A Comprehensive Guide to Fight Seasonal Allergy in Monsoon

The monsoons have arrived. An unwelcome guest comes along as we bid goodbye to the sweaty, hot summers and open our arms to the roaring monsoon. Seasonal allergy, colds, coughs, and skin issues crop up in monsoons because of the increased humidity and cold temperature. The sudden change in temperature causes many to fall sick - stuffy nose, itchy skin, allergic conjunctivitis, and so on. Is there a way to maintain good health during the monsoon season? What measures can be taken internally and externally to prevent illnesses? This article will explore how Ayurveda can help us understand appropriate lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and home remedies to ensure a healthy monsoon experience.

Varsha Ritu in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the year is divided into six seasons, or ritus, from Sisira (late winter) to Hemanta (early winter). The monsoon season, known as Varsha Ritu, occurs from mid-July to mid-September. It falls under the Dakshinayana or Visarga Kala when the sun moves southward. Varsha, Sarat (autumn), and Hemanta are the seasons associated with this period. During the monsoon season, the body gradually gains strength as it transitions from rain to winter. In terms of Ayurveda, the predominant taste (rasa) and elements (mahabhuta) during the monsoons are sour (amla), earth (prithvi), and fire (agni), respectively. The strength (bala) of the body decreases. Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, and Pitta dosha accumulates. The metabolism (agni) of the body slows down during this time. As the Agni decreases, it accumulates Ama, or metabolic toxins that pervade the whole body, further reducing your internal strength. Maintaining your health by following an appropriate seasonal regimen, as mentioned in Ayurveda, is essential to maintain a good metabolism and staying healthy.

Understanding Seasonal Allergy During Monsoon and their Causes

Monsoon brings about numerous health issues. Let us look at the typical monsoon seasonal allergies and ways to deal with them.

Respiratory Allergies

It is well known that rains help settle down dust and pollen, but the moisture in the air and reduced exposure to the sun trigger many respiratory allergies. Avoid drinking cold water; drink lukewarm water boiled using tulsi and other warming herbs. Consume freshly prepared, light, and nourishing foods like soups and khichdi. Avoid curd and other fermented foods. Improve your immunity with Ayurvedic kadhas. Maintain good personal hygiene and change your bedding once every week.

Allergic rhinitis is another respiratory disease characterized by nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching. Consume black pepper, ginger, and honey to relieve these symptoms.

Skin allergies, Eczema

Because of the increased humidity in the atmosphere, skin becomes susceptible to skin rash and allergies. Excessive sweating may lead to fungal infections causing itching and redness. Coming in contact with contaminated water may lead to scabies caused by parasitic mites. The allergy to these mites leads to intense itching and rash. Avoid close contact with dirty water and with an infected person. The sudden shift in temperature can exacerbate eczema. The skin can become blistered and itchy. Wear light and comfortable clothes and massage your body with coconut oil heated with a pinch of turmeric. You may even use Kerala Ayurveda Nalpamaradi keram, a face and body oil, to reduce tanning. However, due to the presence of turmeric, it also relieves the discomfort of eczema.

nalpamaradi Keram (Oil)

Face and Body Oil to Clear Tan & Sun Damage

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Insect bite allergies

During monsoons, insect and mosquito bites may lead to exaggerated symptoms characterized by itching and redness. Apply a paste of fresh turmeric, and tulsi leaves to relieve itching. Use natural mosquito repellents like citronella oil. You can also fumigate your house with herbs like Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), and Chandana (Santalum alba), etc., that have insect-repellent properties.

Ayurvedic Remedy for Allergy Symptoms

• Regarding respiratory allergies, including nasya in your daily regime is best. Nasya is instilling herbal oils, decoctions, or powders to clear your nasal passages. Nasya with Kerala Ayurveda Anu thailam, an ancient ayurvedic oil, helps lubricate the nasal passages and clean out excess mucus from the sinuses, reducing the frequency of allergies. Avoid doing nasya when you have a fever or blocked nose.
• Heat two tablespoons of ajwain and kalonji to relieve chest congestion and tie them into a potali; apply this warm mixture over the chest and sinus to alleviate congestion. Applying Karpooradi Thailam on the chest, followed by steam inhalation, can help clear your nasal passage.

• To help prevent respiratory allergies, regularly consume haldi milk at night. Add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper powder into a glass of warm milk and drink.
• Consume citrus fruits like amla that can help regulate your immune response. Mix honey with ginger in a teaspoon of fresh amla juice to regulate allergies.
• Insect bites might lead to severe skin allergies, causing itching and swelling. Apply a paste of neem leaves, tulsi, and fresh turmeric to relieve these symptoms.
• Consume food rich in omega-3 fatty acids like nuts and flaxseed.
• To combat allergic rhinitis, applying kalonji oil is beneficial. It relieves congestion and reduces sneezing.
• Drinking herbal tea can help keep monsoon allergies at bay. You can make a herbal tea by boiling tulsi leaves, a few coriander seeds, a teaspoon of jeera, ginger, and black pepper in water, along with jaggery.

Kerala Ayurveda Products for Allergy Symptoms

• Kerala Ayurveda Histantin is ayurvedic medicine for allergy that uses natural ingredients like Gooseberry or Amla, Turmeric or Haridra, Giloy or Guduchi, Bamboo silica or Vamshalochanam, and Green chiretta or Bhunimba and provides faster relief in allergy symptoms like running nose (rhinitis), watery eyes, itchy skin, or hives. It is a quick and effective remedy for allergies caused because of seasonal fluctuations and skin irritants.
• In case of severe itching and swelling due to insect bites, applying the paste of Vilwadi pills is extremely useful.
• Kerala Ayurveda Imugest is a herbal tablet with ingredients such as Haridra, Aswagandha, and Guduchi, renowned for their natural immunomodulatory properties. These tablets help maintain a healthy immune response to allergens.

Imugest Tablet

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• Winsoria oil relieves itching and redness associated with eczema and other common skin infections during monsoons. This oil can even be applied on an itchy, scaly scalp. Winsoria oil should only be applied to the affected part. For application on the whole body and face, use Nalpamaradi keram. This oil reduces sun tan and pigmentation. But it also has anti-bacterial effects, as it is fortified with Nalpamara, turmeric, and other beneficial herbs. It thus helps prevent skin allergies. Take bath in water boiled with neem leaves to prevent skin issues in

Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices for Seasonal Allergy Management during Monsoon

• Diet modifications
  • Consume sour, salty, and nourishing foods to balance Vata. Consume aged rice, barley, soups, and honey in limited quantities.
  • Avoid curd; drink only the whey after mixing it with black salt and pepper.
  • Avoid tea and coffee. Instead, consume ginger or tulsi tea. You can also add warm spices like cloves, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink warm, boiled water. Soup of pulses, especially green gram, in the company of old wine is advised for those who have a good digestive fire.
• Avoid day sleep. Do gentle exercise. You can also practice yoga and meditation to help relieve stress, which may increase symptoms of allergies.
• Massage your body with Ayurvedic oils to keep your skin healthy.
• Avoid walking barefoot. Keep your feet clean and dry to avoid fungal infections during the monsoon season. Trim your nails.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to treating allergies and seasonal health issues during monsoons. Understanding these principles helps us to take appropriate steps to maintain our overall well-being throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

1. To stay healthy in monsoons, drink lukewarm water boiled with warming herbs, consume light and nourishing foods, and improve immunity with Ayurvedic kadhas. Use black pepper, ginger, and honey to relieve nasal congestion and sneezing.
2. Wear light and comfortable clothes, massage your body with coconut oil heated with turmeric, and use Nalpamaradi keram to reduce tanning and discomfort of eczema in monsoons.
3. To relieve insect bite allergies, apply fresh turmeric and tulsi leaves, and apply natural mosquito repellents like citronella oil. Fumigate your house with insect-repellent herbs.
4. Practice nasya (nasal instillation) with Anu thailam to clear nasal passages. Use ajwain and kalonji poultice for chest congestion, and consume haldi milk at night. Consider Histantin for faster relief from allergy symptoms and Imugest for immune support.
5. Consume sour, salty, and nourishing foods; avoid curd and tea/coffee, and practice gentle exercise, yoga, and meditation. Massage your body with Nalpamaradi keram, keep your feet clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot to prevent fungal infections.