CAN’T I HAVE COLD DRINKS

If I drink anything with ice, the next day I have a bout of sneezing. This has increased over the past one year and has started affecting my eyes too, leaving them irritated. What can I do to counter this? A

Persistent allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for developing sudden temperature change-related rhinitis, even in the absence of allergen exposure.

The symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are similar to those of allergic rhinitis – stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, mucous in the throat, cough, but the usual evidence of an allergic reaction may not be present. A major function of the nose is to make the inhaled air warm and humid. While our nostrils warm and humidify air, the nasal mucosa loses heat and water. Non-allergic rhinitis occurs when blood vessels in your nose dilate, filling the nasal lining with blood and fluid. Avoiding the known triggers is the best way to prevent it.

There are a few preparations in ayurveda that will show improvement within 2-3 days. Ayurveda recommends several home remedies for rhinitis: Long pepper (Piper longum) is one of the best herbs for the prevention and management of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Adult may take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of long pepper powder mixed with honey. Black pepper can be used as an alternative.

Take tea steeped with leaves of thulasi (holy basil leaves; Ocimum sanctum).

Prepare drinking water boiled with cumin or coriander seeds (½ to 1 tsp for a litre of water) and cooled to room temperature for daily use.

Intake of ½ glass milk boiled with turmeric (¼ to ½ teaspoon) is also effective.

Ginger coffee and coriander coffee are effective home remedies widely practiced in South India. Heat 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons jaggery (or palm sugar). When palm sugar starts melting, add the powdered dry ginger powder (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon crushed), cardamom (2 pods crushed) and cumin seeds (1/2 teaspoon).

When boiling, add a teaspoon of coffee powder and let it continue to boil for a minute.

Add 5-6 holy basil leaves and cover the pan. Leave for 5 minutes, strain the coffee and drink.

Alternatively, dry roast ¼ cup coriander seeds until golden brown. Then dry roast ½ teaspoon cumin seeds and ½ teaspoon black pepper till a nice aroma rises. Grind it to a fine powder and add ½ cup dried ginger powder and store. Each time, boil a cup of water with 1 teaspoon powder added with a teaspoon of palm sugar or jaggery.

Consult your doctor before using any home remedies.