Have Seasonal Allergies? Ayurvedic Remedies to the Rescue!

As kapha season unfolds in all its beauty this spring, it also brings a familiar challenge- seasonal allergies! If you find yourself battling congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes or sinus discomfort, Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing tradition of Southeast Asia, offers effective, all-natural remedies to bring allergy relief. 

In this blog, we will explore powerful yet soothing Ayurvedic practices, including neti (nasal rinse), nasya (nose oil), netra shuddhi (eye wash), along with other Ayurvedic tips to cleanse, nourish and protect your nasal and ocular passages. These simple, accessible and herbal self-care tools and rituals can help you breathe easier, soothe irritation and harmonize with the new season in an all-natural way. 

Jala neti, the Sanskrit term for nasal irrigation, is an Ayurvedic practice that gently cleanses the nasal passageways, flushing out allergens, dust and excess mucus. Also referred to simply as ‘neti’, this soothing technique helps restore balance to the sinuses, allowing ease and expansion with each breath. Unlike modern nasal rinses that force liquid up the nose, an Ayurvedic neti pot uses gravity to guide a gentle, consistent flow of warm, saline solution, ensuring a calming and effective cleanse without causing discomfort or pressure in the nasal cavity. In short, with regular practice, neti supports overall respiratory health while providing relief from seasonal allergies and sinus congestion.

• Ceramic Neti Pot: Our Neti Pot is carefully handcrafted from lead-free ceramic, offering a durable and aesthetic tool for nasal rinsing. The pot features an easy-to-use handle, providing a comfortable and steady grip for effortless use. Its ergonomic design allows for a gentle, controlled flow of water, making the practice of jala neti simple and soothing. The sleek ceramic design also allows for easy cleaning in the dishwasher.
  
  

• Aromatic Neti Salt: Our Neti Salt is formulated with high-quality, non-iodized Himalayan salt, which ensures a pure, gentle cleanse without any irritation to the delicate nasal passages. The salt combines with a proprietary blend of essential oils to help decongest, awaken the senses and provide respiratory herbal support. 

• Removes allergens, dust & irritants from nasal passages.

• Reduces congestion & excess mucus buildup.

• Supports sinus health & immune health.

• Enhances breathing & mental clarity.

• Promotes a balanced & clear mind.

1. Fill your ceramic neti pot with warm, purified water and ¼ teaspoon of Neti Salt.

2. Tilt your head diagonally to one side over a sink or in the shower and insert the spout into one nostril.

3. Pour the saline solution gently, allowing it to flow through your nasal passages and exit through the opposite nostril. Make sure to keep your mouth open in order to allow the nasal rinse to flow.

4. Repeat on the other side.

5. Follow with gentle exhalations to clear any remaining water.

Please note, since neti can be drying to the nasal tissues, Ayurveda recommends always following it with nasya (see below) to keep the sinuses moisturized and protected.

After gently cleansing via neti, the next step in the Ayurvedic nasal care routine is nasya. The term ‘nasya’ is derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘nose’, which alludes directly to its action as a nasal treatment. This practice involves applying an herbally infused oil, also known as a Nose Oil, to the nasal passages, helping to lubricate, nourish and protect them. Oiling the nose not only prevents dryness and irritation but also clears congestion and supports overall respiratory health. Acting as a protective barrier, Nose Oil shields the nostrils from allergens, pollutants and environmental irritants. With regular use, this Ayurvedic practice helps balance and rejuvenate the sinuses, leaving them feeling refreshed, clear and naturally protected.

We honor the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with our handcrafted, organic Nose Oil. This thoughtfully formulated blend includes mindfully selected ingredients such as:

• Sesame Oil: A deeply nourishing base oil that hydrates and protects the nasal passages while providing soothing warmth to help clear congestion and support healthy breathing.

• Sunflower Oil: Packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, sunflower oil lubricates the nose, while its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce irritation and support optimal respiratory function.

• Gotu Kola: A revered brain tonic, gotu kola is known to calm and revitalize the mind, balance both hemispheres of the brain and support mental clarity and focus. It also contains vitamin C to strengthen bodily tissues and promote overall well-being.

• Brahmi: Renowned for its ability to enhance mental clarity, improve focus and calm the nervous system, brahmi can reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation and calm.

• Tulsi: Known for its antimicrobial properties, tulsi helps clear congestion, soothe irritated nasal passages and protect against environmental irritants while providing a sattvic, or harmonious, uplifting energy to the mind.

• Eucalyptus: Famous for its decongestant properties, eucalyptus helps open blocked sinuses and improve breathing.

• Ravensara: Revered as “the oil that heals”, ravensara is a potent antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral essential oil that helps fight congestion, colds and respiratory infections. 

• Moisturizes & soothes dry nasal passages.

• Supports immunity by strengthening the nasal mucosa.

• Helps relieve headaches & sinus pressure.

• Clears mental fog & enhances cognitive function.

• Aids in relaxation & stress relief.

After practicing neti, follow it with the practice of nasya.

• Daily: Apply 1-2 drops of Nose Oil to a clean fingertip or directly into the nasal passageway and gently massage into each nostril. Repeat on the opposite side.

• Weekly: With your head tilted back, place 3-5 drops of Nose Oil into each nostril and inhale deeply. Repeat on the opposite side.

If you are new to the world of neti and nasya, we recommend our Nasal Care Ritual Kit! Equipped with our ceramic Neti Pot, a sample of Aromatic Neti Salt and Nose Oil, this bundle has all you need to start your nasal care ritual. 

Eye washing, a rejuvenating self-care ritual, is not only a soothing practice, it is also considered a profound Kriya, which is a sacred cleansing practice in Ayurveda. Known as Netra Shuddhi Kriya, which translates to "the purification of the eyes", this ancient technique invites clarity and renewal. Through the simple yet powerful act of cleansing the eyes with our cooling Floral Water, the eyes are nourished, hydrated and protected from environmental irritants.

In the spring, when allergens such as pollen fill the air, netra shuddhi (eye washing) becomes especially vital. As the eyes are more prone to irritation, redness and discomfort during allergy season, regular eye washing helps to wash away the particles that can cause distress, offering both relief and prevention. This Ayurvedic ritual not only restores visual health but also promotes mental clarity and an inner sense of calm. In the tradition of Ayurvedic healing, eye washing offers a mindful moment of care for one of our most precious senses- restoring balance, vitality and clarity with each drop.

• Glass Eye Wash Cup: Made of durable, non-toxic glass to ensure purity and easy application. This accessory is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and includes a cloth pouch for storage and travel.

• Floral Water: A gentle blend of organic rose and lavender waters known for their cooling, cleansing, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Flushes out allergens & environmental pollutants.

• Soothes red, itchy & inflamed eyes.

• Hydrates & refreshes tired eyes.

• Reduces puffiness & irritation.

• Minimizes dark circles under the eyes.

• Supports overall eye health & clarity.

• Fill your Glass Eye Wash Cup halfway with fresh Floral Water .

• Tilt your head forward and gently press the eye cup against one eye, ensuring a good seal, then tilt the head back.

• Keep the eye open and blink to allow the solution to cleanse your entire eye thoroughly. Cleanse for 15-30 seconds.

• Discard the used solution and repeat with fresh Floral Water on the other eye.

Beginner’s Tip! If the Floral Water solution burns, dilute it with purified water until your eyes become acclimated to the Floral Water. This is a common occurrence as you begin to integrate eye washing with rose and lavender into your Ayurvedic routine.

Generally speaking, Ayurveda recommends performing an eye wash once per week to maintain the health of one’s eyes. However, if you are experiencing allergy symptoms or your eyes are feeling irritated and/or fatigued, eye washing 1-2 times daily is a safe, effective and all-natural way to restore balance to the eyes. 

To enhance the benefits of neti, nasya and netra shuddhi, incorporate these additional Ayurvedic practices:

• Steam Inhalation: Inhale warm steam infused with eucalyptus, peppermint, or Doterra's Breathe Respiratory Blend essential oil to clear nasal congestion further.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of warm water and herbal teas like our Hydrate Blend Tea to support respiratory function.

• Gently Detox: Take Triphala, enjoy our Rooibos Chai Blend Tea, or practice Garshana to gently flush out toxins, increase circulation and support your immunity.

• Kapha-Balancing Diet: Reduce heavy, dairy-based foods that can increase mucus production and favor light, warming meals to keep allergies at bay. Access our Kapha Balancing Food List here. 

Pranayama (breathing exercises) and yoga can help open the respiratory system and strengthen lung capacity:

• Kapalabhati: A rapid exhalation technique that clears nasal passages and invigorates the mind. Learn here!

• Ujjayi Breathing: A slow, controlled breath that promotes lung expansion and relaxation.

• Kapha Balancing Yoga: Follow along with a guided yoga practice to support overall balance and wellbeing. Access here!

We invite you to invest in your self-care this spring with our Allergy Relief Stack. This new Ayurvedic bundle includes everything you need to practice neti, nasya & netra shuddhi, to banish seasonal allergies in their tracks so you may feel your best. Whether you are experiencing congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes or sinus discomfort, Ayurveda has your back!

Once integrated into your springtime ritual, you will find these practices are not just self-care rituals; they are a way to align with the natural flow of the season–inviting greater ease, clarity and balance into your body, mind and spirit. May you step into spring with a sense of renewal, free from the weight of allergies and embrace the beauty and freshness of kapha season.

Stay well and breathe easy!