HOME REMEDIES FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS

An allergen is a harmless substance that causes an allergic reaction. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to a specific allergens. Pollen being  the most common allergen in seasonal allergic rhinitis. 

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

• Sneezing
• A runny or stuffy, itchy nose
• Coughing
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Frequent headaches
• Eczema-type symptoms, such as extremely dry, itchy skin, that can blister and weep.
• Hives
• Excessive fatigue

CAUSES AND TRIGGERS

When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine, which is a natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen. This chemical can cause allergic rhinitis and its symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

Common allergens other than pollens include:

• Grass pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander, which is old skin
• Cat saliva
• Mold
• Pet hair or dander
• Perfumes
• Smoke
• Hair spray and fumes
• Air fresheners

REMEDIES

• JALA NETI

Nasal irrigation is a process often used to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. Using a neti pot filled with a saline solution can help you get rid of some symptoms of chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis.

Follow these instructions during Jala neti :

1. Fill the pot with the saline solution.
2. Incline your head over the sink at a 45-degree angle.
3. Insert the spout of the pot into your top nostril. Carefully pour the saline solution down that nostril.
4. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

Carefully sanitize your neti pot after every use. Only use distilled water. Because water straight from the sink may have contaminants, like bacteria or parasites, which could worsen your symptoms.

• OIL USE TO CLEAR THE SINUSES

Eucalyptus oil  helps to open up the sinuses and get rid of mucus. Main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, cineole, helps people with acute sinusitis and rhinitis recover faster.

To alleviate upper respiratory infections, eucalyptus oil can be used externally on the temples or chest, or inhaled through a diffuser by adding the oil to boiling water.

• DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS 

Drink more fluids such as water or juice. This will help in diluting the  mucous secretions and promote drainage. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, because they can be dehydrating. Also, drinking alcohol worsens the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.

• GINGER

Ginger is a safe and highly effective ayurvedic herb. Apart from its culinary uses, it is very beneficial for our overall health. It soothes the digestive system and improves circulation. Ginger works as a natural antihistamine, potent antiviral agent, and immune booster. You can have some ginger tea to alleviate nasal congestion, sneezing and headaches. While you are sipping your tea, inhale the steam coming out of your tea cup. You can find ginger commercially in fresh and dried form. You can also have it with other herbs, such as turmeric, which is one more powerful natural healer.

• STINGING NETTLE

It is one of the most effective herbal treatments for allergic rhinitis. It is an antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial, and analgesic herb. It is capable of reducing allergy-related inflammation without producing any the side-effects. Its better to use fresh nettle, it is available in spring. Cooking the leaves will remove their stinging effects, and after cooking they can be added to your salads, soups, or stews, just like many other green leafy vegetables. It can also be used in its dried form to brew nettle tea.

• PERILLA (Perilla frutiscens)

This herb is a member of the mint family, and it can help you win the battle against allergic rhinitis symptoms. It is useful for the treatment of nasal congestion, allergic asthma, sinusitis, and eye irritation. It can also alleviate allergic-related skin conditions. Essential oils found in perilla have an antidepressant effect and boost serotonin levels in the brain. This amazing herb not only reduces inflammation in the body, but it also improves your mood and increases feeling of well-being.

• STEAM INHALATION

Steam inhalation helps to dilute and loosen the excess mucus in your nasal passages or sinuses, thus making it easier to expel and therefore easier to breath.

These actions are useful for relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, sore throat, facial pain, nasal itch, eye irritation or watery eyes, and sneezing.

DIET IN ALLERGIC RHINITIS

• Eat preferbly light food, drink lukewarm water, Kapha nashaka foods like little spicy food, saindhav salt, soups, legumes etc.
• Avoid heavy food, fermented food, congestive food, food that is too hot or too cold, non-vegetarian food, banana, sour food, yellow grams, etc.
• Avoid sweets, ice-creams, desserts and  cakes 
• Avoid yogurt and curds
• Avoid Alcohol and cold beverages

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

• Keeping two pieces of either cloves or black peppers immediately in the mouth helps during the attack
• Rubbing nilgiri oil, mint oil, or pain balm on chest helps prevent the triggering of attack
• Stay away from things that are responsible for causing irritation like smoke, dust and pollens
• Use mask while going to a public place
• Always prefer warm water baths and drink warm water
• Avoid exposure to hot sunrays
• Regular inhalation of steam relieves the symptoms of congestion
• Go for morning walk in warm weather
• Exercise regularly and practice pranayamas, specifically alternate breathing.
• Avoid residing in dark or dump places. Get out in fresh air
• Avoid daytime sleeping or immediately after dinner as it increases kapha and worsens the condition.
• Get enough rest and proper sleep