Pollen Allergy (Pratisyaya)

क्रुद्धावातोल्बणादोषानासायांस्त्यानतांगता: l
जनयतिप्रतिश्यायंवर्धमानंक्षयप्रदम् ll

Ayurvedic Treatment of Pollen Allergy - Causes, Symptoms and More

About Pollen Allergy

Have you wondered what’s in the air when you experience symptoms of allergy like sneezing and runny nose with every changing season? Well, pollen is regarded as one of the most common triggers that initiate an allergic reaction in allergy-sensitive individuals. Pollen allergy or hay fever is also referred to as seasonal allergy or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Let’s know about Ayurvedic treatment of Pollen Allergy as well as its causes and symptoms in detail.

During spring, summer, fall, and sometimes winter, plants release small pollen grains to support the process of fertilization of other plants. The pollen originates from sources like trees, grasses, and weeds. These tiny pollen can enter the nose, eyes, and lungs and produce strong allergic reactions if you are suffering from pollen allergy.

Ayurvedic Reference of Pollen Allergy (Pratisyaya)

Types of Pollen Allergy

There are three main types of pollen allergy:

Tree Pollen Allergy,
Grass Pollen Allergy,
Weed Pollen Allergy.

Ayurveda has beautifully explained pollen allergy as during changing seasons; there is a vitiation in doshas which produces many symptoms. The symptoms of pollen allergy align with Pratisyaya mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Ayurveda has explained various treatment methods, including internal medication and external therapies for the management of pollen allergies.

Dr. Gupta, founder and CEO of IAFA, has conducted years of research in decoding different allergies and successfully formulated unique herbal combinations to treat pollen allergies effectively. Hay fever gets better in a few days by strictly following the treatment procedures and diet regimen advocated by Dr. Gupta’s IAFA.

Causes of Pollen Allergy

The main causes of pollen allergy are as follows:

Pollen Exposure: When people are exposed to pollen grains present in the air, their immune system produces an allergic response to the foreign proteins present in the pollen.

Genetic Factors: Some people are genetically predisposed to pollen allergies and have some genetic factors that make them more susceptible to seasonal allergies.

Environmental Factors: Changes in weather conditions like strong winds can result in increased pollen concentrations which increases the risk of allergic reactions.

Cross-Reactivity: People who are allergic to pollen grains may also experience increased sensitivity to some proteins in various fruits, vegetables, or nuts like peanuts.

Previous sensitization: Earlier exposure to pollen grains can sensitize the immunity and make the person even more prone to allergies in the future.

These factors may predispose to some symptoms that occur due to pollen allergies.

Symptoms of Pollen Allergy

Symptoms of Pollen allergies are as follows:

Sneezing
Post nasal drip
Itchy eyes, nose and throat
Red eyes
Watery eyes

According to Ayurveda there is a different dosha prakopa (vitiation of elemental energies named Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in different seasons. Rainy season witnesses the variations in Vata dosha and manifests symptoms such as restlessness, dry cough, dryness in eyes, headache, and sneezing. Pitta dosha is aggravated during autumn and produces symptoms like redness, burning of eyes, rashes, and headache. Kapha dosha becomes vitiated during spring season and produces symptoms like runny nose, nasal stuffing, heaviness, and watery eyes.

Also Read:- Ayurvedic Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

“Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is the number one Ayurvedic Institution for the treatment of Allergies including “Pollen Allergies.” If one follows the complete package of oral medicines and detoxification procedures then allergic conditions like “Pollen Allergy”, “Hay Fever”, or “Allergic Rhinitis” will be a thing of the past.

Visit us today and Bid Farewell to your allergy!!!

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist

CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ

Diet and Lifestyle Guidelines

Do’s (Pathya)

Ayurveda advocates a healthy regime which helps in the prevention, pollen allergy relief, and also avoidance of recurrences of pollen allergies. These practices are described below:

Include easy to digest and warm food
Food must have a sour taste along with salt to settle the aggravated doshas.
Hot, sour and spicy soup
Use of barley, wheat, pomegranate etc.
Incorporating warm water for internal and external purpose
Wearing heavy clothes like sweater in cold season
Covering head and throat during winter season

Don’ts (Apathya)

The following practices must be avoided to maintain health and wellness during seasonal allergies:

Cold and refrigerated food
Heavy and fatty food
Intake of excess quantity of water
Use of cold water for internal and external purpose
Excess bathing time
Sleeping during the day
Emotions like anger, sorrow

Yoga and Pranayama for Pollen Allergy

Yoga and breathing practices provide holistic management of pollen allergies. The specific asanas and breathing techniques elevated the respiratory function and clear air passages that provided relief from congestion and discomfort. Yoga is a potent stress-reliever that mitigates the allergic responses. Yoga also fosters enhanced mind-body awareness that allows individuals to opt for early interventions for pollen allergies. Yoga, pranayama, and meditation must be included in the comprehensive management plan of pollen allergies. Body postures or asanas such as Surya Namaskar, savasana, sarvangasana, svanasana etc. help in relaxation of mind and to rejuvenate body tissues.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Pollen Allergy

Ayurveda has provided customized management of different allergic conditions including pollen allergies by integrating internal medications and therapeutic procedures for maximum benefits. This tailored approach has rendered good results in managing allergies and their associated manifestations.

Also Read:- Seasonal Allergy – Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Internal Medicines for Pollen Allergy

The following oral medicines can give effective results in the fight against pollen allergies. It is important to note that the dose, anupaan ( like whether the medicine is to be taken with water or honey) and timing of dose depends on individual dosha balance and constitution, therefore the below-mentioned medicines are the best medicine for pollen allergy must be administered under guidance from expert ayurvedic doctor:

Haridra Khand churna
Trikatu Churna
Vyoshadi Vatakam
Talisapatradi churna
Dashamoola Kwatha
Amruthotharam Kwath
Elakanadi Kwath
Indukantham Kwatham

External Treatment Procedures for Pollen Allergy

Detoxification procedures and other external therapies are helpful in the management of pollen allergies. The following treatment procedures can be undertaken under the guidance of expert ayurvedic physicians depending on dosha vitiation and patient condition.

Vamana (Emesis)
Snehapana (Intake of medicated ghee or oil)
Swedana (Steaming)
Dhumapana (Intake of medicated smoke)
Gandusha (Holding of medicated liquids in mouth)

Single Herbs for Pollen Allergy

Following single herbs can be taken in suitable forms and with proper adjuvant:-

Shunti (Zingiber officinale)

Pippali (Piper longum)

Marich (Piper nigrum)

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

Nimba (Azadirachta indica)

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Haridra (Curcuma longa)

Ayurveda stands tall as the holistic method for managing a wide range of allergic conditions including pollen allergy. By integrating oral medicines along with detoxification procedures can boost the recovery process from various allergies such as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

References

Shloka No. 2, Nasarogavijnaneeyam, Ashtangahrudayam by Acharaya Vaghbhata, Nidanasthana.
Agnivesha. Charak Samhita, Commentary by Chakrapani Varanasi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; reprint: 2004, Ch. Chi 8/49 -50.
Sushruta Samhita, the Nibandha Sangraha commentary by Dalhanacharya and the Nyayachandrika Panjika of Sri. Gayadasacharya on Nidana Sthana, edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharaya and Narayanarama Acharya, Kavyatirtha, Chaukhamba Surabharati, Varanasi; reprint 2003. Su. Ut. 24/16 – 17.
Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, by Sahil Gupta, Seasonal Allergy Chapter No. 8, Page No. 50-54.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can Pollen Allergies Produce Skin Reactions?

Answer: Yes, pollen allergies can manifest skin reactions in the form of hives, or bump on coming in contact with pollen grains. However, it is important to remember that generally pollen allergy produce symptoms like runny nose, red and watery eyes, and others

Question: Is It Possible to Develop Pollen Allergies Later in Life?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to develop allergies later in life even if there were no symptoms earlier in their life.

Question: How Ayurveda and Natural Approaches Help in the Cure of Seasonal Allergy?

Answer: Ayurveda emphasizes various principles that restores the internal equilibrium and reduces the likelihood of getting any infections. Moreover, Ayurveda propagates an integrated system including internal medicines, detoxification therapies and other procedures to maintain doshas balance in the body and hence, helps in the management of seasonal allergies.