5 Best Home Remedies for Allergies

If you struggle with the itchy eyes and stuffy nose that come along with allergies, here are some home remedies that will offer you some much needed relief!

Although most of us are ready to move past winter and enter the warmer weather that spring has to offer, the months of March through June aren’t quite as welcome to people who suffer from seasonal allergies. With sunshine, higher temps, and shrubbery that turns to a bright shade of green also comes itchy, watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, and headaches that come and go like the tide. And, if you’re allergic to other things (like smoke, dust, or pet dander), you suffer all year long without any reprieve.

The good thing is that there are many home remedies for allergies that offer some much needed relief. Here are a few of them to consider:

Allergen-Proof Your Environment

Of course, the first step to feeling better is to try to get rid of the allergens that upset your body. If you are allergic to pet dander, for instance, then maybe you need to find a new home for your furry little friend. Or, if dust makes you sneeze and your eyes swell shut, hiring a cleaning company to come in weekly may be what you have to do.

Some other considerations include:

  • Removing carpet from your home (which will help with many different allergies);
  • Setting up a dehumidifier so that allergens can’t multiply and mold can’t grow; and
  • Keeping your windows closed if you’re allergic to pollen or anything else that may be flowing in the air outside.

The more you can do to keep your allergens to a minimum, the less intense your symptoms will be.

#1 Use Honey & Cinnamon

tea cup

In addition to easing allergy symptoms, honey (which is best when bought locally if it is seasonal allergies that bother you) also helps heal burns and suppress a cough, whereas cinnamon works to lower your cholesterol levels and control your blood sugar. Mixed together, they have been shown to ease arthritis, reduce your risk of heart disease, soothe an upset stomach, help you lose weight, and even clear your face of pimples.

Put these two ingredients on your morning toast, in a cup of piping hot tea to relax at night, or just dissolve them in a glass of warm water and drink them that way. It doesn’t matter how you ingest them, just get them any way you can and you’ll get some much needed allergy relief (in addition to some of the other benefits listed above).

The one warning with this at-home remedy is to never, ever give honey to children under one year of age. Their immune system isn’t strong enough to ward off the bacteria that are often found in honey and so they risk botulism if they eat it, which can land them in the hospital on a respirator.

#2 Enjoy a Saltwater Rinse

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One way to clear irritants out of your nasal cavity if you have seasonal allergies is with a saltwater rinse. Granted, it doesn’t sound very pleasant to push water up your nose, but if you’ve ever tried it then you know that it is actually quite soothing.

There are several Neti pots and saline bottles that you can buy at most any retail store to help you with this. You can purchase premade solutions or mix your own by combining one teaspoon salt, one pint boiled or distilled water that is warmed, and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it in one nostril over the kitchen sink and let it drizzle back out your other nostril or your mouth. Do this every morning and night and you will notice fewer symptoms.

If you just can’t find it within yourself to put water up your nose, you can still get similar relief from using a saline spray. There are a variety of options available in most health care stores, so pick one up and see if it works for you.

#3 Give Yourself a Steam Facial

woman steam

While some people give themselves steam facials to open their pores and clear their skin, these water based treatments are also good for allergies. The high humidity air coats your irritated nasal passages and encourages the flow of mucus so that your body naturally flushes the allergens out of your system.

Simply boil a pot of water and pour it into a bowl that can withstand the heat. Place your head directly above the steam, draping a towel or pillowcase over your head to streamline the steam into your nose. You can even add a little eucalyptus oil to the water for enhanced breathing ability as it is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Do this for 5-10 minutes a day for the best effects.

Long, hot showers offer the same benefits of removing allergens from your body, opening your nasal passages, and easing the pressure in your head. Just be sure to moisturize your skin afterwards as the hot water tends to dry out your skin.

#4 Use an Air Purifier

Air Purifier

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, getting the irritants out of the air inside your home via an air purifier will help ease your pain. You may also want to purchase a purifier for your work space, if possible, so that you breathe clean air there as well. Choose one that uses a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter as those have been found to be the most efficient.

Also, keep your windows closed so that you don’t allow more allergens in and, if you do go outside, wear sunglasses to block any irritating substances from going directly into your eyes. You can’t stop the particles that Mother Nature chooses to put in the air, but you can control how much of them you take in.

#5 Eat Spicy Foods

peppers

Not only are spicy foods helpful in raising your metabolism, but they also open up your nasal passages – something that is key for allergy sufferers. Think about how your eyes water and nose runs when you have a dish that contains hot peppers. Although it isn’t always a pleasant experience, it does allow you breathe easier.

Some spices to look for include cayenne peppers, chili powder, and wasabi. Add them to your foods and, essentially, it is like pricking a balloon with a pin and letting the air flow out slowly. Your pressure in your head will subside and you will feel better almost instantly.

These are but a few home remedies you can use to ease your allergies, whether seasonal or specific, and breathe clearly again. Try one or try them all. What do you have to lose?

About the author

Christina DeBusk

Changing careers mid-life from law enforcement to writing, Christina spends her days helping others enrich their businesses and personal lives one word at a time.

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