Combatting Autumn and Winter allergies

AS THE South African climate shifts from the warm months into autumn and winter, many people notice seasonal allergies and a decline in skin and respiratory health. Dry air, cooler temperatures, and indoor heating can worsen symptoms like sinus congestion, sneezing, dry skin, and respiratory irritation.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, this season is dominated by Vata dosha, which has the qualities of dryness, lightness, cold, and movement. If not balanced properly, these qualities can lead to a range of health issues, especially allergies.

Understanding the root causes of these allergies can help in managing them naturally:

- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): often caused by grass pollens, mould spores, and dust mites, especially in regions like Gauteng and the Western Cape. Symptoms can include sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, and an itchy throat.

- Dust and mould sensitivities: where indoor allergens increase when windows stay shut and heaters are used. Common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, itchy eyes, and sinus inflammation.

- Dry skin, cold-induced urticaria and eczema flare-ups: the increased cold weather and low humidity reduce skin hydration, making conditions like eczema, urticaria, and psoriasis worse during this time. According to Ayurvedic medicine, this is attributed to Vata Dosha, which manifests as dryness and roughness. It usually gets exacerbated by cold weather.

- Sinus infections and cold sensitivity: the sinuses become irritated by cold, dry air, leading to headaches, post-nasal drip, and a blocked nose.

Ayurvedic perspective: Vata season and its allergic impact

In Ayurveda, the autumn and early winter months aggravate Vata, especially when daily routines, diet, and clothing are not adjusted accordingly. Imbalances show up as: dry skin, cracked lips, erratic digestion, disturbed sleep, respiratory issues, anxiety, restlessness, etc. This is the time to bring warmth, moisture, nourishment, and routine into your daily life.

Ayurvedic home remedies for Autumn allergies:

Nasya (nasal therapy)

Apply 2 drops of warm Anu Taila or warmed cow’s ghee into each nostril daily. This provides some moisture to the nasal passages, prevents allergens from entering the sinuses, and reduces inflammation.

Golden turmeric milk

Mix ½ tsp turmeric with hot milk and a pinch of black pepper. This combination reduces inflammation, boosts immunity, and supports respiratory health.

Sitopaladi churna with honey:

Dose ¼ to ½ tsp mixed with 1 tsp raw honey, twice a day. It helps relieve coughing, congestion, a sore throat, and cold-related symptoms.

Tulsi-ginger herbal tea

Add a handful of fresh tulsi leaves, ¼ tsp grated ginger, a pinch of black pepper, 1 cinnamon stick,  1 cup of boiled water, and ¼ tsp honey. 

Allow these ingredients to steep for about 5 minutes. Add honey when lukewarm. Drink warm. Some of the benefits include: it clears respiratory channels, strengthens immunity, and soothes allergies. This tea is also sold by Faithful to Nature for convenience if you don’t have all the ingredients.

Abhyanga: the Ayurvedic oil massage that protects against seasonal dryness: 

One of the most powerful self-care rituals during this season is Abhyanga - a daily or weekly oil massage using warm oil.

The benefits of Abhyanga in cold weather:

- Prevents dry skin and cracking.

- Reduces irritation of the skin.

- Reduces joint pain and stiffness.

- Supports lymphatic drainage and natural detoxification.

- Improves circulation and warmth.

- Calms the nervous system, helping with stress, anxiety, and sleep.

- In the absence of fever, it can support respiratory health. 

The best oils for abhyanga include sesame oil for Vata types, coconut oil for pitta types, and mustard oil for Kapha types. Apply warm oil generously to the entire body, starting from the scalp and working downwards. Use circular motions on joints and long strokes on limbs. Wait 20 minutes before bathing in warm water. Make sure to keep warm while you are waiting.

South African lifestyle tips for Autumn and winter wellness

- Regions like Gauteng and the Free State experience dry winters. Abhyanga and nasal oiling are especially important here.

- Coastal areas like Cape Town tend to be damp and cold. Use warming spices like ginger and black pepper in your meals or teas.

- Use humidifiers or natural steam to combat indoor dryness.

- Include seasonal vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut in soups and stews.

- Rooibos is a staple and perfect for allergy season due to its antioxidant properties. Pair it with honey when the tea is lukewarm to soothe allergic reactions.

- Avoid allergenic foods: This means limiting dairy (for example, amasi or milk-based dishes), cold drinks, and heavily fried foods, which can increase kapha and mucus production.

- Avoid cold, raw foods. Stick to warm, cooked meals with ghee and mild spices.

Dr Tamlyn Govender is registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa to practise Ayurveda. Her Ayurvedic practice is in Pretoria East. Visit www.ayuhealthandwellness.com, or [email protected]. To learn more or to get more health tips, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @ ayuhealthandwellness.

* Please consult a healthcare professional before taking any of these recommendations. Although these are all natural remedies, they have side effects if not taken properly. To book a consultation, please visit www.ayuhealthandwellness.com

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