritation and stop itching.

Organic Aloe vera juice is a natural way of cleansing your liver and helping to reduce allergic response from the immune system. Organic Aloe Vera does not contain sodium benzoate that is so often a causative factor in allergies.

Organic Refresh tea: A delicious blend of herbs including peppermint that is renowned for benefiting hayfever and congested nasal passages.

Some Ayurvedic dietary suggestions:

For 3-5 days drink plenty of hot water with grated fresh ginger or honey, this will help to digest toxins and regulate digestion.

Favour foods that are warm and nourishing but easy to digest such as soups, grains and leafy green vegetables. 

Avoid substances which are mucus producing such as dairy products and sugar.

Avoid cold foods such as salads and iced water. These reduce digestive capacity and can create stagnation.