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Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common, IgE-mediated inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that affects quality of life, sleep and work and is closely linked with asthma. Ayurveda describes Pratishyaya, a disease of the nose with sneezing, nasal discharge and obstruction, and Vataja and Kaphaja Pratishyaya in particular resemble allergic rhinitis. Ayurvedic management relies on Nasya (nasal medication), herbal formulations and lifestyle measures. Objective: To review the classical description of Pratishyaya, its correlation with allergic rhinitis, the evidence-based conventional management, and clinical evidence for Nasya and Ayurvedic herbs. Methods: Narrative review of classical texts, international allergic rhinitis guidelines, systematic reviews, and Ayurvedic and herbal clinical studies. Results: Intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, saline irrigation, allergen avoidance and allergen immunotherapy form the evidence-based management of allergic rhinitis. A randomised placebo-controlled trial found that Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) extract reduced sneezing, discharge, obstruction and itching. A randomised placebo-controlled trial of curcumin also reported benefit. Ayurvedic studies, mostly single-group or open-label, report symptom improvement with Anu Taila Nasya combined with oral formulations such as Shatyadi Vati and with Haridra Khanda. A randomised trial comparing an Ayurvedic regimen with fluticasone nasal spray is in progress. Conclusion: Guduchi and curcumin have the strongest herbal evidence. Nasya is widely used, but evidence for it comes mainly from uncontrolled studies. Rigorous trials with validated outcome measures and standard comparators are needed.

KEYWORDS: Pratishyaya; allergic rhinitis; Nasya; Anu Taila; Tinospora cordifolia; Haridra Khanda; curcumin; Shalakya Tantra