But why do that when there are perfectly natural ways to treat allergies and lessen the burden? A few examples are eucalyptus, quercetin, and frankincense.
But in order to get into the details, here are eight non-harmful remedies to help alleviate your symptoms.
1. Raw Honey (pollen from bees)
It might seem like it’s too good to be true, eating something sweet and still getting some relief. But it’s the truth, just one tablespoon of raw honey can help you get used to all of the pollen floating around and causing havoc on your poor sinuses through your nostrils.
An article published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology in 2011 found out that subjects with birch pollen allergy were tested with pre-seasonal birch pollen and they showed fewer symptoms.
They also reported double the number of asymptomatic days and 50% less antihistamines. Also, compared with those who used the conventional medications, this group reported as much as 70% less severe symptom days.
2. Neti Pot
People in India have been using sinus irrigation, with its origins in the Ayurvedic medical tradition, for centuries now. It is truly potent against irritants and allergens building up in your body.
The good news is that this alternative method has also reached the mainstream medical community. According to Dr. David Rabago, it is clinically proven that using a neti pot is helpful with treating and preventing numerous upper respiratory conditions, including acute and chronic sinusitis, the seasonal common and cold allergies.
Just make sure that when you use a neti pot, the water is as sterile and distilled as possible. Using tap water can actually cause the opposite effect and further aggravate the sinuses. It is because it is full of fluoride and chlorine.
But if neti pots aren’t your thing after all, you can do a sinus rinse by mixing warm water with sea salt and suck it upwards using one nostril.
3. SBO Probiotics
It is already a wide known fact that the immune system is connected to the gut. As much as 80% of your immune system is located in your gastrointestinal tract! Hence, researchers keep linking the use of probiotics to a reduction of allergy risks.
Here is a testimony to just how efficient it can be. The journal Pediatrics concluded that women who consumed more probiotics during pregnancy reduced the risks of their children developing allergies in the future!
You can either take probiotics as food from your local garden or farmer’s market, or in supplement form.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Looking for an organic, kosher- certified USDA Apple Cider Vinegar? Look no further than Bragg. It can now be found practically everywhere and is also GMO-free, non-pasteurized and unfiltered.
The best way to consume it is in a glass of water or fresh lemon juice when you wake up in the morning. You can also add some to your neti pot for when your sinuses feel congested.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
This remedy can be used in a number of ways. You can put it in your detergent (as a biodegradable addition) for its antimicrobial properties, add a few drops in your neti pot, or inhale it using a diffuser.
According to an Egyptian study, when it comes to the most potent essential oils for getting rid of allergy-causing house mites, Eucalyptus is one of the highest-ranking.
You can also diffuse it during daytime or while you’re asleep. And In case your symptoms are really strong, you can mix it with some coconut oil and rub it behind your ears and on your chest area.
6. Quercetin
This is a bioflavonoid, and it is great for naturally controlling allergy symptoms and stabilizing the release of histamine.
A study conducted in Slovakia has hailed some interesting results. It was proven that, through reducing the hyperactivity of airways, quercetin calms down asthma caused from allergies.
In fact, it is so effective, that, according to Iranian researchers, it can help control the main reason for fatal allergy attacks – peanut allergies.
So, in order to prevent allergic reactions from occurring in the first place, it is best to take quercetin a couple of weeks before spring takes its full swing and plants start blooming.
You can find it naturally in green teas, onions, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, and shallots.
7. Stinging Needle
Ever since the Middle Ages, many have recognized the stinging needle for its beneficial properties. Back then they mainly used it as a diuretic when it comes to relieving joint pain.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has done some studies which suggest that it is great for treating many health concerns. Some include hay fever (allergic rhinitis), insect bites, urinary problems, strains and joint pain, benign prostatic hyperplasia, etc.
More and more doctors keep advising to use a freeze-dried preparation of nettle leaf before the hay fever season starts. One can also take it as a tincture or tea, as it is ideal for naturally controlling histamine.
8. Frankincense Essential Oil
People have praised this Indian essential oil for a while now for many of its beneficial properties.
But it can also help alleviate allergic reactions by boosting the immune system like no other. You can diffuse it for about three hours each day in your home or office, or you can also rub it on your chest or behind your ears.
Phytotherapy Research had published a study where they orally gave mice one to ten milligrams of frankincense. The discovery was that this boosted several levels of their immune systems. That includes IgM, interferon, and IgG.
If you keep all of these remedies in mind, your allergy symptoms are bound to decrease.
