Allergy Defense Strategies
White seedlings being blown from a Dandelion flower
Allergy season snuck up on me this year. One day I was out having a great time in the garden, enjoying the flowers and warm sunshine. The next day, I was napping and felt like I was coming down with something. This is the beginning of my allergy season, and perhaps you are feeling the same way. Luckily, now that I know we’re in the thick of it, I will start to implement all my best strategies for minimizing allergy symptoms. I’ve picked up many over the years. Some are from an Allergist, some are Ayurveda, and others are from Mr. Iyengar himself and his yoga sequences.
Below, I’ll share my best strategies, so you, too, can feel good during allergy season. But, if you are interested in hearing me go through everything, you can watch the Allergy Defense video for more details (linked below). AND you can join me for an hour-long yoga practice tailored toward allergy relief this Friday, April 11, 2025. This practice is free and offered on Zoom. Click here and fill out the brief form to let me know you’d like to join in, and I’ll send you the Zoom link on the morning of the class.
Ways to minimize contact with allergens:
• Don’t open windows in car or house (especially in bedroom)
• Bathe every night and wash hair, or wear a nightcap to bed
• Wash face after being outside
• Avoid morning pollen
• Let someone else mow the lawn
• Wear sunglasses
• Keep pets that spend time outside out of your bed
• Change your clothes after being outside
• Reduce exposure to other known allergens
• Don’t eat outside
Boost Immunity with Diet by Adding or Increasing:
• Water
• Astringent, Pungent, and Bitter Tastes like leafy greens and strawberries
• Chyvanprash
• Ashwagandha
• Vitamin B
• Bioflavonoids + Vitamin C
• Echinacea/Goldenseal
• Garlic
• Nettle Tea
• Ginger tea
• Turmeric
And Eliminating or Decreasing:
• Fat
• Sugar
• Dairy, especially cold dairy
• Wheat gluten
Finally, practice yoga and pranayama all season long. Backbends reduce Kapha. Twists help ignite digestive fire, and Sun Salutations gently warm the body. Alternate Nostril Breathing helps to calm the nervous system, and Skull-Shining breath helps to clear mucus from the sinuses.
Be well!