Ayurvedic Ingredients To Treat Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis occurs when a person's body over responds to an allergen. The person ends up with a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and watery and itchy eyes.

The allergen could be anything - a pollen, dust, mite, animal hair, smoke, tobacco or a chemical. The antibodies come and attach themselves to the mast cells in the lungs, skin and mucous membranes.

The cells produce histamine, which in turn opens the blood vessels and causes swollen membranes. When it happens in the nose, it causes sneezing and congestion.

In its attempt to expel the substance, the mucous membranes produce a sticky mucus. It prevents the entry of small particles into the nasal passage and ultimately lungs.

Obstruction of the nasal passage, a runny nose with watery secretion, itchy eyes, throat and nose, heavy sneezing, tears in the eyes and fever are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

The key factor to overcome allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen. Also, according to Ayurveda, there are certain foods that help in fighting the condition and make life easier during the period. From tulsi to pearl onions, here are some of them:

Tulsi:

The element, eugenol, is the magic substance responsible for the therapeutical use of tulsi. The herb has anti inflammatory properties and gives optimum respiratory comfort by reducing the symptoms of allergy. Make a hot cup of tulsi tea to soothe your rhinitis.

Neem:

Neem has anti bacterial and anti viral properties, making it useful for any type of allergy and the microbial infections that are bound to follow.

Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha is advisable for the general well being of the human body. It improves the immunity and helps the T-cells to identify invaders and fight them out.

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon can act as a natural nasal dilator. It eases breathing and helps in preventing over secretion of mucus. It is, however, not recommended for long term use.

Turmeric:

Turmeric is anti allergic, anti inflammatory and anti bacterial - a set of properties that can help fight rhinitis. A mixture of honey and turmeric is best for rhinitis.

Amla:

Amla is a rich source of vitamin C - an immunity booster. It is anti allergic and can prevent inflammation. It is beneficial when the disease is still in pita stage. Triphala powder, of which amla is a major constituent, can be a good bet for rhinitis.

Licorice:

It can help prevent lingering of phlegm. It has mild anti histaminic effects as well. You can add a pinch in the honey and turmeric mixture for best effects.

Ginger:

Ginger can reduce inflammation, soothe sore throat and act as a bioenhancer to improve metabolism. Studies on mice have shown that a ginger diet can reduce the infiltration of mast cells in nasal mucosa. It reduces the severity of sneezing and nasal rubbing.

Pearl Onion:

Small onion has high anti viral properties. Mix it with jaggery and leave it for some time. Watch a liquid oozing out of the mixture. Have it frequently to beat rhinitis.