Seasonal allergies are typically allergic reactions that are triggered by pollens and occur only for part of the year. Such allergies occur during fall or spring. Pollens are the egg shaped grains that are carried from flowering plants and are present in the air. These pollens can end up in a person eyes, skin, and lungs and nose to result in allergic reactions. Some symptoms of these seasonal allergies include nasal obstruction, sneezing, headache, watery eyes, and clear nasal discharge among other things. Conventionally seasonal allergies are dealt with the use of decongestants, steroid sprays, desensitization and antihistamines. Natural cure for seasonal allergies can help in combating this problem.
Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
- Sinus infections are common through seasonal allergies. A simple way to resolve seasonal allergies include using warm water and salt to flush out the sinuses. This solution can help loosen the mucus and wash it out and also aids in hydrating the nasal lining. This process is also called as sinus irrigation.
- If allergies are caused in the eyes then any resultant irritation can be washed away with plain eyewash so as to reduce irritation. During the irritation contact lenses should not be worn.
- Migraine and chronic cough and asthma can be prevented with the help of Butterbur which is a perennial shrub. This shrub is commonly found in North America, Asia and Europe. Butterbur also has an anti inflammatory effect and helps reduce muscle spasms. A tablet of this medicine taken four times every day can help control the symptoms of hay fever.
- Other complementary and alternative treatments for seasonal allergies include nettle leaf. Freeze dried nettles are used as herbal supplements and a tonic can also be made from the goldenseal herb and this can be used as a nasal spray. Goldenseal has antibacterial properties and is also an astringent and this can help in thinning the mucous.
- Grape seed extract and quercetin which is a flavonoid compound can also help in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergies. These components are in abundance in red wine and if they are used in supplement form then they can help in reducing the symptoms of allergy.
- Another natural cure for seasonal allergies include preparing and consuming hot and spicy foods that can help in thinning the mucous secretions and thereby clear the nasal passages. The recommended spices that can be used in cooking include cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek as well as garlic and onion.
- Along with the use of home remedies for seasonal allergies it is important that you stay away from those aspects that provoke sensitivity to the allergies or those that cause the allergies to aggravate. Also avoid eating fruits like banana and melon and other items like cucumber, chamomile and sunflower seeds as these can make the symptoms worse. Likewise herbal supplements containing Echinacea should also be avoided.
- 'Ephedera' is another drug that can be used in home treatments for seasonal allergies as this can help in treating inflammatory disorders together with bronchial problems.
- If you have an air filtration system then that can help in removing the pollens and dust from the space and thereby help in quick recovery from seasonal allergies. Ancient Chinese medical practice like acupuncture can also help. This natural cure for seasonal allergies works by stimulating certain points outside the body that can cause reactions or changes within the body and thereby affect the immune system. Likewise homeopathy can also help in resolving the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
- While taking alternative medicine treatments it is important that these medicines are not mixed with the traditional drugs without the doctor’s approval.