Generally, the transition from winter to spring has people jumping for joy. Unfortunately, for over 30 million Americans, the return of spring means the return of seasonal allergies. If you suffer from the sneezing, the runny nose, and the itchy and watering eyes, you may be tempted to run to your drug store and grab the first allergy medication you see. But before you go spending big bucks on medication, why not first try some natural remedies?
Saline Sprays
Saline sprays are misted into the nasal cavity to flush out mucous, allergens, and irritant agents that may be trapped inside. While they are effective, the results are only temporary. However, you can make a saline spray in your own home with items from your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy and affordable. Simply combine 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp of salt, and a cup of warm water and pour it into a nasal spray bottle. Then spray the solution up each nostril 2-3 times, while holding the other nostril closed. If you don’t have a spray bottle at home, you can use your cupped hand or a spoon. Some doctors recommend adding the herb goldenseal to your spray. It’s not necessary to do this, but goldenseal has antibacterial properties that may benefit your health. If you prefer to purchase a saline spray, you can find them at your local drug store.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a natural antioxidant and antihistamine. While it can be taken in supplement form, you can also find it in many foods. Good sources of quercetin include garlic, green tea, black tea, red onions, red apples, and blueberries. Using quercetin during allergy season can effectively help you treat your symptoms. It can also prevent allergic reactions, so you might want to start taking it a week or two before you start feeling the effects of allergies. Quercetin also helps vitamin C to function in your body, so using it in conjunction with the vitamin is particularly beneficial for one’s health.
Stinging Nettle
Although its name may sound scary, stinging nettle is often believed to be just as useful as over-the-counter drugs when it comes to treating hayfever. With astringent properties and high levels of vitamin C, stinging nettle is particularly helpful when treating itchy eyes and sneezing. You can buy it in the form of tea, capsules, or tincture. However, doctors recommended that you take the freeze-dried extract because it is the most effective.
Butterbur
Butterbur is a plant that is found in Europe, North America, and Asia. According to the British Medical Journal, a Swiss study found that using butterbur four times per day was as effective in treating hayfever as using antihistamine drugs. When using butterbur, however, it is extremely important to make sure that is has been prepared by a reputable laboratory. Butterbur is inherently dangerous due to the chemicals it contains, but if you are careful to pick a well-known brand, you should be safe.
If all else fails, there are many other methods that you can try. Eating spicy foods is a quick and easy way to clear the sinuses. Acupuncture has also been used to treat people with seasonal allergies, and it especially works well with people who have multiple allergies. Or you can discuss additional options with your doctor. Just remember, before you start popping allergy pills, going the natural route may work just as well.
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