Spring brings along the blooming of flowers, birds singing and the warmth of sun rays. However, with this beautiful season, comes the misery of spring allergies. It causes a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and fatigue.
While you can take medications to combat these symptoms, certain natural remedies can work wonders. Here’s a list of top ten natural ways to combat spring allergies:.
1. Local Honey
One of the best natural remedies for spring allergies is local honey. Honey contains small amounts of pollen that can cause allergies, and by consuming local honey, you expose yourself to small doses of allergens, which will help build immunity.
Not only does it tackle allergies, but honey also soothes the throat and reduces coughing, making it an excellent natural medicine.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut, and they help build your immune system.
They reduce the number of allergies and strengthen the immune system, allowing it to fight against allergens from pollen, dust, and other environmental factors that cause spring allergies. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of probiotics that you can add to your diet.
3. Essential Oils
The use of essential oils has been gaining popularity over recent years and for good reason.
Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and anti-allergenic properties that help combat spring allergies. You can use them in a diffuser or add a few drops to a warm bath to relieve your symptoms.
4. Nasal Rinses
Nasal rinses with saline or saltwater are excellent natural remedies for spring allergies. They help unclog nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and remove any allergens that may be stuck in your nose, causing sneezing or irritation.
You can use a saline spray or a Neti pot to rinse your nose with saltwater.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that helps reduce inflammation caused by allergies. It also boosts the immune system and reduces the severity and frequency of allergies.
You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits like oranges, berries, broccoli, and red peppers.
6. Green Tea
Green tea contains natural compounds called catechins that have a significant anti-inflammatory effect on the body. It also has antihistamine properties that can help reduce the symptoms of spring allergies.
Drinking a cup of green tea every day can help alleviate the symptoms of spring allergies.
7. Quercetin
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It gradually decreases symptoms like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes, and it helps reduce the body’s allergic response to pollen and other allergens.
Foods rich in quercetin include apples, citrus fruits, berries, onions, and kale.
8. Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is a simple, natural remedy for spring allergies that can help reduce the severity of symptoms like nasal congestion and a runny nose. The moist, warm air helps loosen mucus, reduces inflammation, and clears the nasal passages.
You can add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus to further enhance its effect.
9. Garlic
Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. It contains a compound called allicin, which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
It can help reduce the severity of allergies and improve your overall immune system, making you less susceptible to allergies in the future.
10. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves stimulating certain pressure points on the body using thin needles. It helps stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.
It can help alleviate the symptoms of spring allergies such as fatigue, cough, and watery eyes.
Conclusion
Spring allergies can be a nuisance, but using these natural remedies can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the severity of allergies.
Incorporating these natural remedies into your daily routine can also help prevent spring allergies in the future by boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation in the body.