It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies. Of that amount approximately 26 million are considered seasonal allergy sufferers who react to natural outdoor substances like pollen. I am feeling it, are you?
The typical response to the sniffling, sneezing, itching symptoms of allergy reactions is a medicinal one designed to suppress these symptoms. The problem with this approach is that there can be adverse side effects associated with the use of certain allergy drugs. The trade off isn’t worth it for me.
I admit I might have it pretty easy. I get congested a bit every morning, I sneeze a few dozen times, and I have a mild case itchy, watery eyes. Some people have much worse allergies and might be looking out the window at Springs glorious wonder with with a look of disdain, a box of tissues, and a packet of allergy relief pills in hand. Although I do get hives that make me want to scratch my skin off. But I pretty am much against any type of pharma elixir or pill unless it is an emergency.
The natural approach to providing remedies to allergies is to take actions that help strengthen the body’s defenses before the it goes into reaction mode.
Prevention:
* Be conscious of the time of year when widely known irritants like ragweed pollen are at their highest levels (this is usually from mid-August until the first front). Take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure outdoors during this temporary period.
* Resist using window fans to cool rooms—they can pull pollen indoors.
* When driving, keep the windows closed and if you have an air conditioner use it as needed during very warm conditions.
* Shower and wash your hair after you have been outdoors.
* Run an air purifier in the home. I LOVE mine.
Natural Remedies:
Neti Pots have gained in popularity in recent years among many people but especially among natural moms. They are essentially containers with spouts used to flush sinuses and keep them clear. Very similar to a nasal spray, Neti Pots are filled with a saline solution that you mix yourself (½ teaspoon of salt in a 1 cup of water) and then pour into one nostril and flush out through the other using gravity (a tilt of the head).
During allergy season it’s best to use Neti Pots about twice a day – once in the morning and again after spending time outdoors.
There are actually some foods that are thought to be ideal in helping allergy sufferers. One European study found that allergy sufferers who ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to suffer allergy symptoms than those who didn’t regularly eat these food items. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and are present in cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, as well as grass-fed meat and eggs.
For those who suffer from swelling and congestion it is believed that adding horseradish, chili peppers or hot mustard to food can act as a natural and temporary decongestant.
Honey is another substance that some people believe is effective at preventing hay fever. They contend that small amounts of flower pollen found in honey can help to desensitize the allergic effect caused by local flowers. I suggest raw local honey.
It is a good idea to safely explore the various natural remedies around to determine if you can help your body to handle allergens in the environment. Hopefully you’ll find a remedy that works to help you to better enjoy the world around you without reaction. Here are some more natural allergy remedies:
* Peppermint tea with honey – Helps soothe the throat and ease congestion.
* Raw Milk Compress – Wet a washcloth and apply to hives.
* Eat Wasabi for congestion – Now you have an excuse to go eat sushi – it’s medicinal!
More Natural Remedies:
