Allergies are one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world and occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to a particular substance, known as an allergen. The immune system will perceive the allergen as harmful and respond by producing antibodies to attack it. Allergy symptoms usually develop within two hours and can affect your skin, airways, sinuses, nasal cavity and digestive system.
Repeated exposure to an allergen can cause a person to develop an allergy that can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
Natural remedies for allergy symptoms
More than 50 million Americans experience an allergic reaction each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The following tips and home remedies can reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction occurring and may offer relief for the symptoms experienced:
Herbal Teas
Some herbal teas are known for offering relief for allergy symptoms.
Red tea, or rooibos tea, can inhibit the body’s release of histamines, reducing some common seasonal allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and congestion. Stinging nettle and green tea can also provide an antihistamine effect.
With its anti-inflammatory benefits, peppermint tea can offer relief for congestion.
Air Filters
An indoor air filter can help significantly in reducing the allergens in your home. A 18x20x1 air filter can trap and block air particles, including pet dander, lint, dust, pollen, debris, and mold spores.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation, or a sinus flush, can rinse out irritants and excess mucus from your nasal passages helping to reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and a runny nose. A neti pot containing salt water or saline solution can be used to clear out allergens and mucus from your sinuses and nasal passage.
Honey
As well as acting as a natural lubricant for an itchy, scratchy throat, local honey may also help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms in some people by making them less sensitive to local pollen.
Acupuncture
By stimulating acupuncture points along the body’s meridian channels, acupuncture can balance the flow of energy or qi throughout these channels. This can have a beneficial effect on the body’s immune system, alleviating allergy symptoms.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathy can be an effective treatment for certain allergic reactions. Euphrasia is commonly used to treat itchy, watery eyes and nasal discharge. Wyethia can relieve intense itching from the throat and roof of the mouth, while Allium Cepa can offer relief for watery eyes, constant sneezing and a runny nose.
Change your clothes
Certain allergens such as dirt, dust and pollen can become trapped on clothing fibers transferring themselves into your home environment. You can reduce allergens from entering your home by changing your clothes upon your return.
Laundry
Regularly washing your bed linen will reduce the accumulation of allergens in your bedroom and in your home.
Close windows
Lower your chances of experiencing an allergic reaction by closing the windows especially on days when the pollen count is high.
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