Try This Ayurvedic Approach to Relieve Allergies Year-Round

Runny nose, sneezing, burning cough, itchy eyes . . . allergy seasons are the worst! Allergic reactions are an immune response which means during these high flyin’ pollen times your immune system is on major overload.
 
By amping up your immunity during allergy season, you can help reduce allergy symptoms without taking those dreaded allergy pills that don’t prevent or cure, but rather temporarily mask symptoms.
 
If you’re sick of taking allergy pills every year and are in search for alternative ways to alleviate allergies, Ayurveda can help! Did you know there’s a natural allergy treatment in Ayurveda based on your dosha (or mind-body type)?
 
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian health and wellness system. With simple, holistic methods that are tried and true over the centuries, it’s certainly a worthwhile alternative to over-the-counter drugs.
 
As the author of Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda, I’ve dedicated my life to making this health system easy to understand so you can benefit from its ancient wisdom in modern times.
 
New to Ayurveda? Pause here and check out this Introduction to Ayurveda: Everything You Need to Know
 
 

Ayurveda and Allergies

So how can Ayurveda help with allergies?
 
Ayurveda is an ancient healing system designed to balance your unique dosha, or mind-body type for optimal health and vitality. There are three main mind-body types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
 
Ayurveda teaches us which foods are best for each body type. Since there are many immunity boosting foods, herbs, and spices, it’s important to know which ones will most benefit each body type during each allergy season.
 
Curious what mind-body (dosha) type you are? Learn more before you read on! What Are the Doshas? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
 
 

Allergy Treatments In Ayurveda By Season and Mind-Body Type

There are different seasons for allergies, namely late winter/early spring and also late summer/early fall. Reference which season you’re currently in, and then read about the best Ayurvedic remedies for your dosha (mind-body type)
 

Late Winter and Early Spring

1. Vata

During this time of year, vata is alleviated, but it doesn’t mean the allergies are! Certain potent antioxidants, vitamin rich foods and herbal teas specific to vata will help boost the immunity through this pesky allergy season.
 
Oranges are a top pick because they are packed with vitamin C. Apricots are filled with antioxidants and make another great choice.
 
Add an extra kick by adding fenugreek seeds either to cooked foods. You can also soak them in hot water, strain and then drink. Tulsi tea is a great addition as it deeply nourishes and boosts the immune system as well.
 

2. Pitta

As winter breaks into spring, things are heating up and so is pitta! This is a time when purifying the body is very important. Pitta types will often need toxins purified from the blood this time of year, so it’s important to add a few natural blood cleansers to combat this allergy season.
 
Cilantro and leafy greens are excellent blood purifiers since they alkalinize the acidic pitta body type into a state where organs and immune function are in optimal working shape.
 
Take the alkalinity to the next level by mixing some spirulina into any smoothie or drink to give it an extra immunity boost of vitamins and minerals. Sip on some echinacea tea, and allergies don’t stand a chance!
 

3. Kapha

Kapha types can find themselves in the worst shape during this time when the climate is damp and fluctuating between warm and cool. Ayurveda calls it “kapha aggravation season.” Kapha really doesn’t want to play around, so we will dive straight into all the immunity-increasing foods.
 
Fresh ginger and fresh garlic fire up and strengthen all metabolic functions, so they are sure to kickstart any sluggish immune responses inhibiting kapha. Parsley will also help purify and refresh the system.
 
Add a side of ginseng tea to your day and you’ll be the energizer bunny bouncing through this kapha allergy season!
 
 

Late Summer and Early Fall

1. Vata

Late summer into early fall is when the season of alleviation now enters aggravation. Fall time is not in vata’s favor as cooler temps come in and the wind starts to kick up. It’s critical to take extra proactive steps to make sure the immune system is supported.
 
Use some fresh basil to help purify the body and also bring a sense of calm and nourishment to vata’s nervous system. Go for the acai berry as it’s known for its potently powerful levels of antioxidants and vitamin C.
 
Taking an oregano oil supplement will bolster immunity and digestion. Serve it up with an extra hot cup of grounding chicory root tea, and you’ll stay warm and cozy all season long!
 

2. Pitta

Things have been hot and are finally starting to cool down to help pitta catch a break. Help move things along and some cool pitta with anti-inflammatory, immunity strengthening foods.
 
Blueberries and lime are of the season and a great watery source to cool down pitta while bringing much needed antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
 
To keep bringing down the inflammation, use the powerful turmeric root – you can add it to foods or take it in supplement form. And for extra fall warming and immunity boosting, enjoy a hot cup of dandelion tea.
 

3. Kapha

Enjoying some fall eats is just what kapha needs since the weather this season is more conducive to kapha body types.
 
Grapefruit and cranberries are both excellent choices for kapha as they are astringent and bring a powerful punch of antioxidants and vitamin C. Elderberry extract is a great way to take immune response to the next level because it helps clear up sinus issues and so much more.
 
Add it’s counterpart, elderberry flower tea to warm up the fall season and you’ll wonder why allergy season was ever a problem in the first place!
 

Treating Allergies With Ayurveda – The Takeaway

Let allergies melt away with the spring sun and blow out by the autumn breeze as you stay uplifted and supercharged all year round by honoring your Ayurvedic body type and your immune system.
 
Toss those allergy pills and never fear allergy season again!
 

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