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10 Natural Ways to Defeat Seasonal Allergies

Date Published:

Author: Sedera Team

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Airborne agents (known as pathogens or allergens), such as pollen, grass, mold, cedar, ragweed, or even some chemicals, are breathed in. Once they enter our bodies, these allergens start to wreak havoc. The immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack the allergens and release a chemical called histamine into the nose, eyes, and lungs. Histamine is intended to attack harmful agents and remove them from the body. One of the main things that histamine does is cause inflammation.

The good news is there are many natural remedies you can try to control your allergy symptoms:

1. Cleanse your nose

Pollens adhere to our mucus membranes. Try cleansing your nasal passages with a neti pot, sinus irrigator or nasal oils. Here are some tips on how to safely use nasal irrigation treatments.

2. Manage stress

Stress hormones wreak havoc in the body and especially in the immune system, making seasonal allergies even worse. Consider methods of stress management such as meditation, taking time out for self-care and avoid overcommitting your schedule.

3. Try acupuncture

When allergies are treated with acupuncture, underlying imbalances within the body are addressed. A treatment plan is developed to relieve the acute symptoms of allergies while also treating the root problems that are contributing to the body’s reaction to allergens.

4. Explore herbal remedies

Butterbur is an herb, which comes from a European shrub and has shown potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, acting similar to antihistamines. Quercetin is a nutrient found in onions, apples, and black tea that research has shown to block the release of histamines.

5. Consider apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is purported to boost the immune system, help break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve allergy symptoms. These tips on how best to use apple cider vinegar will provide additional guidance.

6. Visit a chiropractor

By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic care permits the immune system to function more effectively— something all allergy sufferers need. A nervous system without stress functions more efficiently.

7. Detox the body

Often, allergies are worsened by toxins within the body. The liver is a great mediator of inflammation in the body, and when it is working overtime metabolizing our stress, medications, alcohol, and processed foods, allergies can flare up. Detox your body by eliminating fried foods, sugar, alcohol and other toxins from your diet. Try liver supportive foods and herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, artichoke, citrus fruits and nuts.

8. Take probiotics

Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to stimuli. Many studies link the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies. Probiotics can help stimulate production of immune enhancing substances, hinder growth of pathogenic and boost the immune system.

9. Add essential oils

Adding essential oils to a bath, cup of tea, massage oil, or an oil diffuser can help reduce allergy symptoms. Peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils have been linked to fight inflammation and boost the immune system. Essential oils for allergies will help to detoxify the body and fight infections, bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and harmful toxins.

10. Clean the house

Regular house cleaning can get rid of many allergy triggers and help relieve your symptoms. Clean or change out the air filters in your home often. Also, clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can collect. Vacuum carpets and change pillowcases a couple times each week. Cleaning air purifiers is an important step not to overlook. Change your pillowcase regularly – allergens can transfer from your hair to your pillow on a nightly basis.

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Do you have any homeopathic and natural allergy relief ideas you want to share with the Sedera Health Community? We want to hear from you!