Coconut allergy is a type of allergy in which the body identifies coconut as a harmful substance and initiates an allergic reaction against it. The allergic symptom can appear due to exposure to coconut, whether in the form of oral intake or topical application. The symptoms include redness, swelling, rashes, itching, runny nose, difficulty in breathing, nausea, diarrhea, and others. The article will highlight the herbs for coconut allergy as a part of the ayurvedic treatment of coconut allergy.
Importance of Ayurveda in the Management of Food Allergies
Ayurveda stresses the concept of asatmaya, or incompatible food items, which produces allergic reactions in the body. The food items or some environmental conditions become asatmaya to a person when there is an imbalance in the doshas, poor digestive fire, diet, and lifestyle not in accordance with one’s unique constitution and current state of doshas balance.
The treatment aims to restore the balance of the doshas, reignite the digestive fire, and formulate a diet and lifestyle plan in alliance with the unique body constitution and current doshas balance. These goals can be achieved by aligning natural herbal remedies with detoxification or panchakarma therapies and diet and lifestyle modification.
Out of detoxification therapies, Nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils) and abhyanga (medical oil massage) are beneficial in the ayurvedic treatment of coconut allergy. These procedures help to flush out accumulated toxins, enhance respiratory health and boost overall wellness.
12 Herbs for Coconut Allergy Natural Treatment
The Herbs That are very effective in coconut allergy Treatment are mentioned below:-
1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-microbial properties due to its active compound, curcumin. The herb is effective in managing symptoms of coconut allergy, like redness, hives, itching, swelling, and dryness. The herb should be used regularly in cooking as a spice, and apart from this, it can also be used in the form of classical Ayurvedic preparation known as Haridra khanda. Another way to include turmeric is by adding it to the milk and having golden milk for its immune-modulatory properties.
2. Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera has a calming and soothing effect on rashes, redness, swelling, and itching. Aloe vera gel shows good results in allergic conditions with dryness and irritation. Topical application can be done under guidance from an Ayurvedic physician to deal with skin allergy symptoms associated with coconut allergy.
3. Garlic
Garlic is an Ayurvedic herb with multiple benefits and is effective in preventing allergies. The active compound quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine present in garlic, provides relief from allergies. Additionally, garlic is rich in sulfur, iodine, selenium, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C, which support the immune system and also reduce the overreaction towards allergens.
4. Bilwa (Aegle marmelos)
Bilwa has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, and anti-mutagenic properties. The herb is used to reduce the swelling associated with allergic conditions and is also effective in chronic diarrhea. Allergies, especially food allergies, often produce symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting, and loose motions. These symptoms can be managed with Bilwa. You can take bel juice during the summer.
5. Choti Dudhi (Euphorbia thymifolia)
Choti dudhi is beneficial in different allergy conditions such as eczema, skin conditions, asthma, and other respiratory issues. The herb is used for different allergy symptoms like nasal obstruction and runny nose. The decoction of the ayurvedic plant is useful to treat asthma and kapha disorders. Local application of the leaves is effective in managing boils and other skin issues.
6. Durva (Cynodon dactylon)
Durva is an effective herb to treat coconut allergy, as it is known to have anti-allergic properties. The ayurvedic plant effectively manages respiratory allergy, and urticarial or skin allergy. The herb has phenolic acid and flavonoids, which have excellent wound or ulcer-healing properties.
7. Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
Bhumi amla has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body. The herb is effective in the management of conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies. The herb is also hepato-protective and can reverse any damage to the liver cells as it possesses antioxidant and antiviral properties. The plant is also beneficial in reducing ulcers as it limits the secretion of stomach acids and prevents its damage.
8. Vacha (Acorus calamus)
The herb is mainly used to manage speech difficulties in children. Apart from this, the phytoconstituents present in the plant are useful against allergies and also possess anti-helminthic properties. Local application of the herb is advised to treat skin allergies. Furthermore, the herb has rejuvenating properties and strengthens the immune system.
9. Musta (Cyperus rotendus)
The herb has excellent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Due to these properties, the plant is effective in combating allergies. Musta is particularly effective in treating food allergies. The herb is effective in managing symptoms associated with food allergies, like nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, or diarrhea.
10. Dadima (Punica granatum)
Dadima has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in combating allergies. The herb is also effective in skin allergies due to its antihistamine properties. Apart from this, the plant has multiple benefits, including it is immuno-modulatory and also prevents free radical damage.
11. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
Sariva is particularly useful in skin conditions as it has natural blood-purifying properties. The herb is effective in managing skin-related symptoms of coconut allergy, such as redness, itching, hives, and swelling.
12. Parpata (Fumaria indica)
Pitpapra or papaya is effective in balancing pitta dosha. The allergies are believed to be caused due to vitiated pitta and kapha dosha. Therefore, pitpapra is effective in allergies as it helps in balancing pitta dosha.
Conclusion
Coconut allergy is relatively uncommon and may produce symptoms such as redness, swelling, hives, nausea, vomiting, and others. In this article, we have discussed herbs for natural coconut allergy treatment. Ayurvedic treatment of coconut allergy involves a multi-faceted approach that includes herbal remedies, detoxification processes, and diet and lifestyle modification.
If you are stressed as your loved one is suffering from a coconut allergy or allergy, then you can contact our diligent team of doctors headed by Dr Sahil Gupta (Chief Ayurveda Consultant, CEO and Founder of IAFA Ayurveda®). IAFA® is one of the most trustworthy and committed institutions to making the world a better place through its original and holistic approach. Dr. Gupta’s team provides effective treatment for all types of allergies and respiratory infections using 100% natural and herbal products.
References
Kruse, L., Lor, J., Yousif, R., Pongracic, J. A., & Fishbein, A. B. (2021). Coconut allergy. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 126(5), 562-568.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2021.01.027