Home Remedies for Allergies...Find Relief without Drugs
Ah choo! Home remedies for allergies will provide relief from the sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and other discomforts associated with seasonal and airborne allergies.
Allergies to pollen, dust, mold and other natural substances abound. Many people who suffer from such allergies turn to over-the-counter drugs to find relief. However, these drugs frequently have undesired side-effects such as drowsiness. Thankfully, there are many home remedies that can help without unwanted side effects. Read on to learn more!
Allergies occur when the immune system goes haywire. Pollen, dust and other substances are harmless, however, sometimes the immune system recognizes them as foreign and builds an immune response against these substances. It is this immune response that cause the sneezing, itchy eyes, hives, coughing, breathing difficulties and rashes. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from airborne allergies.
Probably the most common household allergy is to the dust mite. I bet you didn't know that dust mites are related to ticks and spiders? Did you also know that it isn't the live dust mite itself that causes the allergy, it is the dead dust mite and the fecal matter that mites expel. YUCK!
Around 1/4 of all homes harbor dust mites...with them being slightly less common in the West. Pollen allergies are also very common and in fact almost every region of the United States experiences pollen with some regularity each year. Mold is another common allergen that tends to occur very highly in certain parts of the United States.
While avoiding airborne allergens can be quite difficult, there are things you can do to help. Check out the following home remedies for allergies.
Air-condition your house and car. This keeps humidity low and prevents the build-up of mold and dust mites. It also seals your home and car off from the pollen found outside. If possible, make your home and car an oasis, where exposure to pollens, mites and mold is limited.4
Air filters and dehumidifiers also play a role in keeping airborne allergens out of your home sanctuary. HEPA (high-energy particulate-arresting) filters are the most efficient. Dust mites and molds don't grow well in areas of low humidity.4
Keep things clean..but not just with a dust cloth. In fact, don't use a dry dust cloth which just sends those dust particles swirling into the air. Use a slightly damp cloth and wipe down all surfaces frequently to prevent the build-up of dust and dirt.
On that same note about cleaning...stick with natural cleansers like baking soda and vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals which can irritate the airwaves and make things worse.
Delegate chores like vacuuming or dusting to non-allergic members of the family, or if you absolutely must do them yourself, wear a face mask.
If things are really bad, encase your pillows and bed in allergy-proof covers and wash all linens in very hot water. Water which is greater than 130 degrees does a better job of killing dust mites and removing their residue.4 Of course, take extra caution to avoid burns when taking a shower/bath or washing the dishes, and if you have young children, it's still best to keep your hot water heater set at a safe temperature.
Replace your carpets with throw rugs. Carpets are havens for dust mites and pollen and really can't be cleaned effectively. Instead, use throw rugs which can easily be tossed in the washing machine and washed on hot temperatures.
Drink wild cherry bark tea. Wild cherry bark tea is especially beneficial for upper respiratory symptoms. Buy wild cherry bark powder and use 1 tablespoon of powder for each cup of water. Then steep for 10 minutes. Drink the tea for at least 2 months and then evaluate if it seems to be working. If you feel better, you can discontinue the tea.2
Eyebright is one of the best home remedies for allergies. It is great for symptom relief...especially itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Take 20 drops of tincture diluted in water when you need relief.2
The stinging nettle plant is probably the most popular of all home remedies for allergies and hay fever. One source recommends taking 500 mg, three times a day..and you can go even higher if needed.2. I personally love Stinging Nettle Capsules. Using nettle might temporarily increase the severity of your symptoms for a few days...it gets worse before it gets better. However, the great news is that unlike many allergy medications, nettle does not have any side effects or cause drowsiness.2
Take capsaicin with nettle in the convenient form of Allergy Buster Liquid. This home remedy combines these two powerful substances for awesome relief.
Take QUERCETIN plus VITAMIN C Capsules. Quercetin is especially effective for hay fever. A suggested dosage is 200-500 mg 3 times/day.2 Start taking quercetin up to a week before hay fever season starts in your area.
Vitamin C is also very important in the prevention of allergies. Many people find that taking high doses of Vitamin C and consuming lots of Vitamin C Foods prevent allergies. One source suggests 3000mg/day in divided doses for a child and 1000 mg every 2 hours for an adult. 12. The key to relief seems to lie in taking large quantities of Vitamin C spread throughout the day.
Raw, Local Honey is one of the most frequently cited home remedies for allergies. It MUST be RAW and LOCAL to be effective. Many people suggest starting this treatment (eat about a tablespoon of honey a day) about a month or so BEFORE the start of hay fever season. However, if you don't do that, just start when you feel the first sign of allergy season. The idea is that the bees use local pollen to make their honey and as such the honey has important properties and enzymes (which are killed by heating) that prevent allergies.12 Learn more about the benefits of honey. Add a bit of lemon juice to the honey for even more benefits. Lemon juice is high in Vitamin C and highly acidic. Learn more about the benefits of lemon juice.
Drink fenugreek tea for prevention and relief of allergies. Start drinking FENUGREEK SEED TEA a month or so before allergy season starts and continue for the duration.
Eat yogurt or take probiotic supplements. Probiotics are so important for populating the gut with the proper bacteria.1Garden of Life Primal Defense Probiotic Formula is an excellent brand of probiotics...one I am happy to recommend.
Drink carrot broth. Cut up a few carrots, cover with water and boil. The broth and carrots are especially high in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which help with allergies.1
You can also use chamomile essential oil or peppermint essential oil in a steam tent to open up the sinuses.
Garlic cures allergies....or at least does a great deal to help. Eating raw garlic or taking garlic supplements can help ward off a hay fever attack. Kyolic garlic extract is highly recommended.1 Try these Garlic Extract Capsules.
Drink Echinacea & Goldenseal Caffeine Free Tea. Echinacea and goldenseal are frequently taken during colds and allergies. Drink several cups of tea a day, but do not continue for more than seven days in a row as the effectiveness can lesson. Also, DO not take echinacea or drink echinacea tea if you are allergic to ragweed. Echinacea is related to ragweed so persons who have an allergic reaction to ragweed can also have an allergic reaction to echinacea. Learn more about the benefits of echinacea and benefits of goldenseal.
Astragulus is a Chinese herb that increases immune function. Begin taking astragulus one month before allergy season starts.1. I really like Astragulus Liquid Extract.
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Allergies occur when the immune system goes haywire. Pollen, dust and other substances are harmless, however, sometimes the immune system recognizes them as foreign and builds an immune response against these substances. It is this immune response that cause the sneezing, itchy eyes, hives, coughing, breathing difficulties and rashes. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from airborne allergies. 
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