Alcohol Allergy
उपशेतेयदौचित्यादोकसात्म्यंतदुच्यते ||४९||
Alcohol Allergy - Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment
Alcohol allergy is an allergic reaction to alcoholic drinks. More often, it interacts with components in the body’s immune system, causing reactions to lower levels of the allergen; quicker allergic reactions; or more severe allergic reactions. Consumption of even a minimal amount of alcohol causes unpleasant reactions Even the alcohol manufacturing process can trigger reactions in some individuals. Drinking alcohol that has been aged in wooden barrels, for instance, can cause reactions in people with a tree nut sensitivity. The most common alcoholic drink, which is likely to trigger symptoms is red wine.
According to Ayurveda Science Asatmya means unwholesome and Satmya means suitability to some things, which are favorable for one’s own self. A substance can be Asatmya to an individual in the form of aahara and vihara which when consumed may cause an altered response in the body of that individual. All types of food allergies can be related to this concept so is alcohol allergy.
Dr. Gupta’s IAFA successfully addresses this condition and provides very safe and effective treatment for Alcohol Allergy.
Causes of Alcohol Allergy
An enzyme named ‘aldehyde dehydrogenase’ is required for the breakdown and absorption of alcohol. The deficiency of such an enzyme impairs alcohol breakdown and leads to the build-up of toxic substances in the body. These substances trigger the immune system, causing allergic reactions.
Some individuals are not directly allergic to alcohol, but to the components, which are used to make alcohol, such as Wheat, Rye, Barley, Yeast, Grapes, etc.
Ayurvedic Reference of Alcohol Allergy

Symptoms of Alcohol Allergy
Signs and symptoms of acute allergic reaction to alcohol:
- Flushing
- Redness of the skin, especially face
- Itching
- Itchy and warm bumps on the skin
- Low blood pressure
- Headache
- Nasal congestion or stuffed nose
- Sneezing
- Rhinitis
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Signs and symptoms of chronic allergic reactions to alcohol:
- Asthma
- Difficulty in breathing
- Severe stomach cramps
- Collapse
- Anaphylaxis
- Rapid heartbeat

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA aspires to be the destination of choice for people seeking authentic Ayurveda healthcare. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® care about all your concerns related to health”.
Quality care. Right here! Reach Dr. Gupta’s IAFA for all your worries about your health.
– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Diet Management in Alcohol Allergy
Do’s (Pathya) in Alcohol Allergy
- If you are allergic to alcohol, it is best to avoid it completely.
- Besides this, avoid food items that contain even trace amounts of alcohol. Always check the ingredient list before purchasing food items.
- Individuals with alcohol allergies must avoid beauty products and mouthwashes containing alcohol.
Don’ts (Apathya) in Alcohol Allergy
List of Foods to Avoid
- Alcohol
- Liqueur-filled chocolates and candies
- Cakes that have alcohol in them
- Meats cooked with alcohol
- Desserts made with alcohol
- Biscuits and cookies that have alcohol
- Foods flamed with alcohol
- Hot sauces
- Vanilla extract
- Wine-flavored cheese
- Wine vinegar
Yoga Therapy in Alcohol Allergy
Yogasanas and pranayama are very effective in Alcohol Allergy.
Postures include,
- Matsyasana
- Paschitmoasana
- Sarvangasana
- Pavanamukthasana
- Sirsasana
- Bhujangasana
Pranayama include,
- Kapalbhati
- Nadishodhana Pranayama
- Bhastrika Pranayama

Ayurvedic Treatment for Alcohol Allergy
Any dietary substance will become Asatmya to a person if there is improper digestive fire or Agni. Digestive fire of body (Agni) becomes weak due to ama visha (metabolic toxin) formation in the body and causes an imbalance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha are life forces) in the body. Treatment involves Shamana chikitsa (internal medicines), Shodhana chikitsa (Panchakarma therapy), lifestyle modifications, and a very strict diet regimen.
Internal Medicines for Alcohol Allergy
- Guluchyadi Kashaya
- Drakshadi Kashaya
- Hingvadi Vati
- Kutaja ghana vati
- Chitrakadi Vati
- Shivakshara Churna
- Trikatu Churna
- Dadimadi ghritham
- Guduchi satva
- Pravala panchamrita
Purificatory Therapies
- Vamana (emesis therapy)
- Virechna (purgation therapy)
- Asthapanavasti (medicated enema)
Single Herbs Used in Alcohol Allergy
- Pippali (Piper longum)
- Pippalimoola (Piper longum)
- Chavya (Piper chaba)
- Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)
- Sunthi (Zingiber officinale)
- Amlavetasa (Garcinia pedunculata)
- Maricha (Piper nigrum)
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Kutaja (Holarrhena Antidysenterica)
- Bilwa (Aegle marmelos)
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
References
- Charak Samhita Sutra Sthana, Tasyasiteeya, Chapter 6, Sloka 49.
- Charaka. Charaka Samhita. Vidhyotini commentary. Chaukhambha Bhartiya Academy, Varanasi. 1st volume, Sutrasthan 20/17.
- Dr. Ravi Dutt Tripathi. Ashtang Sangraha, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, Viman Sthan 1/10.
- Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Alcohol Allergy Chapter No. 20, Page No. 123-128.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)