5 Home Remedies To Treat Seasonal Allergies

Each seasonal change brings with it different types of allergy triggers and irritants that affect millions of people.Spring gives rise to airborne pollens that drive a multitude of allergic people crazy, while summer smog accelerates another round of allergy flare-ups. Similarly, fall’s falling leaves bring along dust, and the cold winter season brings allergies that cause a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, and/or chest congestion.

Aside from the deviations in weather, several other substances can act as potential agents that can stimulate an allergic reaction in, almost, any individual.There is no definitive way to cure you of an allergy completely, but you can take control of the situation with lifestyle changes and certain home remedies.

Outlined below are the most widely used home remedies for allergies:

* Irrigate Your Nose with a Saline Solution

The most common allergies affect the upper respiratory system. You can alleviate this condition to a great extent if you wash away allergens and irritants by irrigating your nose with a saline solution.

- Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda in 2 cups of distilled or previously boiled water. Allow the solution to cool.
- Bend over a sink and use a dropper to put about 10 drops of this homemade solution into one nostril. Allow it to drain back out through the other nostril or through the mouth.
- Repeat the process with the other nostril.
- Do this once or twice a day for as long as the symptoms last.

* Inhale Steam

Steam can offer some relief from various symptoms of allergies such as a stuffy nose and nasal congestion. It will refresh and soothe irritated sinuses as well as clean the nasal passages of excess mucus and any irritants.

- Boil several cups of water until it produces a good amount of steam.
- Pour the boiling water into a big bowl. Add 3-4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil, rosemary essential oil, or tea tree essential oil.
- Drape a towel over your head and lean carefully over the bowl. Inhale the steam deeply for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Repeat the steam inhalation one to three times a day until you recover completely.

* Take a Hot Shower

Spending long hours’ outdoors can expose your body to pollen, dust particles, and other irritants that can trigger allergies. Enjoying a hot shower is another very useful remedy for allergies.To get rid of the source of your allergy, take a hot shower and wash your hair thoroughly after you have been outside.

* Consider Quercetin

Quercetin is a phytochemical naturally found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, green tea, and citrus fruits. It is a natural antioxidant that eases inflammation and blocks the release of histamine from mast cells, thus keeping a check on the symptoms of allergy.As it is a remedy that starts its effect after long-term consumption, it is advised to start taking quercetin 4-6 weeks before the onset of the allergy season.

* Drink Nettle Leaf Tea

Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine and can help stabilize histamine levels in your body during seasonal and chronic allergies.

- Put 1 tablespoon of dried nettle leaf in a cup. Pour boiling water over the herb and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the liquid, allow it to cool, and then add a little honey to it. Drink this tea two or three times per day until your symptoms go away.
- Alternatively, you can take nettle capsules. You must consult a doctor for directions, including the appropriate dosage and how long to take it.