Whether we like it or not, we are subject to everyday allergies. In fact, allergens and pathogens are airborne, which make them nearly impossible to avoid.
Every day, people breathe in the following airborne agents:
- Cedar
- Grass
- Mold
- Pollen
- Certain chemicals, etc.
Once breathed in, the sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and sniffling start.
Yes, allergies can be a royal nuisance, especially at certain times in the year. Some people head straight for the pharmacy counter, and some people just try to grin and bear it. However, there are loads of other remedies to try before you just settle into the constant annoyance of allergies. A lot of people try to steer clear of unnatural pharmaceutical remedies. Here are ten suggestions for natural allergy remedies.
#1: Try out Acupuncture
This somewhat religious and traditional Chinese therapy is commonly misunderstood. A trained expert carefully sticks tiny little needles into your skin at different specific points. Many people say that it is actually painless. Studies have shown that this ritual can sometimes have clinical benefits and some effect on allergies. It can often be a reasonable and easy first option for those looking to reduce cost and medication use when looking to take the edge of allergies.
#2: Try Allergy-Proofing your House
Try out some different tricks to reduce the number of allergy-triggering bits and bobs that come into your home. For example, try closing the windows and putting the air conditioning on if it is hot during pollen season. “It is also a good idea to get changed after you come inside from being outside during pollen season as well. Shower when you get in to remove all the bits of pollen and potentially triggering pieces of nature,” says Paul Darren, a writer at Assignment Service.
#3: Try Eating Certain Foods to Help
Some allergies cannot be helped by food, but allergies which cause congestion, clogged up noses, or coughing can often be assisted by certain foods. Eating spicy food can clear out your throat and soothe irritation, and honey can also have a similar effect. A little bit of research on the side can dredge up some other potential foods to help.
#4: Give HEPA Filters a Go
HEPA filters basically act as a sophisticated vacuum for the air, getting out those nasty little bits which can sometimes cause allergic reactions in a lot of people. However, they do have mixed reviews. Although these air filters are great for filtering the air, they do not take care of the dust particles and other allergy triggers which rest on surfaces like furniture, rugs, and countertops.
#5: Homemade or Curated Nasal Washes
Although this may seem like a basic solution, a saline solution (which is medical speak for salt water), can be very helpful in clearing out your sinuses. If you choose to try out this homemade remedy, ensure that the water you use is sterile, distilled, and free from anything which could potentially make your allergic reactions worse. There are very specific instructions for how to curate and use a saline solution; so make sure you do some thorough internet research.
#6: Make Good Decisions & Protect Yourself
Naturally, if it is allergy season, and you spend all of your time outside with zero preventative measures or protective gear on, you will undoubtedly suffer the consequences. Unless you have to be outdoors for reasons like work, you’ll need to protect yourself from allergens.
Keep an eye on when pollen is most active, and make sure that if you are around potential triggers, you have protective gear on.
#7: Give Saline Sprays a Go
You might think that these are exactly the same and have the same effects as a saline rinse that we talked about earlier. However, this is not the case. Saline sprays can be bought over the counter; and unless you have some very specific skills, cannot be made as a home remedy. Because of this, their results can be more reliable than a solution that you just throw together in your kitchen! Double check before you buy that the ingredients or components won’t make your symptoms worse or act as a tigger.
#8: Medical Supplements
Allergies can absolutely be helped by medicine and supplements. My personal advice would be to try the other slightly more homemade and natural remedies first and then go the supplement route. Only after that should you then consult your doctor about more intense solutions.
Look for supplements that have Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps you fight off inflammation and allergic reactions by regulating your immune system cells. However, you may want to consult your doctor before starting any Vitamin-D supplement, since too much of it can raise blood levels of calcium, and cause kidney stones and calcium deposits in the heart and other organs.
#9: Try Essential Oils- Everyday Allergies
Although similar to medical supplements in certain ways, essential oils are straight from the source: nature. Rather than filling your body with artificial products, essential oils don’t need the artificialness in order to work.
So, why not add some essential oils to your tea, your bath, or your body products? Oils to consider for your allergy-prevention needs are:
- Basil
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint, AND
- Tea tree
These oils can help reduce allergy symptoms like inflammation, as well as boost your immune system to fight infections and other harmful toxins.
#10: Bathe- Everyday Allergies
You might not know this, but just taking a bath can help you fight off allergies. The truth is, every time you go in and out of your home, you’re bringing in small particles that are responsible for pesky allergy attacks. Mold and other particles from your home can follow you as you walk outside. Then, when you go back indoors, you’re carrying more particles with you in your hair, skin, clothes, etc.
That’s why it’s important to bathe every so often. Even taking a simple shower can help you get rid of allergens that might be hitchhiking on your person. Once you bathe, change into different clothes, so that you don’t fall victim to the same allergens.
BONUS: Exercise
Finally, you heard right! Exercise!
While this might sound counterproductive to your allergy recovery since you’re exposing yourself to pollens and allergens indoors and out. However, exercising regularly can help alleviate your allergies, while giving you other health benefits like burning calories and losing weight. Try to commit to at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercising per week.
Great examples of aerobic exercises to try in this case are:
- Walking
- Running
- Treadmill
- Cycling
- Swimming, etc.
As usual, talk to your doctor about which exercises to do. This is especially important, if you have problems with asthma or other respiratory issues.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Everyday allergies shouldn’t have to be a way of life for you.
Now, before you try the traditional route, it is very important to try other, more natural and homegrown solutions such as the ones listed above.
Just keep in mind: These solutions have been shown to not cure, but help with reactions. You would still need to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for what solutions to try. We hope that this guide will help you combat everyday allergies!
