Mango Allergy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Though mangoes, the tropical fruits, are favourite for many people, some experience allergic reactions. A mango allergy is often related to proteins in the fruit skin or sap or pulp. The causative, symptoms, and treatment of a mango allergy are thoroughly discussed here, especially Ayurvedic Treatment for Mango Allergy. Keep reading for useful insights. 

A 16 year old boy had visited IAFA Ayurveda recently with the symptoms of allergy after eating mangoes like Kushta (pruritus), Sheetapitta (generalised urticaria), Udard, and Kotha (pruritus of lips and edema) and Murcha (feeling of losing consciousness), so experts at IAFA Ayurveda had carefully analyzed the condition and listed the following causes. 

Causes of Mango Allergy

A mango allergy typically develops from the response of the body’s immune system to certain proteins naturally present in the fruit, such as urushiol, a chemical also found in poison ivy. The reaction often happens with contact to the skin, sap, or pulp of the mango, which can be termed as contact dermatitis and the other cause can be cross-reactivity with a general allergic disease known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS). People allergic to birch pollen or latex could react to mango proteins because of similar protein structures in them. Ayurvedic Treatment for Mango Allergy involves addressing these root causes. 

Symptoms of Mango Allergy

The symptoms can vary from person to person based on the body’s immune response, frequency of exposure and the presence of other related allergies. We can divide the symptoms into two categories. One is Anaphylactic reactions and the other is Delayed reactions.

1. Anaphylactic Reactions

Patients can experience mild to severe anaphylactic reactions when they get exposed to the allergen. Ayurveda explains anaphylactic reactions as Virudham and the following are the symptoms one can experience.

• Visphota (Skin Eruptions)
• Murcha (Fainting)
• Kushta (Itching or Skin Rashes)
• Mada (Intoxication)
• Grahani (Dysentery)
• Death (Rare)

2. Delayed Reactions

Delayed reactions can be the symptoms that are not alone due to mango allergy and can be connected with other symptoms. These are as follows: 

• Contact dermatitis due to the protein (Urushiol) present in the mango skin, sap or pulp. 
• Oral allergy syndrome
• Allergic to birch pollen or latex 

Ayurvedic Treatment for Mango Allergy

Ayurvedic treatment for mango allergy focuses on getting the relief from the symptoms and eliminating the root cause of the disease. Ayurveda offers multiple natural ways to manage and treat mango allergy. Ayurveda keeps the doshas in balance by regulating the response of an individual’s immune system while reducing inflammation.

Management of Anaphylactic Reactions

1. Shirish Swaras: Shirish is a powerful herb with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in alleviating skin rashes, and respiratory issues and fights the heavy inflammation in the body. It works as an antidote in food allergic reaction cases by eliminating the toxins from the body. 

2. Sanjeevani Gulika: It helps in the elimination of Ama Visha from the body thereby improving the immunity. It helps in balancing vata and kapha doshas. It improves the digestive fire thereby eliminating the toxins which are causing allergic reactions.

3. Haridrakhand: Haridrakhand is a potent ayurvedic classical medicine that helps in boosting immunity, reducing inflammation and giving the body the strength and ability to fight allergic symptoms like Sheetpitta, Udarda and Kotha (Urticaria). 

4. A2 Cow Ghee: A2 cow ghee helps in improving gut health, cleansing the body, flushing out impurities, and boosting immunity. 

Management of Delayed Reactions

1. Tulsi: Tulsi has immunity-boosting ability and helps to fight off irritating allergic symptoms. You can have them in the form of herbal tea or chew them directly daily for better improvement.

2. Neem: Neem is a well-known herb used in the preparation of many herbal medicines. It is a great anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunity boosting herb. It helps in improving the skin rashes and reduces inflammation.

3. Patola: Patola is a potent herb used to reduce the symptoms of kushta, digestion, and inflammation due to allergies. 

4. Vidanga: Vidanga is mainly given to reduce the itching sensation caused due to contact dermatitis or birch pollen.  

5. Yashtimadhu: Yashtimadhu helps in alleviating skin and respiratory symptoms like rashes, itching, difficulty in breathing and nasal symptoms.

6. Punarnava: Punarnava helps in reducing swelling, inflammation, and excess mucus caused due to allergic reactions. 

Natural Remedies for Mango Allergy

Natural remedies help in not only reducing the symptoms but also addressing the root cause of the disease. Follow these natural remedies along with Natural Treatment of Mango Allergy to get rid of mango allergy.

The below-mentioned natural remedies aid in boosting immunity, fighting off allergens, eliminating Ama Visha, and balancing the doshas:

1. Curry Leaves 
2. Cumin Tea 
3. Fennel Tea

Prevention of Mango Allergy

Prevention tips for Mango Allergy are:-

1. Refrain from Touching the Fruit on the Outer Skin: If you are sensitive to the skin of the mango, then it is better to wear gloves while rubbing that fruit. Peel the mango properly so that it will not contact the skin.

2. Wash Thoroughly: Proper washing of mangoes can help decrease the chances of exposure to allergenic compounds present in the skin.

3. Substitute with Other Fruits: If you already confirmed a mango allergy, you can try to substitute it with non-allergenic fruits like bananas, apples, or papayas for the similar nutritional intake but no risks.

4. Seasonal Fruits Over Unseasonal Fruits: Parents must make sure that they are giving only seasonal fruits to the children. Mangoes are best available in the summer and ayurveda also endorses the same. So please avoid eating mangoes in the wrong season. 

5. Naturally Ripened Over Artificially Ripened: Nowadays it’s common that sellers use ethylene or calcium carbide to artificially and quickly ripen the fruits to sell them and gain profits. Sometimes these chemicals can cause cross-reactivity and may cause allergies. 

In any case, if the symptoms worsen or not improving or any emergency situation arrives then immediately contact an Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist or visit your nearby hospital. 

Final Thoughts

Even though this is the case, mango allergy can be treated effectively using preventive measures together with natural remedies and Ayurvedic treatments. Knowing the causes and symptoms and taking active steps to manage allergies can ensure a healthy, balanced lifestyle even if an allergic reaction to mango exists.
If you still experience the symptoms, then book an online consultation now with our Ayurveda experts for Natural Treatment of Mango Allergy and live an allergy free life.