Nature is awakening, blossoming and spreading its beauty around, filling us with new energy and vitality. Unfortunately for some, it also signals a time when hayfever takes hold.
There are Ayurvedic remedies and rituals that can support those suffering from Hayfever and also build immunity in all of us. There is the science of chemistry, of physics and of Ayurveda; the science of living. This 5,000-year-old healing system that advocates we look at symptoms as opposed to modern Western cures. By going deeper into the root cause of any unease, we stop the issue in its tracks and live in good health and strength. It’s never too late to give your mind and body a physical and emotional immunity boost, so here are our survival tips for banishing those allergens.
Food
To ease hay fever symptoms, eat light, freshly cooked and easily digestible food like hot soups as well as plenty of steamed green vegetables or salads avoiding excess dairy and wheat. Add more spices like turmeric and black pepper into foods.
TIP: Try to avoid excess dairy and wheat and if you want to eat cold foods like cheese and yoghurt, stick to having them at lunchtime only.
Drinks
Drink warming, strengthening herbal infusions or a decoction made from liquorice, black pepper, basil, and ginger, taken twice daily as soon as the hay fever season starts.
TIP: Make your own herbal teas containing ginger, turmeric, cumin seeds, and cinnamon and sip 5-6 cups throughout the day.
Massage
Abhyanga and Nasya, the Ayurveda Nasal treatments are very good for Hay Fever. Medicated Ayurvedic herbal oils are administered into the nostril after an energizing facial massage and steaming to the face. This once again helps to cleanse and clear out any mucus congestion from the sinuses.
TIP: Abdominal massage will help to get rid of the accumulated toxins in the digestive tract and stimulate the inner fire.
Yoga
Yoga Nidra practice is especially designed to relieve allergy symptoms and can be used to help reduce or remove the symptoms of hay fever, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Yoga Nidra is a sleep based meditation technique, something our body understands and we already know how to do. Everyone can do it- this is what’s beautiful about it. The best part – It has been said that 45minutes of yoga Nidra is as restorative as 3 hours of sleep. You can download a free one here
TIP: Try breathing exercise.
Sit up straight in a chair
Breathe out
Hold your breath for 5 seconds (it’s best to use a clock)
Inhale through your nose as gently as you can
Exhale through your nose and hold your breath for 10 seconds
Inhale gently through your nose
Exhale for a round of 15 seconds
Inhale through your nose and start breathing as shallowly as you can for 5 minutes