Allergies are no fun. Whether it is running nose, constant sneezing, dander allergy or any other unwanted reaction, allergies irritate everyone. The most pleasant season, Spring, brings about allergies which give everyone a hard time. Allergies occur when the immune system of the human body fights (generally harmless) allergens. Grass, trees, weeds, and flowers release pollens which are present in the air and are inhaled by us. Some people might be lucky to not get affected much by such allergens.
While most people may depend on over the counter medications, home remedies are one of the best ways to treat these allergies. With no side effects whatsoever, home remedies prove beneficial for everyone. These can be used on babies and older people as well.
Seasonal Allergies: 21 Best Home Remedies
Here is a list of 21 amazing home remedies to cure these seasonal allergies –
Steam Inhalation
Steam Inhalation is a simple and effective way to treat blocked nose, sore throat, and cough. The steam helps in clearing the nasal passages, giving instant relief from a blocked nose. Inhaling the steam through the mouth cures any throat infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Though a little expensive, it is highly effective in treating allergies. It reduces the production of mucous and cleans your throat. Along with this, it can also help in curing respiratory allergies, digestive problems, and sneezes.
Apples
An apple or two a day keeps the seasonal allergies away. Apples have strong anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of Quercetin. The apple peels are an extremely important part of the fruit. The peel contains anti-oxidants, which help in reducing and preventing cellular, tissue and organ damage. Therefore, peels should not be removed before consumption. Apples also have other benefits, which makes it fit for regular consumption.
Honey
Consuming Honey is one of the best ways to treat allergies. Honey is an energy boosting food and is also very soothing to the throat. Honey can be consumed to cure a cough, cold, ear infections, blocked nose, and sore throat. It’s smooth texture and energizing property is one of the best combinations to fight allergies. Honey is a product which is easily available everywhere. Two spoons, twice a day can not only cure the allergies but also prevent them from ever returning.
Nettle Tea
Nettle Tea is mainly used to treat a common cold. It is a natural anti-histamine, which blocks the hormone responsible for producing allergic reactions. This can easily replace any over-the-counter anti-histamine tablets. However, it is important to keep in mind that excess of an anti-histamine product can be dangerous to brain health.
Dry Fruits
Although dry fruits are a reason behind some allergies, they can prove extremely useful for others. The natural oils present in dry fruits can be used to treat general seasonal allergies caused due to pollens in the environment. Moreover, dry fruits have properties which boost the human immune system, preventing the allergies from returning.
Clean and Blow Nose
This is an extremely important step while dealing with allergies. Any medication or treatment for hay fever will not work unless your nose is clean. Unwanted particles present in the air get trapped in the nose hair which can cause severe allergies.
Peppermint Oil/Tea
Peppermint Oil is an essential oil. Essential oils are natural oils which are obtained by distillation and hence have characteristic properties of the plant it has been extracted from. They are used for many medicinal purposes. Peppermint Oil is usually used to treat cough and cold infections. It works effectively against other allergies too. It’s minty taste and soothing effect help in treating the allergies easily. Peppermint Tea can also be consumed to get the same results.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil is another essential oil to treat allergies. This essential oil is used to cure allergies related to the respiratory tract. It helps by cleaning the passages to the lungs and sinuses. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and helps the body in ridding off harmful toxins.
Lemon Oil
Lemon Oil is another oil which can help cure many allergies. It has properties which make one feel fresh and energized. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease a sore throat, itching, sneezing etc. Lemon oil also helps in curing dry throat. It is easily available in the market and can be consumed twice a day.
Fish Oil Tablets
Fish Oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be consumed in form of tablets and can be taken continuously and daily by people suffering from allergies frequently. Fish oil contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids which is the reason behind the amazing medicinal benefits of Fish Oil.
Chicken
Consuming chicken rather than any other type of meat can prevent you from catching hay fever. The probability of catching hay fever after consuming beef is extremely high. So, if you are prone to catch allergies fast, you should avoid eating beef.
Frequent Showers
Taking frequent showers can prevent skin infections and allergies from developing. Clean your body thoroughly after coming home. This will clean your skin and prevent any pollens or other allergy-causing particles from causing any serious harm.
Citrus Drinks
Seasonal allergies aggravate when the scorching heat of the sun gets harsher. This brings in the need to drink refreshing and cool drinks. Citrus drinks are the perfect solution to not only energize and refresh your body but also fight against the heat and the allergies. Drinks made from Citrus Fruits like Lemon, Orange, Grape Fruit etc., contain high levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is known for boosting the immune system of the human body which in turn results in cured allergies. Citrus drinks are extremely simple to make and can be easily prepared at home. Including Citrus Drinks in your diet can benefit you in many ways.
Probiotics (Curd)
Probiotics are micro-organisms which, when consumed provide multiple health benefits. The curd is one such item, as it contains bacteria Lactobacillus, which is a probiotic. It not only makes the digestive tract healthy but also makes your immune system stronger.
Licorice Root
We rely on paracetamols and aspirin to treat common cold and flu but they have no effect whatsoever. Common cold and flu are caused by a virus, which renders the antibiotics useless. Licorice tea, not only soothes your sore throat but also works on your blocked nose and headache. Licorice root tea provides instant relief from these problems.
Drink water
One should drink 8-10 glasses of water in a day. Water not only prevents many illness and allergies but also cleans your body which in turn saves you from unwanted allergies. Drinking adequate amount of water is important for our body to function.
Spicy Food
Spicy food and Chili gives a temporary relief from cold, cough and blocked nose.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an ingredient used to cure almost everything. It is a decongestant, which helps in cleaning passages and help you eat and breath easily. It can be easily found in Indian kitchens and can be consumed with milk.
Onion Water
Like Apples, Onion also contains Quercetin, which reduces histamine produced by the body. This helps in reducing the symptoms of allergies. It also helps in clearing air passages which makes breathing easier.
Gargle with Saline Water
Saline water gargles are one of the best methods to treat a cough and sore throat. The salt in the water helps in treating the inflammation in the throat. Adding a pinch of salt in lukewarm water helps soothe the throat and clear any infection.
Hope this article was of help for all our parents!! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy and Healthy Babies!!
Read more: Common Allergies among Children