Natural Remedies for Spring Allergies: Ayurvedic Approaches to Seasonal Wellness
- Belinda Baer
- 12 minutes ago
- 8 min read
Spring is a time of renewal and beauty, but for many, it also brings the discomfort of seasonal allergies.
Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure can make enjoying the outdoors a challenge.
Fortunately, Ayurveda offers powerful natural remedies for spring allergies that help balance the body and strengthen immunity, reducing allergic reactions naturally.
In this post:
Understanding Spring Allergies in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, spring is associated with the Kapha dosha, which is characterized by qualities like heaviness, dampness, and mucus accumulation.
When excess Kapha combines with allergens like pollen, it can lead to congestion, watery eyes, and respiratory discomfort.
The key to managing spring allergies associated with Kapha wetness is to balance Kapha and support Agni (digestive fire), which enhances the body’s ability to process allergens efficiently.
The key to managing spring allergies associated with Pitta dosha and heat/inflammation is to balance Pitta dosha and support Agni.
The key to managing spring allergies associated with Vata dosha and dryness/nervousness is to balance Vata dosha and support Agni.
Most of the natural remedies for spring allergies listed below help to benefit all three doshas, but some of the herbs mentioned may be more effective for one dosha.
Ayurvedic Natural Remedies for Spring Allergies
1. Nasya Therapy (Nasal Cleansing)
One of the most effective natural remedies for spring allergies in Ayurveda is Nasya, the practice of applying herbal oils to the nasal passages.
Nasya helps clear excess mucus, lubricate nasal tissues, and prevent allergens from causing irritation.
This is beneficial for all three dosha.
Anu Oil is most effective for Vata and Kapha doshas while Brahmi Ghee is most effective for Pitta and Vata doshas.
How to Use:
Apply a few drops of warm Anu taila oil or Brahmi ghee in each nostril every morning.
Inhale deeply to allow the oil to penetrate the sinuses.
Perform Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) for 5-10 minutes.
Learn more about the Benefits of Nasya Oil in this post:
2. Neti Pot for Sinus Relief
A Neti pot is an Ayurvedic tool used for saline nasal irrigation, helping to flush out allergens and prevent congestion.
This practice is excellent for clearing out mucus (Kapha-type allergies), but can be drying (Vata-type allergies) or too heating (Pitta-type allergies) for some people.
Be sure to follow this practice with Nasya Oil one hour after using the Neti pot to prevent over-drying.
Do not use a Neti pot if there are signs of infection.
How to Use:
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan salt with warm filtered water in a Neti pot.
Pour the solution through one nostril and let it drain from the other.
Repeat on the other side.
Regular use of a Neti pot can be a powerful component of natural remedies for spring allergies, reducing nasal irritation and clearing pollen buildup.
3. Herbal Teas and Remedies for Allergy Relief
Ayurveda recommends certain herbs that support respiratory health and reduce allergic inflammation.
Drinking herbal teas infused with anti-allergic properties can be one of the most soothing natural remedies for spring allergies.
Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Allergies:
Turmeric:
Acts as a natural antihistamine and immune booster (NIH) as it clears stagnation from the head (Pole, 282).
Turmeric is best for Kapha-type allergies as it dries and scrapes excess mucus and moisture from the respiratory tract.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric teabags usually include ginger or other ingredients like this Turmeric, Meadow Sweet, and Ginger tea or this Tulsi Turmeric blend.
Turmeric Honey Paste
Mix equal parts turmeric and honey to make a paste.
Lick 1 teaspoon of this mixture from a spoon and follow with hot water.
Repeat 3-4 times per day.
Turmeric Milk
The turmeric in this recipe changes the properties of the milk so that it doesn't create congestion but acts as a carrier to take the turmeric directly to the tissues.
If you are feeling a cold coming on, drink this before bedtime and wake up feeling refreshed.
Check out the recipe here:
Ginger:
Reduces inflammation (NIH) and clears nasal and chest congestion in Kapha- and Vata-type allergies (Pole, 183).
Kindles the digestive fire to help burn away excess phlegm.
Ginger, used in excess, can be aggravating for Pitta-type allergies.
This tea is a great beverage to drink in the spring to help combat allergies.
Click the image to view the recipe
Tulsi (Holy Basil):
Helps strengthen respiratory function by increasing lung capacity (Pole, 280).
Tulsi's heating quality makes it especially beneficial for Kapha- and Vata-type allergies, but it may be too heating for Pitta-type spring allergies.
Easily make Tulsi tea by pouring hot water over the loose leaves or a tea bag and steeping for 5 minutes--Organic India is one of my favorite brands of Tulsi teas.
Licorice Root:
Soothes throat irritation and dry mucous membranes while it liquifies dry, stuck mucus so it can be cleared (Pole, 220).
Clears yellow/green Pitta-type mucus caused by inflammation (Pole, 220).
Excellent for Vata-type allergies, but may be too heavy for Kapha-type allergies.
Licorice root can be purchased loose or as tea bags to be steeped or boiled (boiling will bring out more of the flavor).
4. Detoxifying Diet to Reduce Kapha Accumulation
What you eat plays a significant role in how your body handles allergens.
A Kapha-balancing diet helps reduce mucus buildup and strengthens digestion, making it one of the most effective natural remedies for spring allergies.
Foods to Favor:
Light, warm, and easily digestible foods.
Spices like black pepper, cumin, and cinnamon can help enhance digestion.
Bitter greens like kale and dandelion to cleanse the system.
Foods to Avoid:
Dairy products that increase mucus.
Cold, heavy, and oily foods.
Excess sugar and processed foods.
Learn more about Kapha Balancing Foods to enjoy to help reduce spring allergies in this post:
5. Triphala for Digestive Support
Triphala, a blend of three Ayurvedic fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), helps detoxify the body and improve gut health.
Since digestion plays a crucial role in immunity, Triphala is a key natural remedy for spring allergies.
How to Use:
Take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder (or 2 tablets) with warm water before bed.
6. Steam Inhalation with Essential Oils
Steam inhalation can open nasal passages, clear allergens, and provide immediate relief from congestion.
Adding essential oils enhances the effectiveness of steam, making it one of the effective natural remedies for spring allergies.
How to Use:
Boil water and add a drop or two of eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree (just one drop of tea tree as it is especially potent) essential oil.
Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes while covering your head with a towel.
Only use a drop or two of these essential oils as they are quite potent.
7. Practicing Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)
Controlled breathing techniques can strengthen the lungs and cleanse the nasal passages.
This is a simple but powerful natural remedy for spring allergies.
Best Pranayama Techniques for Spring Allergies:
Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing):
Clears nasal congestion and balances energy flow.
Very effective at clearing the sinuses after using Nasya oil as mentioned above.
Bhastrika (Bellows Breath):
Expels toxins and strengthens respiratory function.
This Pranayama is a bit more intense, which makes it excellent for clearing Kapha-type congestion, but may be a bit too strong for Vata-type congestion unless performed gently.
Kapalabhati (Skull-Cleansing Breath):
As its translated name applies, this breath expels mucus while supporting the flow of Prana (life-force energy).
This practice is also intense, making it excellent for Kapha-type mucus expulsion, but it may be a bit strong for Vata-type individuals unless performed gently.
Pranayama should be studied with a qualified teacher, but check out this blog post for some additional information about Yoga Breathing:
8. Oil Swishing for Detoxification
Oil swishing is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that helps remove toxins from the body, supporting a healthy immune response.
It can be a helpful addition to natural remedies for spring allergies because it reduces dryness in the throat and dry lips (CS, SU, 5/78-80).
How to Use:
Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 5-15 minutes.
Spit it out into the garbage or outside at the bottom of a plant or tree.
Swish Oil, specifically formulated for cleansing and lubricating the mouth, can be purchased from Athreya Herbs:
9. Daily Yoga to Enhance Circulation and Immunity
Certain yoga poses help improve lymphatic drainage, reduce Kapha buildup, and strengthen respiratory function, making yoga an essential part of natural remedies for spring allergies.
Try incorporating the following practices into your daily routine.
Best Yoga Poses for Allergies:
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):
Opens up the chest and sinuses.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand):
Stimulates lymphatic flow.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose):
Expands lung capacity and clears congestion.
10. Chyavanprash: Immunity-Boosting Jam
Chayvanaprash is a traditional blend of immune-boosting ingredients, including Amla.
This formulation has a special affinity for the lungs and helps ease asthma and coughs (Pole, 296).
How to Use:
In the morning, take one teaspoon and follow with warm milk or warm water, or stir the Chyavanprash into your milk.
Chyavanprash can be purchased from Athreya Herbs on their website:
11. Easing Eye Irritation
One way to ease eye irritation is to splash cool water in the eyes, especially in the morning when first starting your day.
If your eyes are goopy with allergies, misting the eyes with a good quality rose water or using a Triphala eye wash can help flush out mucus and pollen.
If your eyes are dry and irritated, massage ghee around the eyes before bed to help soothe them.
Triphala Eye Wash
Steep 1/2 teaspoon of Triphala Powder in 1/2 cup of hot water.
Allow it to cool, then strain through several layers of cheesecloth or a paper towel to remove all of the particles of herbs.
Pour some into a glass eye cup.
Tilt the head forward and place the eye cup over the eye, then tilt the head back.
Blink the eye open and closed to help the liquid wash out pollen and mucus from the eye.
Clean the cup and repeat on the other side.
Triphala Powder can be purchased from Athreya Herbs:
Lifestyle Adjustments for Allergy Prevention
Besides using specific natural remedies for spring allergies, adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle can help prevent allergies from occurring in the first place.
Wake up early (before 6 AM) to reduce Kapha dominance.
Practice dry brushing (Garshana) to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Use warm water for drinking and bathing to prevent mucus buildup.
Keep your living space clean and free from dust and allergens.
Final Thoughts
Spring allergies don’t have to take over your life.
By incorporating these Ayurvedic natural remedies for spring allergies, you can balance your body, strengthen your immunity, and enjoy the season without discomfort.
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that doesn’t just mask symptoms but addresses the root cause of allergies, helping you maintain long-term health and wellness.
Start integrating these simple, natural remedies today and experience the benefits of a Kapha-balanced, allergy-free spring!
If you know someone who may benefit from this post, please share it using the link below.
Some of the references for the post come from my favorite Ayurvedic Herb book by Sebastian Pole, Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice, available on Amazon.
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