Allergic rhinitis is a medical condition in which an affected individual has recurrent episodes of sneezing and running nose, usually after exposure to known allergens like dust, changing weather, damp locations and pets etc. This is a fairly common condition, and though not considered serious, can lead to considerable absenteeism from the workplace or school. The modern treatment of this condition is with anti-histaminic drugs and mucous-membrane stabilising sprays and medicines.
In spite of the availability of such modern medicines, many affected individuals continue to be severely affected with this problem, and can experience frustrating recurrences. Ayurvedic medicines have a special role to play in the treatment of this condition. Several Ayurvedic medicines can be used to give symptomatic relief of symptoms; the same medicines when used for 6-8 weeks can help to considerably reduce the frequency of recurrence of this condition, even after exposure to known allergens. Ayurvedic medicines reduce nasal congestion, inflammation, infection, and also help in repairing the damage to the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The mucous membrane has microscopic hair known as cilia, which can be regenerated so that they start working effectively to reduce infection and inflammation in the entire respiratory tract.
Various medicated oils are used as local applications in the nose, and help to reduce frequent episodes of sneezing and watering of nose. The advantage of the regular use of such medicines is that they also treat nasal polyps, and provide additional benefits in the form of thickening and blackening of scalp hair, reduced hair fall, and prevent a deterioration of vision. Several Ayurvedic medicines can also be used as courses of two or three months to treat allergic rhinitis, recurrent asthma, and chronic bronchitis. People affected with allergic rhinitis may also be suffering from other allergic disorders such as eczema and asthma, and these conditions also need to be treated separately.
To sum up, allergic rhinitis can be treated quite effectively with Ayurvedic medicines.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
