Ayurveda recognizes 2 types of allergies -– one that are caused by genetic predisposition (which means an individual is born with it). It can be a sensitivity to allergens in the enviornment or it can be an allergy to a specific food. For anyone suffering from allergies from birth, the best approach would be to consult a legitimate Ayurvedic practitioner who will conduct an extensive exam and, based on the results, suggest possible treatments and lifestyle changes that will have to be implemented on the road to recovery. It is not recommended to try treating yourself or your loved ones without a consultation or examination.

The other type of allergy that Ayurveda recognizes is the seasonal allergy. Runny nose, sneezing and sniffling, itchy eyes, congestion and a pile of Kleenex — bigger then Mount Everest –- all of these are symptoms you might be suffering from seasonal allergies.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Allergies and Allergy Symptoms

Unlike other traditional practices Ayurveda considers pollen and dust secondary causes of allergies, as a great number of people are exposed to them daily and still do not have an allergic reaction. According to Ayurveda, seasonal allergies are caused by ama in the body (when food is not properly digested this incompletely digested food stays in the body and it is called ama). Ama is considered toxic in Ayurveda. It travels through the circulatory system and it can get stuck in different parts of the body and body tissue. That in turn activates the immune system that goes into overdrive. In springtime that is a period rife with environmental allergens it does not take much for the immune system to react and cause an allergic attack.

What can be done so you can enjoy nature again?

• Even before the period of seasonal allergies starts you might want to consider purifying and detoxifying your body through any type of cleansing process which can be either done at home or in an Ayurveda treatment center. If you decide to do it at home it would be wise to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before you undertake it.
• Since the main cause of seasonal allergies is ama, it is necessary to change the diet habits. Ayurveda suggests having the heaviest meal of the day during lunchtime and having the lightest possible meal in the evening. The logic behind is that our digestion is at its best during the height of the day. In the evenings meals should be light, as heavy food can result in even more blockage.
• Food that should be avoided is anything heavy - especially dairy products, nuts or meat. Another thing that might help with easing the symptoms of allergies is to avoid sour and acidic foods as these foods can aggravate the inflammation further.
• Exercise in the mornings and stick to a routine in life as it will make the immune system more stable and less prone to reactions.
• Go to sleep at 10pm. This is optimal time for quality sleep, but also this is the time body goes through a natural rejuvenation cycle. If you go to bed later detoxifying process will be compromised and you will not be getting rid of the toxins that cause the allergies in the first place.
• Leftovers and cold food should be avoided because both of these are more difficult to digest.
• Spices that can help are tumeric (it has a balancing effect on the immune system and is anti-allergenic), ginger (clears up ama), fenell (for balance) and coriander (for detoxifying purposes).
• Yoga practices and meditation should not be ignored if you suffer from allergies as they have balancing effects on both mind and the body.

Other Information

Ayurveda also distinguishes three types of allergies, identified according to the doshas, and each has its own remedy.

• Kapha allergies are associated with congestion and Ayurvedic remedy would include following a recommended liquid diet one day a week and drinking warm water with a half a teaspoon of licorice.
• Vata allergies have a symptom of excessive dryness and it can be helped by having ginger tea during the day.
• Pitta allergies have a symptom of inflammation of sinuses it can be helped by a cup of warm milk mixed with a half-teaspoon of tumeric powder.