Are you searching home remedies for seasonal allergies?
You are certainly on the right page as this article will introduce you to natural ways to get rid of seasonal allergies. But first, let us learn what is a seasonal allergy.
What is a seasonal allergy
Seasonal allergy is also called as hay fever. It is a common health issue that affects people with over sensitive or low immune system. It may be defined as an exaggerated reaction between the oversensitive immune system and allergens. Allergens usually do not cause any harm to healthy people with strong immunity.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergy
The symptoms of seasonal allergy are runny nose, sneezing, cough, throat irritation, watery, red and puffy eyes. These symptoms appear year round when spores are released from the molds and pollens are released by weeds, grasses, and trees. When pollens invade the body of individuals with the oversensitive or low immune system, their body fails to combat pollen and releases histamine in excess. This results in symptoms of seasonal allergy.
The symptoms of seasonal allergies continue as long as you are exposed to the allergens. This condition affects about 40 to 60 million people every year. The best you can do is to eliminate the allergens or prevent their exposure. But removing pollens from the air is not possible.
So what’s the solution
Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines and steroids to get rid of the symptoms. But, why to depend on conventional medicines when you have superb home remedies for seasonal allergy in your kitchen and in your garden.
Home remedies for seasonal allergy
- Apple cider vinegar– The property of apple cider vinegar to ease the production of the mucus and clean our lymphatic system can also be used to treat seasonal allergies.
Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Drink this solution 3 times in a day. This will not only provide you relief from the acute symptoms but will also prevent the allergy attack. Better start drinking it a month before the allergy season.
- Peppermint nettle tea– Nettle is an incredible herb that is known to relieve arthritis, blood pressure, and even seasonal allergy. It acts as a natural antihistamine. On the other hand, peppermint contains flavonoid that inhibits secretion and the activity of anti-inflammatory enzymes. Thus, both helps to reduce the discomfort.
Take one-fourth teaspoon of fresh and chopped nettle leaves and peppermint leaves. Place them in a cup of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Now add a teaspoon of honey and drink it 2 times in a day.
You may also take 300 mg of nettle extract daily.
- Raw honey– Bees carry pollens from flowers. Thus, local honey contains pollens. However, these pollens carried from the blooms usually, do not cause allergy. On eating local honey local pollens are also ingested. This makes a person less sensitive to pollen over the time and he suffers from fewer symptoms.
Start eating a teaspoon of honey 3 times a day a month before allergy season starts. Make sure that the honey is not processed, only then it will be effective.
- Green tea- Green tea contains antioxidants that boost the immune system, If your immune system is strong it will stop the excessive production of histamine. Take a green tea bag and steep in a cup water. After 15 minutes, remove the tea bags and drink the concoction. Start drinking green tea 2 times a day a month before the start of allergic season.
- Probiotics– Research has found that probiotics or good bacteria are found to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Also, they improve the quality of life. Yogurt is rich in probiotics. Include probiotics in your daily diet.
- Quercetin– Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that acts as a natural antihistamine. It stabilizes the mast cells and prevents them from producing histamine. Foods rich in quercetin are broccoli and citrus fruits. The daily recommended dose of quercetin is 1000 mg. But to overcome allergies dietary intake of quercetin is not sufficient. Thus, you may need to take supplements. Better start its intake a month before the allergy season.
* This is not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Neti pot- It is the best way to flush out the allergens. It also thins the mucus and clears the nasal passage. Mix a teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of boiled water. Once the water is cooled down to a bearable temperature, then with the help of a Neti pot pour the solution in one nostril. While doing this, make sure to tilt your head and drain out the solution from the other nostril. Repeat this process with the other nostril.
- Steam inhalation- This is one of the easiest home remedies for seasonal allergy. It thins the mucus and relieves blocked nose.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of steaming water. Place your face over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Inhale deeply and then exhale. Do this for 15 minutes. Repeat this several times in day.
Besides trying a combination of home remedies for seasonal allergy practice following strategies to avoid the triggers:
- Be alert and gather the information mentioned in the newspapers, radio or television about the mold and pollen counts during the allergy season.
- Avoid going outdoors when the pollens and mold count are high.
- Keep windows and doors of houses and cars closed during allergy season.
- Take showers in the morning and before going to the bed every day.
- Wash your hairs and your clothes daily.
- You may wear a filter mask available in the market to avoid the exposure to the allergens.
- Drink lots of water.
- Better replace carpets with the hard surface floor because carpet attracts pollens.
- Remove clusters.
- Wipe your pet daily as their fur attracts allergens.
Also, you need to make certain changes in your diet. The victims of seasonal allergy should avoid following foods during allergy season:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Peanuts
- Sugar
- Conventional dairy
- Chocolate
- Artificial sweeteners
- Processed foods
- Cucumbers
- Sunflower seeds
- Melons
- Bananas
- Shellfish
- Chamomile
- Wheat
- Bottled citrus juice
- Soy
These foods may make your symptoms worse. Also, make sure to completely eliminate the foods you are allergic to from your diet.
Hope you find this article on home remedies for seasonal allergy helpful. If you have any query do let us know.
