A few changes in the paragraph for coherency “Every season introduces changes in weather and temperature, along with a range of seasonal allergies. One common reaction to these allergies is rhinitis, which is characterized by symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
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These symptoms result from the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses. Individuals with a sensitive immune system are more likely to experience allergic reactions and exhibit specific symptoms.
Additionally, some allergies are not tied to a specific season and can be triggered at random times. Let’s explore the differences between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis and look into the available remedies to relieve a runny nose.
Difference Between Allergic And Non-Allergic Rhinitis
A few changes for coherency – “Allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. In contrast, non-allergic rhinitis is caused by environmental factors like changing weather, cigarette smoke, strong odors, and fluctuations in air pressure, which are unrelated to allergies.
Both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and nasal itching. However, the quickest way to tell them apart is that allergic rhinitis gets triggered in the presence of an allergen. Allergic rhinitis involves the immune system reacting to allergens.
Over-the-counter medicines are available to treat allergic rhinitis. But when you want a permanent solution, you should know that the remedy is right by your side.
This blog will discuss allergic rhinitis and home remedies to alleviate its symptoms. A vast number of individuals are affected by a runny nose caused by allergies. If you are one of them, here you will find ten natural home remedies to relieve a runny nose from allergies.
Causes Of A Runny Nose: As Per Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, a runny nose due to allergies is linked with a condition called Vataja Pratishyaya, which shares symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis in modern medicine.
The runny nose (referred to as Tanu Nasa Srava), sneezing, and nasal congestion are seen as a disturbance in the body's balance (Vata and Kapha doshas). Excess of any dosha leads to imbalance and causes allergies.
Vataja Pratishyaya is triggered by a predominance of Vata dosha, which causes dryness and irregularity. This is combined with the accumulation of Kapha dosha, which leads to excess mucus.
This imbalance results in an overproduction of nasal secretions, similar to rhinorrhea in allergic rhinitis. Ayurvedic treatment for this involves both shodhana (purification) and shamana (pacifying) therapies to address the imbalanced Vata and Kapha doshas.
One of the key treatments is Nasya, a Panchakarma therapy that involves the administration of medicated oils or herbal formulations through the nasal passages to clear mucus, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.
This approach not only provides symptomatic relief but also targets the root cause of the condition by balancing the affected doshas. Panchakarma therapy can be used at home with herbal remedies.
You can get access to top quality Ayurvedic medicines online. At the end of the blog, some suggestions are given for the best ayurvedic medicine for allergy. Make sure to check them out!
How long can a runny nose last?
A runny nose is a symptom of an allergic reaction. It can last as long as its causative agent stays in the body. If it is caused by a virus, it can last up to two weeks. If it is caused by pollen, the symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the pollen.
Pollen allergies are prominent during the summer, spring, and fall seasons. Usually, pollen allergies go away in three weeks. If they persist, consult a healthcare provider.
Remedies to Relieve a Runny Nose:
If you are affected by allergic rhinitis (runny nose), then you have limited choices in terms of complete resistance. But by choosing natural remedies, you can look forward to a rhinitis-controlled life.
Life Aveda’s Allergy capsules are formulated with nature’s best ingredients to fight off allergies naturally. Prevention is always better than cure. You can always protect yourself from catching allergies by implementing some simple precautionary tips:
· Stay indoors during high pollen seasons
· Cover your face with a dust mask on windy days
· Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
· Stay away from people infected with cold
· Employ safe food eating and preparation methods
· Eat healthy and home-cooked meals
· Exercise regularly
· Keep your surroundings clean and disinfected
· Avoid allergen sources
Apart from resting, here are ten natural home remedies to relieve a running nose from Allergies:
Saline Nasal irrigation
Nasal saline is a mixture of salt and water used to treat a runny nose caused by allergies. The mixture rinses the nasal cavity, which expels out any possible allergens. It is also suggested that the saline mix can make the mucus thinner, which makes the expulsion easier.
The process is relatively easy to perform, and saline nasal mixtures are readily available in sprays, pumps, and squirt bottles. You can also make a saline solution at home that serves the same purpose.
Neti pots are quite popular as a home remedy for a runny or blocked nose. However, it is advised to use the treatment properly and use it as an add-on to other Ayurvedic therapies for allergic rhinitis.
Hot Steam Inhalation
Hot steam inhalation is the most widely used natural home remedy to treat allergic rhinitis. It is also called steam therapy and works by soothing and decongesting the nasal passage with water vapour.
The hot water vapour is indicated to enter the nasal cavity and loosen the mucus in the nasal passage. The method helps the mucus flush out the allergens. The effects are temporary but provide relief to the nose, throat, and lungs.
Along with treating a runny nose, hot steam therapy also provides relief from a blocked nose, irritated throat, dry nasal passages, cough, headaches, etc. You can boil water and put it into a bowl big enough to cover your face.
Bring your face closer to the bowl (8 inches away) and drape a clean towel over your head. Shut your eyes and inhale slowly and deeply for 5 minutes. You can repeat the process two to three times a day if required.
You can add herbs like tulsi, mint, and peppermint oil into the water for added benefits. Alternatively, a hot bath or applying a warm washcloth over your face can also have a soothing effect on your rhinitis.
Stay Hydrated
It is very important to stay hydrated during allergic rhinitis. You can replenish your liquid needs with either warm water or herbal teas. The best fluids to drink during allergy symptoms are green tea, ginger tea, and chamomile tea, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
To prepare the tea infusion, you have to put crushed herbs into hot water and let it seep for a few minutes. Hot soups and broths added with ginger can also help relieve a runny nose.
Honey and Lemon
Honey has natural antibacterial properties. When taken in raw form, it soothes an irritated throat, and when taken with hot water, it acts as a natural decongestant.
You can also take it with warm milk; however, you should avoid milk if you also have a cough. You can also combine honey with lemon juice and take it with lukewarm water. The combination soothes irritation and helps you feel better.
Essential Oil Treatment
Essential oils have several Ayurvedic medicinal properties, such as being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Another effective natural home remedy for the runny nose is essential oils, also used to treat sinus congestion and blocked nose.
Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil have been used widely for their significant effects in reducing nasal congestion and providing quick relief. Peppermint has menthol that helps open up the nasal passage and clear mucus. It also gives a cooling effect that soothes an irritated throat.
Eucalyptus oil consists of a compound called cineole that also relieves sinus symptoms. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and relieve the symptoms of a runny nose.
Turmeric
Turmeric has curcumin (a bioactive compound) with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It is a potent antioxidant with multiple health benefits. It has certain antibacterial effects that can help the body fight off allergy-causing bacteria.
Allergic rhinitis can be treated with a regular and appropriate dosage of turmeric. It can be taken in water, milk, or tea for quick allergy relief.
Warm Salt Water Gargle
Salt water gargling is an effective treatment to reduce throat irritation caused by post-nasal drip. The hypertonic salt water rinses off pathogens and allergens that enter the throat and cause irritation.
For optimal effects, regularly gargle with warm salt water. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, or it will burn your throat, causing further discomfort. You can gargle twice a day or as required.
Vitamin C-rich Foods
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and antioxidant. It is very effective in decreasing inflammation in the nasal passage. Increasing Vitamin C intake in your diet can help reduce allergic reactions and strengthen the immune system.
Ayurvedic diet has an abundance of vitamin C and promotes overall wellness. Include food items rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.
Cloves
Known for their warm and healing benefits, cloves are also natural decongestants. Cloves contain eugenol, a compound with high antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Whether ingested whole or inhaled as water baths, cloves provide instant relief from runny noses and irritated throats. Cloves also help alleviate inflammation in the respiratory system.
Humidifier and Vapourizer
A humidifier adds humidity to the air by releasing cool air, whereas a vapouriser heats water to produce steam. Both are very helpful in maintaining a contaminant-free area in a closed setting like homes and hospital wards.
Are you confused about which one to bring home? Both are equally efficient in alleviating the symptoms of allergies and keeping contaminants at bay. However, since a vaporizer uses a heating method to release water vapour, it is not advised for a home with children. Choosing a humidifier is an easy choice for all.
Find Natural Solution For Allergies
The natural home remedies mentioned in this blog offer effective ways to relieve a runny nose caused by allergies. You can find simple and accessible options at your home to manage symptoms.
Whether using saline nasal irrigation, essential oils, or vitamin C-rich foods, these remedies can help soothe discomfort and support overall wellness.
Remember, these natural treatments can relieve your allergies but can not provide a permanent solution. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
If you are looking for natural remedies for your allergy, try Ayurvedic medicine for allergy from Life Aveda, which are available in pure form. You can look them up for Ayurvedic medicines online. Their Ayurvedic allergy capsules have a high potency and efficacy rate.
Here are some of their top-selling Ayurvedic allergy capsules:
- Aller GI Capsules: Turmeric, Neem, Shirish, Ashwagandha
- Advanced Aller GI Capsules: Haridra, Neem, Shirish, Ashwagandha, Rishi, Stinging Nettle, Ajwain
- Premium Kapha Nashak capsules: Sitopaladi Churan, Saunth, Trikatu, Kanchnaar
- Vasaka Capsules: Vasaka
- Premium Secure lungs: Vasaka, Haldi, Tulsi, Mulethi
If you have any tried-and-tested remedies of your own, do share your experiences with us.