Allergies are annoying. If you have seasonal allergies, you don’t want to go out and smell the roses because your sinuses are stuffy and screaming for relief. You may use OTC antihistamines to reduce allergic symptoms. Although they are effective, they can cause negative side effects, like fatigue, headache, and drowsiness.
Thus, many are wondering what are natural remedies for allergies they can use to reduce the symptoms without enduring the negative effects of antihistamines.
Let’s find out here.
What are Natural Remedies for Allergies?
1. Butterbur
It’s a promising alternative treatment for allergies. Butterbur is a marsh plant that grows throughout Europe. Each part of this plant is used to treat different health problems.
It’s being studied as a possible natural treatment for allergies.
The findings suggest that butterbur is effective in treating nasal allergies. Experts recommend taking butterbur in oil extra or in pill form.
This plant works by acting as an LT receptor inhibitor. It works like the drug montelukast.
When you come into contact with an allergen, your body releases leukotriene. It’s an inflammatory chemical that can trigger an allergic reaction in your body.
Inhibiting leukotriene prevents or relieves an allergic reaction.
Although montelukast can treat nasal allergies, it can cause serious mental side effects. For that reason, it’s only recommended if there are no other suitable options.
If you have nasal allergies, you may try butterbur. However, it hasn’t been researched to be useful in alleviating asthma or skin allergies.
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2. Local Honey
Honey is believed to be useful in treating allergies. The concept behind it is similar to having allergy shots. However, honey hasn’t been proven to be as effective as getting allergy shots but it can help.
A study found that people eating pasteurized honey at a high dose experienced an improvement in allergy symptoms. However, studies are conflicting.
The pollen found in honey comes from flowers and not weeds or grasses, which are common culprits of allergies.
Although it may be helpful for some people, eating honey may seem like a sweet treat and not an actual treatment.
However, you may still use it if you have eczema because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
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3. Garlic
This herb is believed to contain anti-histamine. It means that it can help in relieving and treating allergy symptoms.
It attacks allergens and removes them from the bloodstream.
You may also use it to decongest your sinus pressure because it has a strong aroma.
The allicin in garlic helps thin the mucus that blocks the nasal passages. It also reduces the inflammation that contributes to clogged airways.
However, it’s important to note that garlic may cause allergies. Garlic allergy is rare, though. Furthermore, your body will develop adverse reactions without being allergic to them.
The only way to find out if you’re allergic to garlic is to see an allergist. The diagnosis requires a blood test or a skin prick.
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4. Rosemary
You can use either fresh or dried rosemary. In recent years, though, it has been studied and researchers found that this plant has the ability to fight allergy symptoms. With such ability, you can use it if you have asthma.
A study published in the Journal of Restorative Medicine stated that this herb contains rosmarinic acid. It contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Rosmarinic acid is a free radical scavenger that surpasses the inflammatory responses of some WBCs. In that case, it can be effective in improving seasonal allergy symptoms.
However, taking a rosemary supplement may cause stomachache. To prevent this side effect, choose to take it with food.
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5. Turmeric
It’s a well-known spice that contains curcumin as an active component. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties that can inhibit histamine release from mast cells.
In an animal study, curcumin has been shown to inhibit allergic responses, especially in patients with allergic rhinitis.
You can take turmeric in pills, teas or you can use it in cooking.
6. Neti Pot
Unlike the natural remedies described above, neti pot is a piece of equipment. It flushes out debris and mucus from the nasal cavity.
In other words, it is used for nasal rinses. To use it to rinse your nasal cavity, simply fill it up with lukewarm water and add some salt.
Gently tilt your head sideways over the sink. Pour the solution through your nose.
It can do the trick even though it’s a little messy.
You may also use a nasal squeeze bottle instead of a neti pot.
Another way to clean your nasal cavity is through the use of a Navage nose cleaner. You can purchase one on Amazon.
This nose cleaner pulls the saline solution through one nostril and out the other to flush it.
7. Consume Healthy Food
If you focus on eating lots of fruits and vegetables, you may have fewer allergy symptoms. Even though researchers are still trying to understand the link, eating only healthy foods is good for your entire body.
8. Drink More Water
The extra liquid in your body can help in thinning mucus in your nasal passages. As a result, it gives you some relief. Warm fluids can have an added benefit because of the steam.
Summary
What are the natural remedies for allergies? You may use butterbur, local honey, garlic, turmeric, and nasal cleaners. However, if the symptoms persist, make sure to consult with your doctor.
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