Do you have Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy, watery eyes, nose, or throat? Have you been coughing or experiencing postnasal drip, fatigue or even facial pressure or pain? Relax its just allergies.
Allergies are your body’s reaction to allergens (particles your body considers foreign), a sign that your immune system is working overtime. The first time your body encounters an allergen, your plasma cells release IgE (immunoglobulin E), an antibody specific to that allergen. IgE attaches to the surface of your mast cells. Mast cells are found in great numbers in your surface tissues (i.e., those with close proximity to the external environment, such as in your skin and in the mucous membranes of your nose), where they help mediate inflammatory responses.
Sneezing, watery eyes and sinus pressure. None of these symptoms and fun to deal with. And they can really get in the way of your daily life. Many people break down and take prescription or over-the-counter medications just to get some relief. Let’s take a look at 7 Natural Remedies for Allergies to give you some relief this season.
1.Local, Raw Honey
If you eat a spoonful of local, raw honey every day, it can help keep your springtime allergies at bay. The honey must come from bees that are in your local region — the closer the better — and it can’t be pasteurized.
2.Nettle
You can purchase nettle in capsules or drink it as a tea. Since it contains histamine, which is released when you have an allergic reaction, nettle works by helping your body build up a tolerance to histamine. It can also help reduce inflammation. Don’t overuse nettle, though, as it can reduce your potassium levels.
3.Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet
First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment. Foods like, garlic, lemon, green leafy vegetables, and bone broths can greatly reduce inflammation and relive this allergy pressure.
4. Eucalyptus Oils
This is one of my favorites, not even for allergy relief but general relaxation. You can put several drops of eucalyptus oil into your neti pot, inhale it via a diffuser, or use it in your laundry detergent as an antimicrobial agent. It will break up gunk in your respiratory system and open airways. Plus it smells terrific. If your allergy symptoms are going strong, mix eucalyptus oil with coconut oil and rub it on your chest and behind your ears and diffuse it in the air during the day and while sleeping.
5. Hit It Over The Counter; Zyrtec VS Flonase
Just go to the pharmancy and hit it with chemicals. But which one? Zyrtec VS Flonase? Flonase is an over the counter products that are non-drowsy, anti-inflammatory allergy relief nasal sprays that provide more complete relief than a single-ingredient antihistamine. Flonase will not cause drowsiness, which is nice. Zyrtec works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation that others but will still cause some drowsiness. Zyrtec works well to also treat hives and itchy skin. its and age old debate Zyrtec VS Flonase but both will get the job done.
6. CBD Balm
This one has some hesitation to it, it is still cannabis oil but I use this for my sinus headaches. If I wasn’t able to avoid my allergies, CBD Balm for headaches has been soooo helpful. I rub it on my sinuses, temples and neck. If you combo it with Peppermint Halo from Saje, it’s a double whammy!
7. Shower and Change Your Pillow Case
I know this seems like an obvious one but it really makes a huge difference. Pollen or whatever allergen you’re allergic to can get stuck to your hair, skin, clothing etc… and then also end up on your pillows and in your bed. Frequent washing when you’ve been outside for a long time can go a long way. Even though I HATE washing my hair, if I’ve spent a couple hours outside I know I have to wash it.
