People usually look for natural ways to avoid medications to deal with certain health conditions. Medicines and drugs have their own set of side effects that one needs to be cautious about. Thus, if there is a way to avoid drugs, it would be in your favor to try it out.
12 Effective Natural Remedies for Home Use
Allergies are quite common and if relief is to be acquired, there are a lot of natural remedies that you can make use of. These remedies are tried and tested, so you do not have to worry about jeopardizing your health.
1. Neti Pot
This is an impressive option which you can use if you are looking for a natural remedy for allergies. It serves to clear nasal passages and get rid of allergens and irritants in an effective manner.
This natural remedy manages to prevent as well as provide treatment for various upper respiratory conditions including the likes of the common cold and seasonal allergies.
Before using the neti pot, one thing to keep in mind is that the water is distilled and sterile. Using tap water can aggravate sinuses since it contains chlorine and fluoride.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is quite a convenient option since this product can be purchased from anywhere with a lot of ease. It is natural and thus, you can be confident that it would not pose any threat to your health.
The method is quite simple. Just add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in your water along with some fresh lemon juice and drink it the first thing in the morning.
In case you develop an allergy attack, add a teaspoon of the ingredient to the neti pot solution which will flush out your sinus in an effective manner.
3. Quercetin
This ingredient is found in quite a few vegetables and fruits. It stabilizes the release of histamine, thereby ensuring that the allergy symptoms are controlled.
Studies have proven that the ingredient can provide a great deal of relief from allergy attacks as it reduces the hyperactivity of airways. Thus, all you need to do is incorporate the items containing the herb into your diet, primarily in the hay season.
As per studies, it is advisable to use quercetin for prolonged treatment. Those who have a tendency to develop seasonal allergies should take it prior to the season so that they do not have to suffer through any problem.
4. Honey
While this might appear to be a simple remedy, it is one that has proven to be highly effective. Take a tablespoon of raw honey every day and you will find that your body manages to develop tolerance to the local pollen which otherwise creates havoc in your sinuses.
One tablespoon of raw honey would be able to save you from a lot of trouble. Since it is natural, it would not incur any harm to your health either. To treat allergies, why not add honey to your drinks every day. What a delicious drink.
5. Stinging Nettle
This natural herb has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. Thus, you can use it without having to worry about any bad effects.
Indeed, it has been used for the treatment of conditions like urinary tract infections, BPH, joint pain, hay fever and insect bites among other things.
The herb has an effect on histamine which is why it can be used as a remedy for allergies. It is advisable to take a freeze-dried preparation prior to the season. You can also have it as a tea or tincture as per your preference.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
There are various ways in which eucalyptus oil can be used to acquire relief from allergies. It is found to be highly potent when it comes to killing allergic house mites as well.
One option is to put in drops of the oil in the neti pot. Another is to inhale it by using a diffuser. You can also add it in your laundry detergent where it will function as an antimicrobial agent.
In case you are suffering from strong allergic symptoms, all that you need to do is mix the oil with some coconut oil and rub it on your body including your chest and behind the ears. Diffuse it during the day and while sleeping, and you will attain a great deal of relief.
7. Frankincense Essential Oil
This oil is capable of stimulating a lot of antibodies in the body, thereby enhancing the function of your immune system. Thus, if you suffer from allergies, this essential oil can provide you with valuable assistance.
Using it to acquire maximum relief is quite easy. There is not much that you will need to do. All that needs to be done is to rub the oil behind the ears and on the chest and let it do its work. You can also diffuse it in the air around you, which will provide you with the comfort you are looking for.
8. Bromelain
This is an enzyme present in pineapple juice and pineapple stem. Its use for medicinal purposes is quite common. It works by reducing inflammation of the nose and sinuses, thereby restricting the progression of allergies.
The enzyme is also effective when coping with hay fever, bowel conditions, and weight loss. A glass of pineapple juice early in the morning can prove to be rather effective.
Not many studies have been done on the enzyme, so it should be used with caution.
9. SBO Probiotics
It is quite well-known that your immune function is directly linked to the gut. Thus, it should come as no surprise that probiotics are found to be effective when it comes to dealing with allergies.
Indeed, according to a study, women taking probiotics during pregnancy reduced the risk of their child developing allergies to a considerable extent.
Therefore, if you want a natural remedy, you can opt for soil-based organisms through probiotics in the form of supplements and you will get the relief you seek.
10. Turmeric
A few changes in the ingredients you use in the kitchen can make a world of difference when it comes to allergies.
Turmeric is a common spice which contains curcumin. The ingredient is capable of functioning as a decongestant, which proves to be of immense value when it comes to alleviating allergy symptoms. It also plays a role in keeping the cold at bay.
Since the spice is used as part of various cuisines, there is no reason to feel apprehensive about any side effects that might come your way if you make use of it.
There are plenty of recipes that use turmeric which you can find over the internet with ease. Therefore, you will be able to combine treatment with taste.
11. Butterbur
This is another option that would not let you down when treating allergies. Just add it to a glass of water or milk and drink it during the pollen season.
This natural herb is really effective in dealing with pollen allergies. You will rarely have any side effects if you make use of this herb to deal with allergies for short-term usage.
However, before using it for the long term, keep in mind that it has not been subjected to studies for the same, so the complete effects are not known.
12. Diet Changes
If you want to cure your allergies naturally, you have to make some drastic changes in your diet. For starters, you will have to stay away from raw fruits and vegetables as they tend to aggravate the symptoms.
There are certain food items that lead to allergy symptoms being alleviated and thus, you should incorporate them into your diet. Fish is an example of such a food item. Fish tends to decrease the chances of developing allergies.
Vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers also prove to be effective in reducing allergy symptoms. Also, fruits enriched with vitamin C and E should be present in your diet.
It is advisable to increase the intake of hot drinks and soups. This is because these fluids work to keep your stomach and airways warm. The mucus in the lungs is thinned, which makes it a whole lot easier for your system to cough it out.
When to Visit Your Doctor
It is important to realize when natural remedies are not proving to be effective and medical attention needs to be sought, lest the problem gets more serious.
You should consult a doctor at the earliest if your symptoms get worse, if you develop itching or rashes on the body, or if the shortness of breath gets alarming. This could be a sign of something serious, so you need to make sure that you visit a doctor promptly when these symptoms develop.
10 Simple Ways for Allergy Prevention and Control
As cliché as it might sound, prevention is indeed better than cure. Allergies can be quite troublesome, and no one likes the idea of having a runny nose or an itchy back.
While there are medications that you can use to remove allergies from your body, a better option would be to take measures to prevent the allergies from manifesting.
We are going to provide you with some measures that would prove to be beneficial in decreasing the occurrence of allergies. They would ensure that you do not have to worry about acquiring relief from the symptoms every so often.
1. Don’t Sleep with Your Pets
All of us love our pets, but if allergies are to be prevented, you need to abstain from cuddling with your furry animals and sleeping with them. Even if you are not highly allergic, the fur can lead to some allergic symptoms.
Therefore, the first thing that you should do in case you have a pet is to avoid sleeping with it. Give your pet a separate space so that you are not exposed to allergens.
Ensuring that your kids do not sleep with pets can also make sure that they do not develop an increased risk of allergies.
2. Get The Right Vacuum
Getting rid of all the fur, pollen and mite are of utmost importance if you want to make sure that an allergy is not something that you have to deal with. To make this certain, vacuuming is something that needs to be done to perfection.
Therefore, purchasing the right vacuum needs to be your priority. You need to make sure that the vacuum you purchase is one that is of profound quality and would be able to cater to your requirement to perfection. It needs to be suitable for your house setting.
Take a look at the reviews of various vacuums to make sure that the one you purchase is capable of providing you with the results that you are looking for.
3. Purify Your Home Air
Purifying the air is an integral step in the prevention of allergies. While you might not know it, your house might be a hub for allergens and irritants that can lead to the development of allergies.
Various measures can be taken for the purification of home air. You can get some houseplants which help you remove pollutants. Another option is to get an air purifier. Make sure that the one you get is of high quality and is capable of handling the job.
4. Control The Indoor Humidity
Increasing humidity is the perfect setting for bacteria and mold flourishing. This can increase the risk of allergies. Thus, keeping the indoor humidity in check is of importance.
You will also have to make sure that the air does not get too dry, which can also lead to the aggravation of allergic symptoms. Therefore, the right measures need to be taken which would keep humidity levels comfortable yet not harmful.
5. Buy and Use Items That are Hypoallergenic
Items such as pillows, mattresses, and carpets can also pave the way for allergies. This is because some of them tend to be manufactured from materials that give rise to allergies.
If you want to ensure that you do not have to face symptoms of allergies, it would work in your favor if you make use of hypoallergenic materials. You can take a look at a product’s specifications or inquire from the manufacturer if the product has been made from hypoallergenic materials.
These will be worth your money as well as your efforts to stay healthy.
6. Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet (Or Necklace)
It is not common for people to include their allergies during introductions. Having a medical alert bracelet or necklace would ensure that the people around you are aware of your allergy and thus, the right measurements can be taken if the need arises.
Medical alert bracelets or necklaces have the prescribed medications and emergency contacts engraved on the surface of the bracelet or necklace along with the allergy you have. This alerts medical professionals and enables them to take the right measures if you are not conscious.
7. Houseplants & Allergy
If you have a tendency to develop allergies, you might want to place your houseplants outside in the spring. These plants can pave the way for irritants to gain entry into your system, so it’s better to stay away from them.
The problem arises owing to the mold spores that thrive in warm and wet dirt. In case you do not want to get rid of your houseplants, you might want to make sure that you do not end up watering them too much. This would work to keep the mold away.
Furthermore, you should keep an eye out for any signs of overwatering such as rotten leaves. In addition to this, stay away from fake leaves as they tend to be a hub of dirt which would worsen your allergy.
8. Check Ingredient Lists (Read Food Labels)
It is important to be cautious about what you eat if you are allergic to something. Therefore, make it your habit not to eat anything before checking its ingredients. Read the food labels thoroughly to make sure you do not end up eating something that would aggravate your allergy symptoms.
If you eat out, make sure you let the chef know what you are allergic to so that your food does not contain the ingredients which could be harmful for you.
9. Strengthen Your Immune System
You might want to boost your immune system if you want to ensure that allergies do not come knocking on your door too often.
There are various routes that you can take for the purpose. There are herbs and supplements that prove to be quite effective in boosting the immune system. You can incorporate them into your diet to enhance immunity.
Various medications also cater to your requirement. However, it’s cautious about the side effects of these medications, lest you end up doing more harm than good.
10. Exercise
There is no denying that exercise leads to a healthier lifestyle. However, if you are not cautious, it can also pose certain problems for you.
It is quite common for people to work out in the morning out in the open. You will then hear them complain about feeling itchy or experiencing a runny nose. This is because early morning is the time when the pollen count is at its highest. Therefore, you either work out late or do it indoors.
Furthermore, keep the car windows up if you want to make sure you do not have to seek any treatment for your allergy symptoms.
Now you know how to control allergies. Remember to do them every time you risk something that causes you allergies.