Nip Allergies in the Bud

Try these Ayurvedic tips to help you get a handle on your allergies.

By Niika Quistgard

Increase Circulation.  Try a dry-brush massage before your morning shower and a vigorous round of Sun Salutations before breakfast.

Drink Hot Water.  Fill a thermos with hot water as your day begins. Carry this with you and sip an ounce or two of hot water every 30 minutes all day, between meals, to loosen and cleanse ama.

Lighten up.  Steer clear of heavy foods, such as dairy, wheat, and rich, cold dishes (yes, that means ice cream). Rely mainly on freshly cooked, prana-filled fruits and vegetables, which are nourishing yet easy to digest.

Eat Lunch.  Enjoy the most substantial meal of the day at noon when digestion is strongest; keep dinner light.

Avoid Toxins.  Reduce your exposure to chemical preservatives, household cleaners, and pesticides to avoid introducing excess toxins into your body.

Take a Remedy.  Mix ¼ teaspoon of trikatu (an Ayurvedic formula of three dried peppers) with a teaspoon of honey. In the morning, eat this mixture, followed by sips of hot water.

Clear the Nose.  Use a neti pot daily to rinse irritants from your nasal passages. Fill the neti pot with warm water. Stir in a pinch of salt until completely dissolved. With your left hand, bring the spout into your left nostril, lean over a sink, and tilt your head to the right, tipping the pot up gently to start the flow. Continue for up to 30 seconds, breathing through your mouth. Repeat on the other nostril.

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