Seasonal allergies can range from mildly annoying to downright painful and problematic. When the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom, hay fever strikes. However, it’s not just the flowers and their pollen, grasses, trees, fungi and other plants are also releasing allergens that could be affecting you.
The most common symptoms of hay fever include:
- Itchy skin
- Blocked sinuses
- Watery eyes
- A runny nose
- Sneezing
- A postnasal drip
When these symptoms hit, many people turn to over-the-counter antihistamines that block the annoyances and allow you to get on with your day. However, this medication can often make you drowsy and it isn’t always that good for you to take long-term.
So, here are some home remedies that you should try out this spring:
A Saline Nasal Rinse
Most hay fever symptoms revolve around the nose and the sinuses. By rinsing the area out on a regular basis, you can cut down on those symptoms quite significantly. This will also help with clearing out your sinuses to reduce headaches.
You can buy saline solutions in nose sprays or squeeze bottles, or you can make your own. A neti pot or a nasal bulb will make your life a lot easier though. To make a solution, combine three teaspoons of salt (iodide-free is best) and one teaspoon of baking soda. Then, add one teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of water. The water should be distilled or boiled and cooled before use.
Stinging Nettle And Butterbur
These both have been shown to have natural antihistamine properties and are regularly prescribed by many practitioners. They truly can work wonders for hay fever symptoms. You can buy extracts of these plants in pill form or get a stinging nettle tea that you drink daily when your symptoms are bad.
Peppermint And Eucalyptus Essential Oils
Essential oils are a favorite in natural healing circles because they have so many different uses and can be applied or taken in so many different ways. Peppermint oil can reduce inflammation, especially when it comes to the chest and allergic reactions. You can put the essential oil in a diffuser and breathe it in all day, or you can apply it topically to your chest (just be sure to dilute it in a carrier oil).
Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties that can help your skin to relax when it is inflamed by allergies. To use this effectively, add a few drops of the essential oil to your laundry with each wash. Any allergens trapped in the fabrics should be removed or destroyed in the process.
Dehumidifiers And Airconditioning
Finally, it’s essential to keep the air around you as clear of pollen and allergens as possible. To do this, start by keeping your doors and windows shut so that your home is a safe space for your skin and for breathing. Removing the moisture from the air with these devices will then prevent any mold and fungi from growing inside, which can exacerbate your allergies.