Why do I get allergies? According to Ayurvedic medicine, not everyone is susceptible to getting the same allergies. 
Why, because everyone has different and unique mind-body constitution (find yours below). Plus allergies tend to flare up even more at certain time of the year, because increase of certain energies in the nature impacts your nature.
Allergies are body’s immune system overreacting to the foreign substances. Mental or physical imbalances both weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system loses its ability to identify the foreign substances if they are harmful or not and overreacts. Two most common allergic reactions are:
1. Skin Irritation and Inflammation Allergic Reaction
If the imbalance is in Pitta energy, typically the fire element “heat” in the body increases. This would more likely happen in the Pitta body type especially during summer. Increase in heat results in accumulation of toxins in plasma and blood. The integrity of blood and plasma is compromised and thus of the immune system. The body tries to release the excessive heat through the skin. This causes the skin irritation and inflammation like redness, rashes, blisters, or other skin allergic reactions.
2. Excessive Mucus, Congested Lungs, and Sinuses Allergic Reaction
If the imbalance is in Kapha energy, the coldness and heaviness in the body increases. This typically accumulates toxins in respiratory system. As a result the body produces excessive mucus blocking nasal passages, congesting lungs, and basically clogging all upper respiratory channels. This reaction is worse in Kapha body type (find your body type below) and even more during springtime which is Kapha period of the year.
Herbal Remedies to Manage Allergies
You have two Choices. You can either work on eliminating the symptoms or you can take a different approach. Eliminate the root of the problem by creating fewer toxins, detoxifying, and boosting your immune system. For the latter choice, take the following steps:
- For strengthening and energizing your immune system, you can take rejuvenating Ayurvedic formulas like Amrit that include herbs, such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Amla.
- For the rejuvenating formulas to work effectively you must also detoxify your body and balance your digestive fire:
a) In the case of Skin allergic reactions, which is Pitta imbalance. Strictly observe fire (Pitta) pacifying diet by avoiding hot chili peppers, salty products and highly sour products. Instead include in your recipes coconut oil, saffron, cilantro, and mint. Plus take Amla and Aloe in your regimen.
b) In the case of respiratory allergies, which are Kapha imbalance. Strictly observe light and hot (temperature and pepper) Kapha pacifying diet by avoiding dairy products, heavy fried products, and cold and uncooked products during this time. Plus take ginger, garlic, and black pepper in your regimen.
c) In both cases, take Triphala to keep your digestive system clean and free of toxins.
Your goal is to address the root of the problem and eliminate the symptoms altogether or at the very least minimize them. Be well!
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Tags: Natural Remedies
