An Ayurvedic Approach to Managing Rhinitis

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 

Causative factors, according to Ayurveda   

1. Ahar (diet) -   

(a) Water   

• Drinking water from a different place or a changed environment to which the body is not accustomed.
• Consuming excessive water.
• Drinking cold or hot and cold water alternately.
• Drinking excessive amounts of water after meals

(b) Food 

• Allergic reaction to certain foods, such as dairy, wheat, eggs, artificial colors and preservatives, and certain spices.
• Eating food that is too hot or too cold.
• Infants who consume breast milk from different mothers or artificially prepared milk

(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).  

Clinical Features of Rhinitis  

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:  

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Slight headache or pressure around the eyes and forehead
• The main symptoms of rhinitis are the more obvious signs that an individual is experiencing rhinitis. These symptoms may include:
• Congestion or stuffiness in the nose
• Runny nose or nasal discharge (clear, thin, or watery)
• Sneezing
• Itchy or irritated nose, throat, or eyes
• Post nasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
• Coughing
• Reduced sense of smell or taste

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.  

Ayurvedic Management of Common Cold and Rhinitis  

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.  

5 Common Ayurvedic Medicines  

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.  

Doshas's Role in Managing Rhinitis  

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.   

• Symptoms include a blocked and itchy nose, sneezing, and a burning sensation in the nasal cavities.
• Treatment typically involves warm oils, such as sesame oil, applied to the nose and chest and herbal remedies, such as ginger, licorice, and turmeric.

2. Pittaja type – is a type of rhinitis characterized by inflammation and redness in the nasal passages, a burning sensation, and increased secretions.  

• Other Symptoms include sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
• Treatment typically involves reducing the pitta dosha, which is done by using cooling and soothing herbal remedies, avoiding spicy, sour, and fermented food, and practicing cooling breathing exercises such as sheetali and sheetkari.

3. Kaphaja type – imbalances in Kapha can manifest as congestion, swelling, and increased mucus production.  

• Symptoms include congestion and swelling in the nasal passages, increased mucus production, and a feeling of heaviness in the head.
• Treatment involves reducing the Kapha dosha, which is done by using heating and drying herbal remedies, avoiding heavy, sweet, and oily food, and practicing heating breathing exercises such as bhastrika and kapalabhati.

Conclusion  

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.