If you don't have seasonal allergies, you probably know someone who does. Allergies typically show up in spring and fall. It's hard to get out and appreciate fields of spring flowers or blazing colors in the fall. Burning, itchy, red eyes and tightly stuffed or irritatingly runny noses are de rigeur. Water accumulates in the head, especially around the ears. Cuddly pets become not so cuddly. Headaches only add to the discomfort.
You may well wonder if there are any allergy remedies that allow you to enjoy the seasons without suffering the symptoms. Over the counter medications offer temporary relief, but many carry side effects such as drowsiness, that you can't afford in your daily life. Here are a few natural allergy remedies that deserve a try.
You first need to understand the dynamics of allergies. The offending pollen, pet dander or mold has a nasty habit of zeroing in on the mucous membranes. One grain of any of these offenders may become attached to your soft mucous membranes, in the nasal passages, triggering your immune system to produce histamines in response. These histamines cause your body to respond to the invasion, producing reactions that cause your body to flush these unwanted invaders. The results of this flushing action are the symptoms of allergies, which are the cause of your suffering!
Conventional over the counter antihistamines destroy the body's natural efforts to rid your body of the offenders, while subduing the symptoms which caused you to seek medication in the first place. Aren't there any natural allergy remedies that allow your body to do the job without the annoying symptoms?
As a matter of fact, there are. Natural allergy remedies aim to prevent symptoms before they occur. Here is just a short list of allergy remedies that are worthy of consideration.
Dietary input figures prominently in the impact of your symptoms. Studies have shown that foods rich in the Omega-3 fatty acids tend to suppress allergic reactions. Cold water fish, flaxseed, naturally raised meats and eggs, as well as walnuts are rich in this nutrient. Include these foods in your diet for a positive effect.
Among the natural allergy remedies, try hot dijon mustard, horseradish or hot chili peppers as a nasal decongestant. You'll experience immediate relief.
In Indian culture, the Neti pot is the vehicle of choice. A Neti pot is a small vase of salt water which is used like a nasal spray, deactivating the offending intruder, both preventing attacks and relieving nasal congestion.
Other natural allergy remedies abound in the world of herbs. Butterbur, a common weed in Europe, provides an alternative to OTC antihistamines. Papaya enjoys a special synergism with proteins, pertinent to relief of allergy symptoms. Eyebright relieves nasal congestion, thick mucous and coughs. Hay fever and nasal congestion may be relieved with skunk cabbage root.
For a truly off the wall treatment, try Cubeb, the unripe berry of this native pepper of Sumatra. When crushed and rolled into an herbal “cigarette”, hay fever symptoms subside.
