There is a movement to be more in control of our health. People are increasingly interested in home remedies for common ailments, as they don’t have to take unnecessary drugs. Home remedies for allergy symptoms can be used to avoid side effects and the high cost of commercially available products.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies are safer and more effective for allergy relief. Modern medicine is quick to seek out a multi-ingredient, shotgun-style solution for all symptoms. It is better to let our natural defense mechanisms work. Home-based allergy relief helps our body’s natural healing abilities. This holistic view makes diet and environment more important than ever. Drugs can be eliminated or reduced.

Our bodies have a wonderful way of communicating our needs. We respond by eating to fight hunger and drinking to quench our thirst. It is important to be attentive when managing allergies at home. We must also be alert for physical signs. It doesn’t end with the sniffles. It is important to prevent the spread of disease by using anti-oxidants and living a healthy lifestyle. Too often, the basics are forgotten.

What to do?

Don’t ignore a problem if you are sick. Increased fluid intake and rest are important. Do not assume that you can handle daily stress and work. Even with home remedies, your body needs to be allowed to heal. Home remedies are often cheaper and more readily available in your own kitchen. Simple chicken soup is a good option for a cold. Hot soup vapors clear congested sinuses. The nutrition boosts your body’s resourcefulness. A bowl of hot soup, if eaten slowly, can be a great way of relaxing. This is a key element missing in commercial medications. The ‘taking care myself’ part is missing.

Take Note

These foods can help reduce the severity and duration of allergic reactions if they are included in the diet.

• Green tea – The anti-histamines in green tea and the anti-oxidants found in green tea can be used as both a treatment and preventative. For additional benefits, inhale the steam.
• Raw Honey – Locally harvested honey may contain small amounts of allergens from that region that can help build immunity to airborne forms. Honey is a good source for non-processed sugars. Add some sweetness to your day! You can mix it with many foods to replace refined sugars.
• Ginger root tea – You can boil the root in water to make different strengths of ginger tea. Ginger is a natural decongestant. You can sweeten ginger with honey to your liking.
• Fresh fruits – By increasing fresh fruits, your body can replace fluids and vitamins that it has lost due to allergies.

Good To Know

Home remedies for allergies go beyond diet. You should pay attention to your environment. If you have allergies to pollen, dust, and other airborne substances, air purification is essential. Even if you cannot avoid being outside or exposed to allergens, purification can still be helpful at night or inside. Allergen-free air can reduce symptoms and allow your body to recover from the day’s exposure. As soon as symptoms begin, you should start to use the home remedies listed above.

• Allergy headaches: Yoga or stretching can lower stress levels and improve your breathing. It also helps keep the pressures of the day at bay. Massage is also a wonderful option.
• Increase fluids – Allergies can lead to increased water loss due to runny noses, sinus drainage, and nose blowing. You run the risk that you will become dehydrated if you don’t replace this loss. This can prolong the episode and cause other problems like headaches.
• Light exercise – A moderate amount of exercise can get you out of bed and keep you from falling into the ‘blah’ cycle. Walking in the sun is one of the best natural mood boosters. Choose a day when there is no wind blowing pollen around. Even if you have no choice but to stay inside, it is worth taking a quick walk around your house.
• Keep the windows rolled up when you drive. This will keep pollen and dust out of your car. Some people even have a light jacket that they wear outside and take off when they enter the house to help keep allergens out.
• To avoid re-exposing yourself repeatedly to the same allergens, wash your hands, clothes, and hair frequently. You can leave your air purifier on and purify the air in your home while you are away. Sometimes you can create a ‘clean room’ to reduce your exposure. You should replace filters before allergy season begins and again after the pollen counts drop.