For millions of people, each change of season brings with it different types of allergy triggers and irritants. Spring gives rise to airborne pollens that drive many allergy sufferers crazy, while summer smog sets off another round of allergy acceleration. Similarly, autumn’s falling leaves followed by dust trapped in closed-up houses through the winter aggravates allergies.
Common symptoms of allergies are a runny nose, a scratchy throat, coughing, itchy eyes and skin rashes. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies would benefit from preventive measures to head off allergies before they start.
However, if allergy symptoms do appear, you can use some simple and effective home remedies to combat the problem.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for allergies.
1. Saline Solution
Upper-respiratory allergies are the most common form of allergies. To help alleviate this condition, you can wash away allergens and irritants by irrigating the nose with saline solution. An independent 2008 study found that regular nasal saline irrigation helps improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Mix one teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda in one quart of boiled water. Allow the solution to cool.
Bend over a sink and use a dropper to put about 10 drops of this homemade solution into one nostril. Allow it to drain back out through the other nostril or through the mouth.
Repeat the process with the other nostril.
Do this once or twice a day for as long as symptoms last.
Instead of making your own saline solution, you can buy it and follow steps 2 through 5.
2. Peppermint
The essential oil present in peppermint acts as a decongestant and eases allergy symptoms. Peppermint also has several substances that contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mild antibacterial properties that inhibit allergic reactions.
To make peppermint tea, steep one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves in one cup of boiling water for five minutes. Then strain it and allow it to cool. Add one teaspoon of honey before drinking it. You can enjoy two to three cups of peppermint tea daily until you get rid of your symptoms completely.
Alternatively, you can hold your face over a hot cup of peppermint tea for five to 10 minutes. This will help break up mucus and clear it out of your nose and throat. Try this whenever you have difficulty breathing.
3. Steam
Steam can give relief from various symptoms of allergies. It will refresh and soothe irritated sinuses, while also cleaning the nasal passages of excess mucus and any irritants.
Boil several cups of water until it produces a good amount of steam.
Pour the boiling water into a big bowl. Add three or four drops of eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essentialoil, rosemary essential oil or tea tree essential oil.
Drape a towel over your head and lean carefully over the bowl. Inhale the steam deeply for five to 10 minutes.
Repeat one to three times a day until you recover completely.
Note: Keep your face far enough away from the steam to avoid burns.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an age-old remedy for allergies. Due to its antibiotic and antihistamine properties, apple cider vinegar is very effective in treating allergic reactions. It can treat the cause of the allergy and thereby decrease or eliminate symptoms like frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, headache and cough.
Add one tablespoon of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Mix in one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and one-half tablespoon of raw honey.
Drink this three times a day until you get relief from acute allergy symptoms.
5. Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf can be highly effective for treating seasonal as well as chronic allergies. Being a natural antihistamine, nettle leaf can block the body’s ability to produce histamine and hence give relief from various allergy symptoms.
Put one tablespoon of dried nettle leaf in a cup. Pour boiling water over the herb and let it steep for five minutes. Strain, allow it to cool and then add a little honey. Drink this tea two or three times per day until your symptoms go away.
Alternatively, you can take nettle capsules. You must consult a doctor for directions, including the appropriate dosage and how long to take it.
6. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that can effectively ward off allergies. The antiviral and immune boosting properties of garlic can literally keep the doctor away during the allergy season.
Eat two or three raw garlic cloves daily for a week or two to combat various allergy symptoms.
If you cannot bear the strong smell or taste of garlic, you can try garlic supplements but only after consulting a doctor.
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