The efficacy of herbal tea as preventive measure for allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is an atopic disease. Atopic allergy is a type —I hypersensitivity reaction which produces IgE antibodies to allergens like pollen, dust, etc. In Ayurveda direct reference of allergic rhinitis is not available, but concept of allergy is scientifically explained under 'Asatmaja vyadhi' while its effects are explained in context of hereditary, Viruddhahara, Dushi visha and Ritu sandhi. Various types of Pratishyaya are explained clearly in all Samhita's. However, symptoms of Vataja pratishyaya like Tanu nasa srava (rhinorrhea), Shirah shoola (headache), Kshavathu (sneezing) more related with symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In the present study, patients of allergic rhinitis are evaluated on the basis of general evaluation scale consisting parameters like nasal obstruction, sneezing, itching nose etc. In the clinical study 30 patients were selected in age between 16-60 years irrespective of their sex, religion, occupation and habitat etc. They were treated with herbal tea for 14 days in their tea time 5g of tea bag. All of them were completed the treatment accurately and the follow up study continued up to two weeks after the treatment. According to analysis, it can be concluded that, the herbal tea has been shown reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis like nasal obstruction, sneezing, itching. While assessing the total effect of therapy, complete remission was observed in 16.7% (n=5), marked improvement was 33.3% (n=IO) and moderate improvement was 50% (n=15). During follow-up period recurrences were observed in the symptoms of running nose. Therefore it is most suitable as a preventive measure to control and cure the disease.