Can Ayurveda Help with Allergies After Using Cetirizine Tablet?

Question

For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with severe allergies, mostly sneezing, runny nose, and constant itching around my eyes and throat. My doctor suggested cetirizine tablet to control these symptoms. I started taking it regularly, and it did help in reducing the allergic reactions, but now I feel like I’ve become dependent on it. If I skip a dose, the allergy symptoms return worse than before.

Since taking cetirizine tablet, I’ve also noticed that I feel drowsy and sluggish throughout the day. Even after a full night’s sleep, I wake up feeling exhausted. My mouth feels dry all the time, and sometimes, I get mild headaches. Is this normal after using cetirizine tablet? I also feel that my digestion is getting weaker—my appetite is low, and I often feel bloated after meals.

Now I’m wondering if Ayurveda has a natural way to manage allergies without relying on cetirizine tablet. Are there herbs or remedies that can work on allergies in a more permanent way? Also, could there be some underlying imbalance in my body that’s making me allergic to dust and seasonal changes? Is there an Ayurvedic detox or diet that can help me stop taking cetirizine tablet and manage my allergies naturally?

Would love to get advice on how to slowly reduce my dependence on cetirizine tablet and heal my allergies with Ayurveda.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Your allergy symptoms—sneezing, itching, and runny nose—point to an excess of Kapha and Vata, which Ayurveda sees as the root cause of seasonal allergies. Cetirizine provides temporary relief but doesn’t address the underlying imbalance, which is why the symptoms return stronger when you stop taking it. Instead, Ayurveda focuses on boosting immunity, clearing toxins (Ama), and strengthening digestion (Agni) to provide long-term relief. Turmeric (Haridra) with honey, Trikatu (a blend of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper), and Tulsi tea can help reduce allergic reactions naturally. Nasal drops (Anu Taila or ghee in the nostrils) can prevent allergens from triggering symptoms.

Your drowsiness, dry mouth, and weak digestion suggest that the medication is affecting your body's natural balance. To detox from its effects, start your day with warm water and lemon, followed by a light, Kapha-balancing diet. Avoid dairy, cold foods, and excess sugar, as they increase mucus. Eat warm, cooked meals with ginger, cumin, and black pepper to strengthen digestion. Regular intake of Amla (Indian gooseberry) can help boost your immunity and prevent recurrent allergies. Practicing Jal Neti (nasal cleansing with saline water) can also clear nasal passages and reduce sensitivity to allergens.

To gradually reduce your dependence on cetirizine, focus on strengthening your immune response with Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Guduchi (Giloy). Managing stress through meditation and deep breathing (Anulom-Vilom, Bhramari) can also help, as stress weakens immunity and makes allergies worse. Over time, with these lifestyle and dietary changes, your body will become less reactive to allergens, allowing you to stop relying on antihistamines. Would you be open to starting with herbal teas and a simple Ayurvedic detox?

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

If you've been struggling with allergies and their side effects on cetirizine, Ayurveda does offer a gentle and holistic approach to managing these symptoms. It sounds like Vata and Kapha doshas are out of balance, which would explain the sneezing, runny nose, and sluggishness.

First off, let's think about some herbs that can address your symptoms. Try drinking Tulsi tea. It's known for its antiviral and antihistamine properties. A cup steeped in the morning can act as a natural decongestant. You might also find relief using turmeric milk at night. Just warm a cup of milk with a pinch of turmeric, and maybe add a dash of black pepper to enhance absorption.

Next, considering your digestion woes, Ayurveda often emphasizes boosting your agni, or digestive fire. Chewing on a small piece of ginger with a pinch of salt before meals can be helpful. This could curb that bloating and stimulate your appetite. For that dry mouth sensation, sipping warm water throughout the day, maybe with a little honey, could keep you hydrated along with some extra lubrication to your throat.

If you're concerned about underlying imbalances, a gentle detox might work. Nothing drastic! Consider a few days of kitchari—a simple dish of rice and mung beans cooked with spices like cumin and coriander. Its simplicity lets your digestive system rest and replenish its strength.

Lifestyle adjustments can make a difference too. Try getting a regular sleep schedule. Waking and sleeping at same times to help your body get into a rhythm can support allergies indirectly by stabilizing your body’s defenses.

Slowly weaning off cetirizine is important, so maybe skip a dose every few days while you integrate Ayurvedic practices. Listen to your body and adjust the frequency as needed.

Remember, any significant changes in your medication should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Stay in touch with your doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner who knows your health history. This integration approach must be handled carefully to ensure balance and well-being.

Can Ayurveda Help with Allergies After Using Cetirizine Tablet? - #16574

Doctors’ responses

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews