Home Remedies for Allergies

 

6 min read

Whether their seasonal or just something you have to struggle with on a general basis, allergies are never a fun thing for people to deal with. There are many different causes for allergies and nearly as many symptoms that they can trigger in the more than 50 million Americans who experience them. From sneezing to itching to runny noses and rashes, it’s no wonder that entire sections of pharmacies are dedicated to bottled solutions and pill-based remedies for the allergies we face. You might be wondering if there's anything natural that can help. 

 

 

girl sneezing

[Related: Exercise and the Brain]

 

What are Allergies?

In short, allergies (or allergic reactions) occur when your body’s immune system reacts negatively to a specific foreign substance that may not bother other people. When allergies are triggered, the antibodies produced by your immune system identify the allergen as a threat, even if it isn’t. Many things can kickstart different reactions whose symptoms range from mild to severe, and can even be life-threatening in some cases. 

 

Some of the most common allergens include;

 

Some of the most common allergy symptoms include;

  • Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Itching
  • Rashes or hives
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Swelling
  • Asthma
  • Watery, red, or swollen eyes
  • Tingling in the mouth
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Reddening, flaking, or peeling skin

 dandelion

DISCLAIMER: DO NOT treat severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis with home remedies 

Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis can be identified by: 

If you experience these symptoms, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention. 

 

Home Remedies for Allergies

Allergies can often be treated with simple medications. However, not everyone finds them helpful, and others may want to try more natural remedies rather than reach straight for a pill bottle every time they feel their allergies start to kick up. Here are ten effective home remedies you can try instead;

1. Butterbur

Butterbur also referred to as Petasites hybridus, is a unique type of marsh plant that’s historically been used for various medicinal purposes, from migraines to allergies. A review released back in 2003 found the plant to be an especially effective remedy for itchy eyes when used as an oral antihistamine. Leukotriene is an inflammatory compound released by the immune system during an allergic reaction, and butterbur works as an effective leukotriene (LT) receptor inhibitor. 

Related: Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol?: Herbs, Supplements, and Foods That May Promote Lower Cholesterol Levels

 

2. Quercetin

Quercetin is a naturally produced pigment found in grains, fruits, veggies, teas, and wine. It’s also classified as one of the most abundant antioxidants in a standard diet. Quercetin is a favorite of natural healing advocates for its ability to release histamines in the body and help control various allergy symptoms, such as inflammation. It’s also known to help boost immunity, aid in exercise performance, and help people maintain good general health.

 

3. Nasal irrigation

Saline nasal irrigation was shown to have very beneficial effects on both children and adults who suffer from allergies caused by hay fever. The process helps wash away pollen, dirt, dust, mucous, and other allergens from your nose while increasing overall mucous flow, which allows your sinuses to clear. Not only does this help treat and prevent allergies, but it can also improve breathing overall and help prevent the development of a sinus infection.

 

4. Acupuncture

You may not naturally think to connect acupuncture- the ancient Chinese medicine-based approach to treating various conditions by triggering specific points on the body with needles- to allergy relief. However, a study review from 2015 indicates that it can produce positive results in helping people overcome both seasonal and year-round allergies. That- alongside the wide range of other health benefits that acupuncture is known to provide- should have you eager to try the practice out for yourself!

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 acupuncture

5. Honey

Locally produced honey is not only delicious, but it may also help lower your allergic reactions over time by providing you with long-term exposure to the pollen your local bees collect. However, there’s little to no scientific evidence to prove this hypothesis, and more research is needed to prove its effectiveness. Nevertheless, it may be worth adding a spoonful of honey to your morning tea to see if it helps.

 

6. Essential oils

Multiple essential oils have been shown through scientific studies to help relieve the symptoms of allergies, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects and other benefits. If you’re currently struggling with allergies, consider investing in a bottle of lavender, peppermint, frankincense, or eucalyptus essential oil. 

 

7. Herbal teas

Some types of herbal teas- especially green tea, have been shown to hinder the activation of mast cells and helo block histamines during allergic reactions. Some other helpful teas you can use to combat your allergy symptoms include ginger, peppermint, lemon balm, licorice, and turmeric. Consider stocking up on a few types to see which ones provide the most benefits.

 cup of tea

8. Probiotics

In 2015, an intensive review was conducted on 23 different studies that examined the relationship between the intensity of allergy symptoms and probiotics. The results indicated that taking probiotics may help improve a range of common allergy symptoms by reducing their severity. In the words of the analysis, "Seventeen studies showed a significant clinical benefit from the use of probiotics..."  While many people should already consider taking a regular probiotic to help promote their gut health, allergy symptom reduction is undoubtedly an added benefit!

Related: How to Take Care of Your Eyes and Symptoms to Watch Out For 

 

9. Hepa air filters

Using an effective air filter in your home (or even multiple) can be a great way to clean out the air of your environment and reduce the presence of various potential allergens, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. For the best possible effects, it’s generally a good idea to use a High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

 

10. Deep clean your home

There’s no reason to wait until spring to do your spring cleaning, especially if you suffer from allergies all year round. Take some time to thoroughly deep clean your home to remove the presence of various allergens, and you might be surprised by how much better you feel!

 

The Bottomline to Keep in Mind

Allergies are a significant problem for millions of Americans, but you don’t have to rely on over-the-counter medications to try and address the problem! Consider trying out some of the easy-to-use home remedies above to see if they can help you overcome your allergy issues this year. And if you’d like access to additional information on how you can improve the health and functioning of your body, please don’t hesitate to explore the expertly-written education articles we offer here at Best in Nature today. Also, don’t forget to browse our selection of top-quality selection of products that can help support the functioning of your brain, bones, heart, and much more!

It’s essential to keep your body as healthy as possible as you get older, and that often means taking some extra steps to ensure your brain, bones, and heart are getting all the support they need to function correctly. Thankfully, our experts here at Best in Nature have created several products you can use to help ensure your body's wellness!

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