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Natural Awakenings Westchester / Putnam / Dutchess New York

Natural Relief for Seasonal Allergies

Ayurvedic consultant Priyaa Balamurugen says diet, especially, can play a big part in alleviating (or worsening) the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Allergies are common in people with low immunity or, from an Ayurvedic perspective, those with an imbalance in the body, she says. “Many times, allergies can be managed through diet, lifestyle changes and panchakarma therapies to increase immunity,” she notes.

There’s an Ayurvedic term—vitiated kapha—for one of allergy season’s most notorious side effects: mucus. Managing excess kapha goes a long way toward easing allergy symptoms. Accumulated Kapha can be expelled easily with nasal therapy and pungent, bitter and astringent foods can help, Balamurugen says. “One good example is black pepper,” she says. “A simple recipe is to take a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with an ounce of warm water at bedtime. Drinking one glass of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of pure honey as the first drink in the morning also helps clear the kapha.”

Tip: “Avoid milk and milk products during spring, as they tend to produce more kapha.”

Priyaa Balamurugen is an Ayurvedic consultant at Santhigram Wellness in White Plains, NY. Santhigramwellness.com