Anaphylaxis (Virudham)
यत्किञ्चित्दोषमुत्क्लेश्यनहरेत्तत्समासत: l
विरुद्धं ……………………………………………………….l l
Anaphylaxis - Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment
Anaphylaxis is the sudden and sometimes lethal, hypersensitivity reaction of our body to some specific allergen. Common allergens that cause anaphylaxis are some venom, bee sting, food items like peanut, prawns, milk, some medications etc. Ayurveda explains about a similar condition under the concept of Virudha (Incompatibility). Acharyaslke Vagbhata, Charaka and Susruta have detailed about Virudha, its pathogenesis, symptoms, complications and treatment. This ensures the clinical application of Ayurvedic medicines and regimens in the prevention and management of various illnesses caused by Virudhaahara and vihara. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has managed plenty of Anaphylaxis cases with a high success rate.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Symptoms usually develop immediately after exposure to allergen. They are
- Skin reactions like rashes and itching
- Lowered blood pressure
- Constriction of airways
- Swollen tongue
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Shock
Shock is the life-threatening stage in Anaphylaxis. When the body produces a large number of chemicals as an overresponse to allergens, the blood pressure lowers, causing narrowing of airways and difficulty in breathing. This is a very dangerous situation and should be managed under emergency care.
Ayurvedic Reference of Anaphylaxis

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Acute symptoms caused by Virudha include visphota (Skin eruptions), murcha (Fainting), kushta (Skin diseases), mada (intoxication), grahani (Dysentery) and even death.
Ayurveda also explains some chronic symptoms or complications caused by the practice of incompatibility. They are impotency, vision problems, ascites, fistula, anemia, fetal abnormalities, etc. When a person is exposed to any unusual environment or food item and if he/she experiences the following symptoms, the chance of Anaphylaxis can be suspected.
- Mental confusion
- Weakness
- Swelling of throat
- Abnormal heart rate
- Facial swelling
- Low blood pressure and
- Troubled breathing

“Ayurveda has proven solutions for managing Anaphylaxis through natural and side-effect free measures. Dr. Gupta’s Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is the perfect destination for Ayurvedic management of Anaphylaxis as well as any sort of allergies”.
Visit us now and feel the difference!!!
– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Diet in Anaphylaxis
Avoiding processed food items, fermented milk products, and packed food are suggestive in case of Anaphylaxis.
Do’s (Pathya)
- Boiled and cooled water
- Vegetable soup
- Adequate sleep (Average 7 hours)
Don’ts (Apathya)
- Exposure to wind, dust, smoke and other allergens etc.
- Sleep during day
- Packed and processed food
- Sea food
Yoga in Anaphylaxis
Pranayama and other yogic postures like shavasana as well as pavanamuktasana can help a lot in maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.

Ayurvedic Management of Anaphylaxis
The prime aim is to avoid exposure to the known allergens that may cause Anaphylaxis. Ayurvedic medicines play a vital role in preventing the recurrence of Anaphylaxis and reducing the intensity of symptoms. Ayurveda advocates both shodana (purification therapy) and shamana (pacifying medicines) therapy along with rasayan chikitsa (rejuvenating therapy) in the management of anaphylactic conditions.
Following internal medicines can be taken according to the condition of the patient.
- Guduchyadi kashaya
- Patoladi kashaya
- Amritarajanyadi kashaya
- Vilwadi gulika etc.
- Chyavanaprasha
- Dasamoola haritaki lehya
- Patoladi ghrita
- Tiktaka ghrita etc. also helps in strengthening the immune system.
Purification therapies like virechana (purgation) and vamana (emesis) with appropriate medicines will give remarkable effects in preventing its recurrence.
Along with medicines, Ayurveda advises practice of exercise, light and compatible food, enough mental and physical strength etc. to build up our immunity.
References
- Shloka No. 45-46, Annarakshavidhi Adhyayam, Ashtanga Hrudyam, Indian Materia Medica of Vagbhata, Sutrasthana.
- Prasad Mamidi, Kshama Gupta (2016). Ayurvedic management of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: A case report. J Pharm Sci Innov 5 (4): 141-143.
- Sharma PV, Ashtang Samgraha of Vagbhata Uttara Sthana Vol. III, 2013, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Chapter 2, Sloka 17, p. 20.
- Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Allergic Bronchitis Chapter No. 1, Page No. 13-16.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)