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?

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

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