Those of us living in the Northwest have been experiencing a very e
arly Spring. It has been stunningly beautiful, as almost all the trees are in bloom.
While reveling in this beauty, have you noticed increased kapha symptoms like congestion and sluggishness upon waking? Blurry eyes, sinus congestion, sore throat and perhaps body fatigue or generalized joint pain?
Allergies are common in the Spring however this year, we’ve had much less rain to dampen down and wash the pollen out of the air.
Add the unusually mild temperatures, increased sunlight and the trees, grasses and flowers have gone into a wild, early bloom.
As a result, the pollen count is extremely high and this affects all individuals, even those who normally are not as sensitive.
Ayurveda offers effective daily self-care practices and dietary options as opposed to the over-the-counter medications. OTC medications can be expensive and hard on our long-term health.
Try these easy, inexpensive self-care practices instead:
1. Neti-Nasya
Everyone seems to have a neti pot but if you don’t yet have one, get one. Make sure your technique is correct and oil the nostrils, post wash. There are many websites and blogs on neti-washes with good instruction.
Oiling the nostrils post-neti, is very important. Applying oil is simple and necessary to help keep the nostrils from over-drying and I prefer coconut oil.
Simply warm a small amount in the palm. Use your little finger to apply the same amount, on the inside of the nostril.
Lean your head back, while applying the oil, so that it stays in the nostril and can do the job we intend.
Oiling the nostrils will help trap pollen that can easily be removed vs having those same pollen, make their way into the sinuses or down your throat.
2. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar
Bragg’s is a brand of apple cider vinegar as listed below:
“Certified Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and 5% acidity. Contains the amazing Mother of Vinegar which occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules”.
These strands of enzymes have been found to be effective in managing blood-sugar fluctuation and even weight loss.
Carol Johnston, PhD, directs Arizona State University’s nutrition program and has been studying apple cider vinegar for more than 10 years. She believes its effects on blood sugar are similar to certain medications.
You’re probably asking, what does regulating blood sugar have to do with allergies and pollen?
The allergic response is an auto-immune response and similar to a hypo-hypoglycemic response.
Initially, the response is effective however if chronic inflammation is allowed to go unresolved, it points to potentially dangerous, underlying health issues.
Chronic inflammation and swelling is a killer. These conditions generate a plaque like substance in the body that ‘stick’ and accumulate in structures from the arteries to our brain.
Plaque is kapha (earth and water) and inflammation is pitta (fire and water) and clearly, we do not want this inflammatory plaque accumulating in our body.
Ayurveda is a health and well-being system that promotes preventative care. Ayurveda says, If we our homeostatic functions are balanced, we can transition seasonal and daily stresses without issue.
A 1/8 cup of Bragg’s cider 2x a day, helps to keep the lymphatic system clean, blood sugar regulated and responsive as well as lessen the affects of fluctuating pollen counts.
Do these practices along with eating seasonal and local foods, a huge practice in and of itself, and notice what happens.
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