Thousands of residents in Arizona are suffering from allergy symptoms – and with spring just beginning, there is no foreseeable end in sight. While over the counter and prescription medications may help to alleviate symptoms in many, others cannot take medications for allergy symptoms due to adverse side effects, preexisting medical conditions, or because of lifestyle choice. For those who can’t rely on allergy medications, there is still hope for help this spring. Below are the ten most effective natural remedies for allergy symptom relief.
10. Acupuncture
The ancient practice of acupuncture predates modern medicine and is still used today to address many different aliments. While the jury is still out about its effectiveness on relieving allergy symptoms, limited research suggests it may be worth a try. This is one natural treatment you don’t want to try at home!
9. Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, your behavior and lifestyle cause you to have allergies and you may not even realize it. Many allergens in Arizona are airborne and residents should avoid spending extended periods of time outside during the time of day with the highest pollen count – typically in the morning. Also, take your workouts indoors, exercising outside causes you to inhale far more airborne allergens because your breathing is labored and faster. A well balanced diet can also make a big difference as a healthy body has a more capable immune system. Some claims also suggest that drinking alcohol makes allergies worse, especially in women, so limit your adult beverage intake when you are experiencing allergy symptoms.
8. Neti Pot
The neti pot is a container that looks like a teapot and you use it to pour saline through your nasal passages, a process also known as nasal irrigation. This method flushes away both mucus and irritants that are causing respiratory symptoms. The neti pot is also helpful in reducing the risk of developing sinus infections due to blocked nasal cavities. Use the neti pot with premixed saline solutions or salt water for instant, but likely short term, relief.
7. Hot Showers and Steam
Taking a hot shower or exposing yourself to steam can help relieve the symptoms of allergies in a few different ways. Firstly, the heat from the steam will soothe your skin and open your pores, allowing containments to wash away from your skin. Hot steam also opens up nasal passages and allows mucus to break up and disperse.
6. Quercetin
Derived from black tea and other foods, quercetin is an antioxidant and popular natural remedy for allergies. This substance has anti-inflammatory qualities and laboratory research has shown that it acts as an antihistamine. Quercetin is easily found in most stores which sell supplements for health, and is especially effective when taken with bromelain (Hint: Bromelain is naturally found in pineapples!).
5. Honey
How honey helps with allergies exactly is still somewhat of a mystery, and unproven, but enough people swear by it to make this list. The very thing that drives bees to spread pollen around, honey, is thought to evacuate the body of allergies and boost the immune system. While the effectiveness is unknown, this is definitely the sweetest of all natural remedies and for that reason is worth a try. Try honey in black tea for a boost of antioxidants possible allergy relief.
4. Probiotics
Found naturally in healthy bodies, probiotic is a healthy bacterium which is key to a good immune system and overall health. Lacking proper levels of probiotics can weaken your immune system and your body’s response to foreign bodies like allergens. Boost your probiotic count with supplements or yogurt.
3. Butterbur
The herb butterbur is used to treat a wide variety of health alignments including allergies. Certain recent studies suggest that butterbur has the same effect as over the counter antihistamines for people who have allergic rhinitis – this is especially helpful for people in Arizona as allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to dust, mold, and pollen. This herb can be found in supplement form.
2. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most versatile natural remedies as it is used internally and externally for its antiviral and immune boosting properties. Because it attacks free radicals and removes toxins like allergens from the body it is especially helpful for Arizona specific allergies due to winds and desert dust. Raw garlic is most effective and should be ingested at least 15 minutes after it has been crushed.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
APV is becoming very popular in the world of natural treatments, and allergies sufferers should take note. This type of vinegar is full of vitamins and minerals and has been found to block histamine reactions. Dilute two teaspoons with water and sip on it throughout the day for not just allergy relief but an overall health boost as well.
Family Practice Specialists
If you suffering from seasonal allergies like many Phoenix residents, give us a call.
4350 E. Camelback Rd.
Ste F100
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602.955.8700