While the onset of spring is good news after the long dark days of winter, for many it is the season when allergies kick in. Many are now trying to treat these conditions as naturally as possible to lessen unwanted side effects.
Spring often brings itchy eyes, runny nose, cough and sneezing. As the flowers bloom, allergies kick in. According to Mashable, hay fever which is characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion and eye irritation, affects around 30 percent of the population worldwide. This usually starts early February and lasts until summer.
While there are plenty of medicines readily available, from decongestants to antihistamines, many suffer from unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, palpitation and headaches. So if you want to lessen some of these symptoms, check out these natural remedies from Mashable, Daily Herald and WebMD.
1. Take Some Butterbur
Butterbur is a plant has anti-inflammatory properties that may relief you of your allergies just like any other anti-allergy medicines as proven in a 2002 study. Butterbur works like any antihistamine less the drowsiness. More so, its extracts are used for headaches, fever and nasal allergies.
However, it contains pyrrolizidine, which can be harmful to the liver. Make sure you get the pyrrolizidine-free ones.
2. Sip Some Apple Cider Vinegar
Just like butterbur, apple cider is anti-inflammatory as well. This also increases your potassium, which will tone down a runny nose. It is found to break down the mucus and helps you breathe easier. Dilute it with warm water or warm lemon juice with honey.
3. Take A Hot Shower
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology recommends that you take a shower to cleanse yourself of all the outdoor pollen. It will also clear your nasal passages.
4. Breathe In Eucalyptus Oil
A 2010 study found eucalyptus to be beneficial for respiratory problems such as asthma. The scented oil is commonly used for allergy relief because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Breathe in the scent or place about three drops on your chest and rub it. This could help you breathe easier.
5. Irrigate Your Nasal Passages
Nasal irrigation is clearing your nasal passages with saline solutions to clear out the mucus. Often, a neti pot is used. It looks like a small teapot used to pour the solution in one nostril and let it run out to the other one. It is usually done once a day. You may also use sterile nasal spray that can be bought at any drugstore.
While these natural remedies can give you relief, it is best to limit being outdoors if you are highly sensitive to pollens. It is also recommended to take in medicines or natural relief at least a week before the season starts. For more natural remedies, check out the video below:
