Ayurveda is the oldest medical science that focuses equally on prevention and cure. However, due to pollution, global warming, and lifestyle disorders, a very common disease, pratishyaya/rhinitis or common cold, is occurring much more frequently than in the past. Pratishyaya is considered a clinical condition in its own right in the Uttar Tantra of the Sushruta Samhita. It is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, resulting in a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and postnasal drip. This may also be associated with itching in the eyes, palate, and throat. In modern medicine, many treatment methods exist, such as corticosteroids, anti-allergic drugs, inhalers, antihistamines, etc. Still, none is completely effective in curing the disease and preventing its recurrence. Besides, they have their side effects.
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, covers various treatment options that can help reduce or eliminate rhinitis symptoms.
Also read: Ayurvedic Remedies to Keep Common Cold at Bay During Winter Season
1. Ahar (diet) -
(a) Water
(b) Food
(c) Consumption of Guru(heavy), Madhur (sweet), Sheet(cold) and Roksha (dry) food items which cause vitiation of all three doshas, especially Vata and Kapha dosha.
2. Vihar (lifestyle) -
(a) Staying in an environment where the air temperature is below normal room temperature.
(b) Rajo sevan (dust inhalation) - living in an environment where the air is impure and full of allergens and microorganisms.
(c) Sleep disturbance, e.g., too much or no sleep when needed.
(d) Working in an environment with extreme temperatures, either too cold or too hot.
(e) Sleeping in the wrong posture causes stagnation of secretions in the nose and postnasal discharge, leading to infection of the stagnated secretions
(f) If young children sleep while eating and do not swallow properly the food and doshas can accumulate and become infected.
(g) Incorrect bathing habits, such as bathing with hot and sometimes cold water.
(h) Taking a bath when there is indigestion, after heavy meals, or when there is agnimandya (low digestive fire).
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages, which various factors such as allergens, infections, and irritants can cause. The symptoms of rhinitis can be divided into premonitory symptoms and main symptoms.
Premonitory symptoms of rhinitis are the early signs that a flare-up is about to occur.
These symptoms may include:
Some people may have a combination of premonitory and main symptoms. Others may experience just one or the other. These symptoms may persist for several days or weeks and cause significant discomfort. If you have rhinitis, you should see your healthcare provider or have an online consultation for diagnosis and treatment options.
Ayurveda aims to reduce vitiated doshas and bring all doshas into samyavastha, so that the normal function of the nasal mucosa is triggered.
According to Bhav Prakash, one of the famous books on Ayurveda, a person suffering from cough, cold, and rhinitis should always take Maricha (black pepper) + Guda (jaggery) + curd. It reduces inflammation, congestion, and infection by killing the microorganisms and maintaining the natural defense mechanism of the nasal mucosa.
1. Vyoshadi Vati is an Ayurvedic medicine used to treat colds, coughs, rhinitis, allergic bronchitis, asthma, and respiratory disorders. It combines herbs like Tulsi, Yashtimadhu, Kantakari, and Vasaka, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and expectorant properties. It helps to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and improves breathing.
Dosage: 2 tablets should be taken twice daily before meals with warm water.
2. Shunthyadi Churna is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy used to treat rhinitis or inflammation of the nose. It is made from a combination of herbs, including Ashwagandha, Amalaki, Guduchi, Shatavari, Vidanga, and Yastimadhu. It is believed to help relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, improve the function of the nose, and reduce the symptoms of rhinitis.
Dosage: ½ tsp taken twice a day, mixed with honey or ghee after meals. It can also be taken with warm water or milk.
3. Lavangadi Churna is prepared by powdering cloves (lavanga) and combining them with other herbs like shunti (ginger), pippali (long pepper), and maricha (black pepper). This combination of herbs helps to reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages and provides relief from rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. It also helps to strengthen the immune system, reduces fever, and improves digestion.
Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon taken with honey or with warm water or milk
4. Tribhuvan Kirti Ras is known to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and strengthen the immune system. It also promotes better digestion and reduces rhinitis symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. This remedy can be taken in the form of a decoction or a tablet.
Dosage: 1-2 tablets (125 mg) twice daily with honey or ghee. It is also recommended to take it with warm water or milk.
5. Divya Swasari Vati is used for treating various respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, cold, cough and allergies. It is made from a blend of herbs and minerals like vacha, shirish, giloy, kutki, shunthi, marich, pippali, ela, tejpatra, etc. It helps clear the mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. It also helps to strengthen the lungs, reduce chest congestion and improve overall respiratory health. It is safe for long-term use but should be taken only under medical supervision.
Dosage: It is recommended to take swasari vati 1-2 tablets twice daily, after meals, with warm water.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are the three fundamental energies that control the body's functioning. An imbalance in these doshas can lead to various diseases, including rhinitis.
Let us understand various dosha types:
1. Vataja type - Vataja Pratishyaya (Vata-type rhinitis) is characterized by a dry, itchy, and congested nose.
2. Pittaja type – is a type of rhinitis characterized by inflammation and redness in the nasal passages, a burning sensation, and increased secretions.
3. Kaphaja type – imbalances in Kapha can manifest as congestion, swelling, and increased mucus production.
It's important to note that a proper diagnosis of rhinitis is required to ensure the right course of treatment. An Ayurveda practitioner can make a personalized treatment plan after a detailed examination and diagnosis of your symptoms and body constitution. You can always visit HealthyBazar.com to get in touch with Ayurvedhacharya and to know more about Ayurvedic medicine.
Additionally, Ayurveda considers the root cause of rhinitis and aims to address the imbalanced doshas rather than just suppressing symptoms. While herbal remedies and lifestyle modifications are an important part of Ayurvedic rhinitis treatment, working with an experienced practitioner for a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs is important.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the condition described by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. Diarrhea is a problem of the digestive system in which the patient has to clear the bowels repeatedly. The characteristics of this disease are liquid stool, bloating, gas, and cramping. If the bowel movements do not become regular in a few days, it is necessary to consult a doctor to stop severe dehydration.
As per WHO, “More than 2.3 million annual deaths were reported among children in India, and about 3,34,000 are attributable to diarrhoeal diseases. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe Diarrhea in children in developed and developing countries.
According to Ayurveda, the causes of Diarrhea are weakened digestive fire, usually caused by excess Pitta. Ayurvedic remedies pacify Pitta and kindle the digestive fire gently. There are various strategies specifically to counter Pitta’s hot, sharp, and liquid qualities. Also, it supports the return of regular bowel movements. It is also related to Jatharagni Mandya (low digestive fire).
According to the Ayurvedic treatment for Diarrhea, weak digestive fire, improper food, impure water, toxins, and mental stress usually cause Diarrhea. Aggravated Vata pulls down the fluid part from various tissues of the body and brings it into the intestine. This fluid mixes with the stool, which then leads to loose, watery motions. Depending upon which particular Dosha is vitiated, Atisaar (Diarrhea) has been classified into Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, Sannipatik,
Also Read: Home Remedies For Diabetes Treatment
Having at least three loose motions in 24 hours is considered to be Diarrhea in modern science, which affects all age groups at one time or another. It can range in severity from slightly watery feces and a brief upset stomach to longer-term to extremely liquid wastes and cramping tummy pains. The following are the symptoms of Diarrhea:
As per Ayurveda, Diarrhea can be caused due to bad dietary and lifestyle habits. Here are symptoms of Diarrhea according to classical Ayurvedic texts:
1. Amatisara: The stool in this kind of Diarrhea is Picchila (slimy) with a foul smell that sinks in water, known as Amatisara.
2. Pakvatisara: Diarrhea with the feeling of lightness in the body and stool that does not sink in water is known as Pakvatisara.
The primary cause of Diarrhea is gastrointestinal tract infections. It can also occur due to various other issues that vary from one person to another. Here are some common causes of Diarrhea:
In most cases, Diarrhea can be managed at home. A patient in a severe case has lost a lot of water due to loose motion, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. In simple cases, when the patient has 4-5 bouts of loose activity, he or she can be given electrolytes. A straightforward electrolyte form mixes 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt in a glass of boiled, cooled & filtered water. Similarly, the patient may need Intravenous (I.V) electrolytes which is also sometimes known as ‘Saline Water’ in India.
You can treat Diarrhea with home remedies. Some home remedies include simple kitchen ingredients, and for some, you need some herbs. These herbs are readily available in the market. Here are some simple kitchen and herb-based home remedies for Diarrhea:
1. Take the powder of Indrayava (kurchi seed), Tvak-Dalachini (cinnamon bark), the root of Ushira (Khas), the seed of Jambu (Jamun), and fruit pulp of Bilva (bael) in the same quantity. Consume 3 to 6 gms after mixing with Takra (buttermilk) three times a day.
2. Mix powder of Purana Laja (pop of old paddy), the fruit of Dhanyaka (coriander), and Mocharasa (silk-cotton tree resin) in the same quantity. Add fruit of Śatapuṣpā (fennel) powder to the mixture. Consume 3 to 6 g. of this powder with warm water two times a day.
3. Take Powder of Jatiphala or Jaiphala (nutmeg), the fruit of Jiraka (cumin), and the fruit pulp of Bilva (bael) in equal quantities. Add grounded Churṇodaka (lime water) in the mixture and make pills of 800 mg. Take one pill in the morning with Taṇḍulodaka (water obtained from the washing of raw rice) in the case of Pitta Pradhana Atisara, and with Karpura-Ambu (camphorated water) in case of Kapha Pradhana Atisara.
Along with the home remedies, various Ayurvedic formulations help to treat Diarrhea and its related issues. These Ayurvedic formulations will also help to keep you hydrated and remove stomach infections. Here are the Ayurvedic medicines for Diarrhea:
Diarex Tablet is an Ayurvedic medicine preparation of herbs like Kutaja and Bilwa, which have astringent and antimicrobial properties. It ensures the normal functioning of gastrointestinal health.
This medicine eliminates common microorganisms responsible for acute and chronic infectious Diarrhea. Also, it helps to treat colic, bloating, fungal infections, microbial infections, oxidative stress, fungal infection, diabetes, and other conditions.
Dose – 2 tablets twice a day with plain water.
Ambimap is a unique combination of Ayurvedic herbs in treating Diarrhea, dysentery, and parasitic intestinal disease. It possesses a multi-directional approach to control Diarrhea and Dysentery.
Ambimap is very beneficial in controlling and curing loose stools caused by harmful viruses, bacteria, or parasites. It counteracts parasitic infection and helps to balance the metabolic fire (Agni) and digestion. It effectively controls spasmodic episodes, and the patient gets relief very quickly.
Dose – 1 tablet thrice a day with plain water
As per Ayurveda, a healthy diet and lifestyle help to treat various diseases and disorders. Diarrhea is related to the stomach infection that at some point causes due to unhealthy food and lifestyle. Also, to maintain your digestive health and treat Diarrhea, you should consider these modifications in your diet and lifestyle:
Please find below the infographic on “Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea”. Feel free to use this infographic but make sure to cite us at www.healthybazar.com.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Diarrhea works on an individual according to the body’s constitution and diet follow-up. Every patient should observe precautions in diet, the time of usage of the medicine, and home remedies to obtain speedy results. Accordingly, the improvement in Agni, electrolytes, administration of antibiotics, and diet management are some Ayurvedic approaches that offer beneficial effects in managing Diarrhea.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
Winter is perhaps the most pleasant weather; no sultry heat, no humidity. But when it comes to skin health, the cold season spells trouble for many. During this time, experiencing dry and itchy skin is quite common, which occurs due to a fall in temperature and humidity. This causes your skin to lose moisture and natural oils, making it appear dull and flaky. In general, weather is one of the major variable factors contributing to dry skin. Since the cold air drastically affects your usually smooth skin, it is crucial to re-evaluate your skincare regimen to ensure your skin gets the care it deserves. Without proper care routine, dry and itchy skin can become a severe problem.
Dryness can leave your skin feeling tight, rough, and itchy which may appear unpleasant and discomforting. In severe cases, dry skin tends to crack up too. Besides, there is a possibility of different skin diseases occurring as well like eczema, psoriasis, and conditions like acne that can cause irritation.
Many people prefer cosmetic creams and other products for treating such issues. Since creams that contain steroids can further trigger side effects, you can consider products that are gentle on the skin. For instance, in Ayurveda,there are several at-home dry skin treatment options available to help maintain flawless, healthy skin all year long. Want to know more about them? Keep reading!
Itching may occur in a specific location of the body, such as legs, arms, scalp, or in the whole body. It may happen without any specific changes on your skin. Otherwise, itching may be accompanied by a few noticeable changes such as:
In a few cases, the itchy sensation could last for an extended time period with varying intensities. After you scratch or rub the affected space, it can trigger a loop of itching, redness, and restlessness. For some people, it can be difficult to interrupt this response.
Skin is the first line of defense for the body. This is why it is more susceptible to diseases, infections, and other problems. Usually, dry skin happens due to various factors in the environment.Here are some causes of dry and itchy skin:
Harsh detergents or soaps: Soaps, shampoos, and detergents are designed to remove oil from your skin but they can also strip away moisture, leaving your skin dry and dehydrated.
Heat: Any heat supply, from area heaters and heating plants to fireplaces and wood stoves, will lower the moisture in the space and turn your skin dry.
Hot showers or baths: Taking long, hot showers or soaking in a hot bath could cause dry skin.
Swimming in pools: Chlorine, a chemical that keeps pools clean, can make your skin dry.
Weather: During the winter, humidity and temperature usually drop. This can make your skin drier.
Age: If you’re 40 or older, your chances of having dry skin are higher. Over 50% of older adults have dry skin.
Geographical location People living in cold or dry climates without much humidity also suffer from dry skin.
Your job: If your skin gets wet often during your job, it’s more likely to dry out. Swimming instructors and hairstylists often face this issue as their skin is regularly in water.
Genes: Some people may inherit certain health conditions from their parents that cause dry skin like thyroid, eczema, diabetes, kidney disease, and other hormone disorders.
According to Ayurveda, Pitta is responsible for the color, texture, and temperature of your skin, along with its luster and glow. It helps to govern the sweating function, absorb everything that we apply externally to the skin, and digests anything that contacts the skin (like chemicals, dust, irritants, and allergens). It’s also important to highlight the fact that excess heat and redness are almost always a sign of aggravated Pitta.
Skin is one of the primary places where Pitta resides in the body. This not only makes it vulnerable to Pitta imbalance but also an active outlet for it. So, you may need to go a long way to maintain Pitta’s balance in your body. Dry skin treatment in Ayurveda consists of herbal formulations and dry skin natural remedy that helps to maintain your skin health as well.
Moisturizing your skin on a daily basis and maintaining a healthy diet to nourish your skin from the inside are crucial. Most skin experts recommend the following tips and suggestions to prevent itchy and dry skin:
1. It is advisable to take a bath with lukewarm or cold water since hot water aggravates itching if you have dry skin. Along with that, you should try to limit your bathing time to 10 minutes.
2. Avoid using any “fragrance-based” detergents, soaps, lotions, and creams if you’re experiencing skin irritation. Be careful while choosing products labeled as ‘unscented’ as most of them contain harsh chemicals which may further irritate your skin condition.
3. Always use a herbal, natural, and light moisturizer on your skin. Try to use a gentle moisturizer that suits your skin. Also, avoid going out in direct sunlight.
4. It is recommended to wear stretchable, light, and comfortable clothes made with cotton and other natural fabrics. You should avoid rough textiles and fabrics as they may irritate your aggravated skin and lead to severe itching.
5. You are recommended to wear stretchable, light, and comfortable clothes made with cotton and other natural fabrics. You should avoid rough textiles and fabrics because they may irritate your aggravated skin, and lead to severe itching.
6. Extreme stress is also known to worsen skin itching. To manage your stress levels, you can meditate, exercise, and cultivate a hobby besides practicing a healthy lifestyle.
As per Ayurvedic practice, excess vata is a primary reason behind dry skin. Vata dosha is characterized by attributes like coldness, roughness, dryness, and clarity. Elevated vata dosha may show symptoms like dry and rough skin, thinner blood, electrolyte imbalance, insomnia, chapped lips, and more. To manage dryness caused due to vata dominance, you must practice remedies that display the contrasting qualities like softness, warmth, or thickness. Here are a few easy Ayurvedic and at-home remedies to ease dry and itchy skin naturally:
There are various home remedies that will help you to relieve itching and the burning sensation of the skin.
One of the effective methods to reduce itching is applying ice on the affected area. You can either choose a damp cloth, cool showers, or cold compress to bring instant relief. It will slow down the advancement of a skin rash, prevent swelling, and ease itching sensation.
When you apply cold water or ice to your skin rash, it also helps in reducing the inflammation and swelling immediately. You can go for a cold water shower to relieve body itching.
The primary constituent of apple cider vinegar is Acetic acid, which has been used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. You can apply it to the affected region directly with a washcloth. Along with that, you can add 2-3 cups of vinegar to the bathwater and soak your body in it for about half an hour to relieve body itching.
Baking soda is popularly used in many medicated powders and ointments because it has antifungal properties. Studies have found its effectiveness in treating and managing different kinds of flora diseases that sometimes cause itchiness.
Lepas are Ayurvedic medical dressing that is prepared from various herbs such as Vacha, Kushtha, Amalaki, and Barley. Lepas have a semisolid or paste-like consistency that is externally applied to the affected skin. As per the ancient Ayurvedic texts, the three classes of Lepas are Varanya Mukhalepa (beautifying), Doshaghna (minimizing Doshas), and Vishaghna (removal of poison).
A Lepa made from Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki), Haridra, Sarsapa Taila, Manjishtha, Tulsi, and Aaragvadha is recommended for minimizing itching caused by Dadru. Jeevantyadi Yamaka Lepa, Mahamarichyadi or Jatyadi oil, Tuvaraka, and Karanja are externally applied to help reduce symptoms of psoriasis-like itching.
Abhyanga refers to an effective self-massaging technique using the appropriate vata-balancing oils like sandalwood, rosewood, almond, orange, lemon, and ylang-ylang, among others. It provides relief by smoothening skin, tissues, or bones that may be experiencing dryness due to vata imbalance.
Along with home remedies you can also consider Ayurvedic solutions for healing dry and itchy skin.
Gandhak Rasayana is made with iron, Shuddha Gandhaka (pure brimstone), Cinnamon barks and leaves, Amalaki, Ela, Honey, Trikatu, Maricha, Shunthi, Pippali, and Jaggery.
All these herbs help in purifying the bloodstream which enables it to effectively treat leprosy, boils, and various other severe skin diseases. The Ayurvedic formulation is also helpful in the treatment of eczema and alleviating itching associated with the skin condition.
Arogyavardhini Vati only helps in treating various skin disorders but also helps in improving the overall health of an individual. It is beneficial in treating and managing skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm. Along with that, it minimizes the excess doshas, thereby improving the efficacy of panchakarma therapies.
Mahamanjisthadi Kwath is a mixture of ten powerful herbs that are administered to treat diabetes, arthritis, and chilblains (skin sores and bumps). Other than that, it is also considered in the treatment of various skin disorders such as eczema and its related issues.
Please find below the infographic on “Is Itchy and Dry Skin Treatment in Ayurveda Effective?”. Feel free to use this infographic but make sure to cite us at www.healthybazar.com.
Ayurveda is the most popular well-being system, known for delivering efficacy in alleviating skin disorders and diseases. By adopting a holistic approach, Ayurvedic remedies and solutions can assist with managing a variety of skin issues. Made using the finest natural ingredients, Ayurvedic supplements harness the power of herbs to facilitate healthy, smooth, and flawless skin throughout the year.
Ayurvedic treatment for dry skin will be helpful for people who suffer from allergic symptoms of the skin. There may be different causes of having skin issues, but it is very important to maintain doshas balance for healthy and beautiful skin. Ayurvedic medicines and home remedies for dry and itchy skin help treat the condition and help maintain the doshas balance. You can also consult with an expert Ayurvedic practitioner for detailed and customized treatment for your skin issues. Healthybazar stands out for offering a wide variety of targeted Ayurvedic medicines for complete skin health. Explore natural skin supplements from top-rated brands and get free shipping on orders above Rs. 499.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.