Springtime is just around the corner and for many people that mean watery, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, a stuffy nose and much more. As the weather begins to warm flowers, trees and weeds will emerge from their dormancy and release dust and pollen into the air, causing hay fever symptoms. If you want to enjoy spring without the symptoms of seasonal allergies, check out how the follow natural solutions can help fight your spring allergies.
Ten Natural Solutions of Fighting Spring Allergies
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to relieve many of the symptoms of spring allergies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, to maximize the effectiveness, you should begin your treatments a couple of months before spring allergy season begins
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for years to relieve a variety of health conditions. Apple cider vinegar reduces mucous production and cleanses the lymphatic system. This can help relieve nasal allergies. For skin allergies, apple cider vinegar can relieve itching and soothe allergic rashes.The best way to use apple cider vinegar for your allergies is on a regular basis.
3. Dehumidifier
In the air can help you breathe easier. Additionally, a dehumidifier can help to remove allergens in your home’s air. Opt for a dehumidifier with a built-in air purifier to trap pollen and dust. Vacuum and dust regularly to help decrease the number of allergens in your home.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve allergy symptoms. Eucalyptus oil opens up stuffy sinus passages and relieves many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of boiling water and drape a towel over your head and breathe in the vapor to open your sinus passages up so you can breathe easier. You can also use an Oil Diffuser.
5. Herbs and Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids lower leukotriene levels in the body to help decrease the effects of an allergic reaction. In addition to this, there is a number of nutritional that contain some of the proven herbs to prevent and relieve season allergies. Stinging Nettle, quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C have all been shown to relieve the symptoms of season allergies by preventing histamine production.
6. Honey
Local honey is made by bees that have collected pollen from flowers, bushes, trees and weeds in your area. By consuming local honey, you will slowly help your body become inoculated against these pollens. Enjoy at least one teaspoon of raw, local honey each day to receive the maximum benefits that local honey offers.
7. Neti Pot
Neti pots help to rinse the nasal cavities with a saline solution to remove allergens and dust from the nasal cavities. To use a Neti pot, fill the pot with
Neti pots help to rinse the nasal cavities with a saline solution to remove allergens and dust from the nasal cavities. To use a Neti pot, fill the pot with sterilized (boiled and cooled or distilled) water and salt. Then turn your head to one side and pour the saline solution into one nostril, allowing it to flow out of the other nostril. Repeat with the opposite side to maximize the effectiveness of a saline-filled Neti pot.
8. Nutrition
Eating a low-fat diet with complex carbohydrates and drinking lots of fluids can help to relieve hay fever symptoms. Include anti-inflammatory vegetables and fruits, including dark green leafy veggies (spinach, endive and greens), cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli and Brussel sprouts) along with onions, cayenne, horseradish, ginger and garlic to reduce inflammation and thin mucus production.
9. Probiotics
The National Institutes of Health reports that help to prevent and treat allergic rhinitis. Probiotics increase immunity and decrease inflammation caused by allergens. There are several strains that help to relieve spring allergies, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Escherichia coli Nissile.
10. Steam Showers
After you have been outdoors, launder your clothes and take a shower. Allergens stick to your skin, hair and clothes, so it is essential that you remove your clothing and take a shower to prevent them from spreading to other surfaces in your home. Additionally, the steam from the shower will help clear your nasal passages and soothe irritated eyes and sinus cavities. Once you have washed your body and your hair, stand a few minutes breathing in the steam to ease your allergy symptoms.
During the spring, many people suffer from allergies. Rather than reaching for an anti-histamine allergy medication that has a number of side effects, try one of these ten natural solutions for spring allergies. They will not only relieve your symptoms but also prevent an allergic reaction from occurring.
