Allergies are one of the most common afflictions world-wide. It is estimated to affect millions of people all around the globe. Allergies or allergic diseases are a type of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to otherwise harmless substances in food or the environment.
There are so many causes of allergies that can certainly ruin your day and give you problems. Certain things like dust mites, household chemicals, pollens, pet hair, skin flakes of pet, milk, wheat, eggs, seafood, nuts, bee stings, latex, certain types of medicines, and many more can cause an allergic reaction. You need to be careful about these things.
Symptoms may include red eyes, a rash, runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, hives, vomiting, bloating, fever, swelling etc. This is not to be confused with food intolerances which are another type of ailment, that is generally caused by the absence of specific chemicals needed to digest certain components of foods.
Although many times the two go hand in hand, as improperly digested or processed foods, can cause the immune system to stir up. With that being said since allergies are so commonplace nowadays, here are the 34 of the most effective home remedies when it comes to allergies of different sorts:
Turmeric has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also strengthens and regulates the immune system. It will help by reducing inflammation if the allergic symptoms have already started and by also modulating the immune response, to temper the reaction to the offending chemical, thus reducing discomfort. You can mix it in with food, but the most practical method would be to put ½ to 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a glass of hot milk or tea.
This compound is a plant flavonol and it is found in many fruits, vegetables, grains, and leaves. The more convenient way would be to supplement with it since it’s much easier to obtain the required amount for your body. But how does it work you may be wondering. Well, it has an extraordinary ability to stabilize mast cells and ease the process of releasing histamine. Histamines are chemicals which your body releases when it thinks it’s under attack by a foreign substance. In this case harmless foods or environmental factors. So, give quercetin a try.
Spirulina is an alga which exhibits some amazing characteristics. It contains proteins, B vitamins, and essential minerals. It can detox your body of heavy metals, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, boost energy and even has anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Most importantly, it can soothe allergic symptoms, especially allergic rhinitis, by modulating your T-helper cell differentiation and modulation. These are the cells of your immune system which help suppress or regulate immune responses and they are of great importance to understanding allergic reactions.
Nettle leaf can be very effective at treating seasonal and chronic allergies. It acts as a natural antihistamine, thus blocking your body’s ability to produce histamines. It acts the same way as Over-The-Counter anti-histamines do, but in a more mild and natural way than chemically produced medicines. It will offer great relief from many allergy symptoms. You can either boil some water and make some tea out of the dried leaves or a more practical approach would be to supplements with nettle capsules, which are more concentrated and are easier to ingest. The only thing would be to make sure to use a standardized extract so that you know the quality and quantity of what you’re taking. Also, check with your doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you.
Garlic contains a powerful compound called allicin, that has antiseptic properties, thus exhibiting antibiotic traits. It is also very efficient at boosting and modulating your immune system which is what interests us when talking allergies. Not to mention it’s anti-inflammatory characteristic, which will sooth any ongoing symptoms. Garlic is pretty amazing and just like the compounds above, it can be supplemented with or taken in natural form. If you want to go for the former, just buy a good quality capsulated extract and follow the instructions on the label. If you want to go for the latter, take one clove of fresh garlic and cut out two thin slices. Place them on the inside of each cheek and suck on them like a cough pill. The aftertaste won’t be the greatest but it sure is effective.
The human body is made up of over 70% water. So understandably, hydration helps you in many ways. It is vital for things like muscle function, brain protection, immune health, digestion and many, many more. There is a great benefit for allergic diseases as well. It helps by thinning secretions and also making them easier to clear. It helps the mucous membranes stay hydrated, reducing that dry, parched feeling.
Histamines, which also come in to play with allergic reactions, regulate the flow of water inside your body. Studies have been conducted that show the effects of dehydration and allergies, and they seem to go hand in hand. Dehydration increases the number of serum histamines, which in turn will make your symptoms worse. Keep your body well hydrated throughout the day, by drinking plenty of fluids, eating watery fruit, and avoiding caffeine and sugar which will have a water eliminating the effect on you. The recommended daily intake for men is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women.
There was a review back int he year 2012 where 10 studies had proven just how effective saline nasal irrigation is. The results showed several benefits that this had for both kids and adults. Especially the ones suffering from allergic rhinitis also known as hay fever.
This is one thing that you should certainly get in your home. It has proven to be quite helpful for those allergic to pollen and such. HEPA filters help to trap the airborne irritants namely pollen, dust, and pet dander. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters therefore eliminate or decrease the number of allergens in your house.
If you do not know what a bromelain is, let us explain. Bromelain is an enzyme present in fruits papaya and pineapple. They have been proven to be quite beneficial for people with allergies. Experts have stated that bromelain helps you breathe better by reducing swelling.
It is a well-known fact that there are a lot of health benefits that acupuncture offers. There was a study held in 2015 that took 13 studies which proved just how healing acupuncture can be. The research work has suggested that acupuncture has a positive outcome for seasonal and even perennial allergic rhinitis.
Probiotics if you did not know, are actually live bacteria and yeast that have been proven to leave a good impact on your body. Back in 2015, a review that was made on 23 studies showed just how effective probiotics could be in improving the common symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Even if there is no scientific evidence to prove one, it is a fairly common practice to consume or use local honey for treating allergies. Honey has been used for years to reduce allergic reaction due to the pollen that bees spread in the spaces near you for making their honey.
You might not notice this but there is a very helpful effect that air conditioners and dehumidifiers have for people with allergies. They are excellent to get rid of moisture from the air which means that air conditioners and dehumidifiers can cut the growth of anything in the air that might elevate the chances of your allergies to act up.
Vitamin C has been known to be of help health wise for many reasons. There is yet another method that people who prefer natural remedies have been very supportive of taking 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C every day to decrease the histamine levels of a person with allergies.
There was a study published in 1998 that indicated that peppermint oil treatment was found to be good for anti-inflammatory effects, possessing an ability to bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis to warrant clinical trials. Essential oils like this should always be diluted with a carrier oil if needed to be applied to the body.
A study made in the year 2016 has revealed that frankincense oil can be used in curing or healing perennial allergic rhinitis. How? you ask. Well, if you diffuse it with a carrier oil and dab it behind your ears or use inhalation when you diffuse it in the air, you will almost immediately see results.
If you stay outside for several hours, it is most likely that you have pollen in your hair. The yellow particles tend to stay glued to your hair and then make their way into your eyes. If at any time you find yourself sneezing and coughing a lot, your allergies might lessen if you take a hot shower. Also, changing your pillowcase should do the trick.
If you inhale polluted air, it can cause your allergy symptoms to come out. Airborne toxins end up to bring out the allergies of many people. During smoggy days, you can try to avoid being out in public. A surgical mask also helps when you have to go outside but it will not give you complete relief. You can also stay away from cigarettes or smokers.
The blocked-up nostrils and irritated mucous membranes have been treated using peppermint tea for years now. It can give you relief from the allergic symptoms effectively. You will always get good taste while using them as a decongestant. They can also help reduce inflammations and has mild antibacterial elements too.
When you use steam, it can help you get rid of your irritated sinuses by ridding the nose from mucus blockage. It really helps you breathe better in a matter of time! Just boil water in a big bowl and cover yourself using a towel, and take deep breaths inside for 5 to 10 minutes. You can use the water to soak a towel to press your sinus with to give you more relief.
This is for all the people allergic to their pets but want to keep them anyway. If you wash your pets frequently, you will be quite surprised to find out the extent of help it can be. Since the allergens produced by pets get absorbed by water, if you wash them, you can rid yourself of the frustration. Just wash them with warm water without the help of soap once every week for the best result.
Dust mites can be found in your carpets in abundance. Carpets are known to be very good 'hoarders' as these mites feed on dead skin cells. Also, there are studies that have proven that dust mites can be found the most in your bedroom. So what can you do? Well, you can try to reduce your usage of carpets in your home, maybe at least remove them from your bedroom to avoid dust allergies and help your breath better.
Someone who is a big fan of Japanese cuisine but has hay fever has something to celebrate. It turns out wasabi can be used as a remedy for treating hay fever. This green colored condiment served alongside Japanese dishes has been proven to get sinuses and tear ducts to function because of the presence of allyl isothiocyanate, in them that facilitates mucus flow.
Organic apple cider vinegar helps to balance out the alkalinity and pH of the body. This is certainly the main reason why it can be used for all kinds of allergies that may be of nuisance to you. Take a jar or bottle of any apple cider vinegar, there will be little floating constituents. You may be surprised to know that they are actually living enzymes that can work well for your allergy.
Onion has the water-soluble component called quercetin. There have been some studies made on quercetin which have suggested that they can decrease the number of histamines produced in our systems. Quercetin can help to reduce inflammation and also functions as a bronchodilator, which basically means that your breathing will be better.
Eucalyptus have in them citronella. So what are these useful for? Citronella has the capability to reduce inflammations and they also possess analgesic characteristics helping to get rid of toxins and harmful microorganisms which may also be allergens. Eucalyptus oil helps with circulation, can be used to cure respiratory infections and can eliminate allergy symptoms as it opens up the lungs and sinuses.
Olive leaf extract contains so many antioxidants, at the same time has anti-inflammatory effects. The extracts of olive leaves certainly help to reduce the symptoms that your allergies. Quercetin is the natural anti-histamine that is found in olive leaf extracts. Studies have suggested that Quercetin reduces the amount of histamine released in people suffering from allergic rhinitis.
Nature already has two very effective antihistamines, namely sea salt, and water. The combination of sea salt and water will save you your money while delivering immediate results too. Sea salt can help in alkalizing and improves your respiratory system by reducing inflammations while also strengthening your immune system. Sea salt improves adrenal glands thereby improving our overall health.
If you do not want to use medicine or go to a pharmacist to deal with your allergies, have you ever considered using butterbur? You might be quite surprised to learn that it has quite a few health advantages. It is the most widely used remedy for pollen allergies when it comes to herbs. Butterbur is a huge leafy plant, green in color and found in Europe.
There are so many varieties of fungus or mold that can be found in our environment. Mold is found everywhere around us. Mold can be a great issue if you have developed some sort of sensitivity towards it especially if your home is prone to molds growing there. You can get exhausted fans or open windows for areas in your home where mold is found and maybe get air purifiers too.
Have you ever had any bone broth? Well, most bone broths are prepared from beef and chicken stock. They are very rich in different kinds of minerals and amino acids. This, in turn, helps in the healing process which results in a healthier and stronger immune system.
There have been several research works that have proven that exclusive breastfeeding has a very positive effect on allergic reactions. These studies have shown that there are several preventive effects that breast milk has during the initial development stages of asthma and atopic dermatitis.
An alkaline body would result in a more balanced and better functioning immune system. Lemons and limes have been proven to be quite effective in the strengthening of the immune system. It is also rich in vitamin C and immune-boosting antioxidants. Lemon also helps to get rid of impurities in the body resulting in an overall healthier body.