Allergies + Ayurveda

Spring is fast approaching and we couldn’t be more excited for the warm weather, flowering trees and green grass. But for many people, spring often signals the onset of seasonal allergies. Here are some tips, rooted in Ayurveda, that you can incorporate into your routine now to stop allergies in their track this spring.

USE A NETI POT

Using a neti pot for the first time can feel strange, but we promise, it’s worth it! A neti pot gently clears out the nasal passages with a saline rinse and helps remove irritating allergens that cause irritation. 

BALANCE YOUR DOSHAS

Ayurveda teaches that we feel our lives are in balance and an important aspect in achieving internal balance is through the doshas. Imbalanced doshas create an environment for allergens to take hold and wreak havoc on the sinuses. Be on the lookout for signs that your doshas may be unbalanced— especially the Kapha dosha, which is the primary culprit for springtime allergies.

BOOST DIGESTIVE FIRE

In Ayurveda, strong digestive fire (“Agni”) is key to good health. Strong digestive fire allows the body to adjust and adapt to changes in the environment, and that ability to adjust quickly is going to be important once allergens start floating around in the air. Boost your digestive fire by meditating, practice Ujjayi breathing and by eating seasonal foods (especially spicy foods!). 

AVOID DAIRY

Dairy amplifies the Kapha dosha, and like we mentioned previously, an overactive Kapha dosha can make the body more susceptible to allergies. Consider reducing the amount of dairy in your diet to help suppress your Kapha.