Natural Remedies to fight Air Pollution Allergies
I recently wrapped up two back-to-back talks on the profound healing that nature offers. We explored how the five elements—space, air, fire, water, and earth—are not just present in the environment but also manifest within our bodies. We discussed practical ways to alleviate discomfort by balancing these elements internally. A key takeaway was that many of us suffer due to limited exposure to natural elements like sunlight, fresh air, and soil, as our modern indoor lifestyles increasingly disconnect us from nature. The solution? Embrace the outdoors and reconnect with the natural world.
But, what happens when nature itself becomes compromised? For instance, air pollution has become a recurring challenge in Delhi/NCR and much of North India during the winter months.
The Air Element (Vayu) and Its Impact on Health
The air element, known as vayu, is not only present in the environment as wind but also plays a crucial role in our bodily functions. Inside our bodies, vayu is experienced through movements like burping, sneezing, hiccups, and flatulence, as well as essential functions like breathing. The skin and lungs—our primary respiratory organs—are most affected by this element.
Vayu is characterized by movement, which is why stagnant, stale air can lead to health issues, including respiratory diseases like tuberculosis. Practices like ensuring good cross-ventilation, taking “air baths” (exposing bare skin to fresh air), and deep breathing in natural environments can help balance this element. But here’s the catch—these practices are only beneficial when the air is clean. Breathing exercises, air baths, or even opening windows for ventilation in polluted conditions can do more harm than good.
As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in North India often reaches hazardous levels around Diwali and worsens through the winter, many people experience a surge in health issues. This pollution coincides with seasonal transitions, making it even harder for our bodies to adjust. Common symptoms include morning and evening sneezing fits, wheezing, nasal irritation, and skin problems like rashes and hives.
Locking ourselves indoors, doors and windows shut, air purifiers on is not a solution. Simply because it is not something that everyone can do: both physically and economically. Also cutting oneself from nature is never a solution. A better and simpler alternative is to strengthen and cleanse our bodies so that the polluted air does not cause damage. The worst affected in pollution are the respiratory organs: nose, trachea and lungs, the sinuses, the eyes, followed by skin and sometimes the stomach. Below, are some natural ways to protect yourself during high pollution days, while still honoring your body’s need for the vayu element.
Strengthening the body against pollution allergens
1. Strengthen the Nostrils
a. Jal Neti
Nose is the gateway to air in the body . Atleast for the respiratory track. The skin too breathes. Hence it is but natural that the nose as an organ is going to deal with the brunt of air pollution. From itching, running to sneezing, it tries it best to keep the pollutants out. Given that the nose is dealing with a heavier load of pollutants in this season, it makes sense to wash it more regularly and also strengthen it. ‘Jal Neti’ , simply defined as washing the mucous membranes of the nose with salt water, is very helpful here. It’s simplicity does not take away its effectiveness. And making it a daily habit during pollution season, do it with your brushing in the morning), will go a long way in avoiding the nose related symptoms. You can watch the step by step demo here and read detailed instructions here. If doing it daily seems too much, 3 times a week or when you start noticing a nose itch/drip, will also help.
b. Oil the nostrils
Two drops in each nostril of almond oil + 1 drop mustard oil , the last thing before going to bed goes a long way in keeping us allergy free. To do this, lie flat on your back, tilt your head backwards, extending the neck full, chin facing upwards. This can take a bit of getting used to and can feel like you have introduced an irritant. Mustard does that. The oil can run into the throat, irritate the ears, cause sneezing, all good signs and nothing to worry about. The only thing is to make sure you are using clean ( preservative free) oils. This can also be done as part of the morning routine, before starting your day.
2. Oil the Skin
Remember your skin breathes as much, if not more than your lungs. Hence polluted air troubles the skin as much as it troubles the breathing apparatus. Bouts of itching, hives, acute dryness are all signs that the skin is getting affected. When the air is not polluted, it is good to oil the skin first, then take a bath and then rub yourself dry with a slightly rough towel. This allows for some moisturizing, while also allowing the skin pores to open and breath. However, in polluted times, especially when winter is almost here: bathe first, rub yourself dry with a rough towel and then apply some oil. Mustard or sesame, are good options if you are doing this in colder climate; coconut if doing this in warmer climate. This keeps the skin pores somewhat closed , which is what we want to block off pollutants. Just make sure the oils are free of any preservatives and added chemicals.
3. Keep Eyes Clean
Eye irritations, burning commonly followed by watering is another common complaint this season. Honestly, washing eyes multiple times during the day with tap water is the best remedy for such symptoms. If you are doing Jal Neti daily, it will also clean your eyes.
4. Clear the Throat
Doing salt water gargles daily, atleast once a day is a good way of clearing the mucous membrane of the throat. Especially if you have a habit of breathing through your mouth, then gargles are a must.
5. Foods that Help
Include Wasabi: This is the season of the pungent taste. To know pungent, think mustard greens,radishes, wasabi paste . Wasabi has a great quality: it rises up and hits the nose,and sinuses and eyes, clearing them well. So ensure that you are including enough of the wasabi taste in your food at this time. Eat mustard saag(sarso ka saag), a few raw radishes or make a dip using mustard paste.
Up your vitamin C: When mucous membranes hold onto pollutants too much and for too long, infections will set in. Phlegm turning thick yellow or mild greenish is a sign of that; or there is wheezing in your breathing. To avoid this or remove this, have raw foods high in vitamin C. The best in this season are pineapples, guava (atleast 3 a day, without mixing with anything), 350- 500 ml of fresh orange juice or eat 5-6 oranges, or 2-3 gooseberries. Gooseberries/amla are best had mixed with a juice or as grated/squeezed juice, mixed in equal quantity of honey.
Coat the mucous lining: Nothing soothes and also coats like honey. So during pollution season when the organs feel irritated, make sure you drink 1-2 glasses of slightly warm honey+ lemon water in a day. If you are diabetic, then consult with a naturopath first or use very little (<1 teaspoon wild honey). Wild flower honey has lower sugar content.
Ginger and Tulsi/holy basil: Tulsi has a specific effect on chemical and environmental pollutants. Best if you can chew on 7-8 leaves early morning, empty stomach. If the throat is very itchy,then have this with some honey. Next best way is to boil lots of leaves in water, also add ginger and drink as herbal tea (a little jaggery can be added for taste). Often allergies make us crave spicy and hot foods. The best spice to use here is ginger. Add lots of it to your soups, vegetables, herbal tea. It will both keep you warm and stimulate your liver to fight the allergens.
6. Keep Gut Clean
Once allergies set in, clearing the GUT becomes essential. Read this post on how to keep the Gut clean.
Or get in touch for a quick 3-7 detox, to clear acute allergies. Chronic illnesses like asthma, bronchitis takes longer.
