Spring has sprung and for the Americans suffering from allergies it has been one of the worst ever.
If you prefer to treat the congestion, itchy and burning eyes, coughing and other symptoms of the allergies with drug free alternatives, here are 7 natural remedies:
HONEY
Locally grown RAW honey is one way to keep the allergies at bay. One teaspoon of honey taken daily 1 month prior to the start of the allergy season is a natural way of exposing the body to the allergens and therefore building resistance. Just make sure that it is not given to children under the age of one.
VITAMIN C WITH QUERCETIN
Taking Vitamin C with Quercetin several times a day when the symptoms begin helps the body to decrease the amount of histamines produced by the mast cells in the nasal passages. Since Vitamin C and Quercetin are both water soluble, there is no concern of overdosing. The unused portion will be released in the urine.
STINGING NETTLE LEAF
The leaves of the stinging nettle plant has an antihistamine effect and tends to dry up the mucous membranes. Look for high potency capsules and take 2-3 X day during the season.
INHALING STEAM WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
For immediate relief, try inhaling steam with some essential oils: 4 drops of eucalyptus oil, 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil and 3 drops of rosemary essential oil will ease the symptoms quickly.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for the allergy symptoms. Acupuncture provides allergy relief by sending a signal to the nervous system to change the body’s response to the allergens when the needle is inserted into a specific point. ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE CAN HELP THE UNDERLYING WEAKNESS OF THE BODY AND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS. While many of these modalities listed here can help the symptomatic fix of the allergy symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine (including acupuncture and herbal medicine) can often help CURE the condition or imbalance that causes the allergies in the first place.
DIET
Certain foods such as dairy, sugar and wheat have proven to make many people more sensitive to the allergens. Both sugar and dairy products increase the mucous production in the body that contributes to the congestion and possible sinus infections. Wheat is another common offender. Many people, especially women report a significant improvement in symptoms after omitting wheat from their diets for 2 to 3 weeks. Increased energy, a general sense of well being and lack of constipation are some of the top improvements.
NETI POT
Neti pots clear nasal passages by washing away the pollen grains that are trapped inside. A salt solution dissolved in room temperature water is poured into one nostril and comes out on the other side. This tool has been used since ancient times in India and remains quite effective to this day. I personally love my neti pot and couldn’t go without it!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/13/earlyshow/health/main20062524.shtml