Best Home Remedies to Help you to overcome Allergy Symptoms

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Introduction

Allergies or Allergic reactions happen when our immune system reacts to something in the environment that doesn’t bother other people, things that are potentially harmless like pollen, animal dander, insect stings, food, dust mites or mold spores. Even some medications may lead to allergies or allergic reactions. Allergies are due to hypersensitivity of the immune system that can cause a damaging response and affect the whole body.

According to Ayurveda

  • According to Ayurveda, allergy is the result of a foreign substance aggravating a specific dosha/vital energy (Vatta, Pitta or Kapha) in the body. Accumulation of “Ama/ toxins” is the root cause of allergies.

What are the Symptoms of Allergies

Common Symptoms of Allergies

Our body responds to the allergens very unexpectedly and shows uncomfortable symptoms like

  • runny nose
  • itchy watery red eyes
  • swellings
  • rashes
  • asthma
  • congestion
  • confusion
  • diarrhea
  • lip inflammation
  • irregular heartbeat
  • vomiting
  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • Fatigue and facial pressure or pain are also some symptoms of allergy.

How to Treat Allergies Naturally?

  • The best natural remedy for allergies is to take precautions and avoid them when possible. It is important to know, what triggers allergies in your body and then try to minimize exposure to those.

What are the Best Home Remedies for Allergy

  • There are various ways to control and manage allergy symptoms at home using basic home remedies like

Intake of Water

  • Drinking Plenty of Water, preferably warm water throughout the day to get rid of toxins from the body. Staying hydrated helps to thin secretions, making them easier to clear. Sip more water, juice, herbal teas, soups, broths etc.

Steam

  • A lot of allergy symptoms can be relieved by simply inhaling some steam. It eases the stuffy nose and helps one breath easier. It can be done at home by putting a towel over your head and your head over a warm bowl of water. The steam gets trapped in and does the work.

Apple Cider Vinegar

  • The home remedy that tops the list in getting rid of allergy symptoms is consuming a spoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water with freshly squeezed lemon and some honey. ACV helps in reducing mucous production and clean the lymphatic system. It also helps in boosting the immune system.

Red Onion water

  • Red Onion water should be consumed twice a day to help breath better. Onion is rich in quercetin, which reduces the production of histamine and helps in opening up the blocked airways. To prepare red onion’s water, one needs to slice an onion in a bowl of water and let it stay there for 10 hours or overnight. The water then should be consumed daily till the allergy symptoms lasts.

Nasal Rinse with saline

  • Nasal Rinse with saline can clean mucus from the nose and ease allergy symptoms. Rinsing with warm saline water can be done even before the symptoms strike. It helps to eliminate any bacteria in the nose and wash away pollen from the nose.  One can mix salt with baking soda in warm water and rinse the nose with it. This will help in relieving nasal congestion too. Saline sprays can also be used.

Nasya

  • An ayurvedic practice of putting Hebraized oil drops (mint oil, rose essential oil, lavender, peppermint essential oil) in  the nose to lubricate dry nasal passages helps in overcoming allergy symptoms fast. The benefits of the herb reach the nose directly and helps in keeping the allergens from irritating or damaging the nasal lining. This should be done before going to bed.

Cook with Turmeric

  • Cook with Turmeric as turmericis natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine spice.  It contains curcumin that inhibits allergic response and decreases oxidative stress. It also boosts immunity and increase nasal airflow. Turmeric may be mixed with amla powder and taken with water every day or may be added to warm milk and consumed at bedtime daily.

Allergen Bursting  Spices

  • Allergen bursting spices like saga, coriander, cinnamon, tulsi, pippali, black pepper and licorice root should be included in the diet as they help in improving digestion and immunity. It is also recommended to include ginger, garlic, onions, hot peppers, hot mustard in the diet as they are rich in sulfur, quercetin and other anti-inflammatory compounds that can ease the allergy symptoms over time.Boosting up Vitamin C is a great way to boost the immune system and fight allergies.

Honey

  • Honey helps in lowering the allergic reaction of the body to the pollens. Honey is anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine. Honey and lime in warm water should be taken on an empty stomach to flush out toxins from the body and avoid the allergy flare-ups.

Yoga and Pranayama

  • Yoga and Pranayama (breathing techniques) are very beneficial in overcoming allergy symptoms. Asanas like Surya Namaskar, Sarvangasana, Padhastasana, Trikonasana, Padmasana, Mats asana (the fish pose), Tadasana (palm tree poses) along with Anulom Vinolum Pranayama, Kapalbhati pranayama, Bhastrika pranayama shows excellent results in managing allergy symptoms at home.
  • Pranayama control nasal condition effectively. As most of the allergies are stress related so both Yoga and Pranayama are helpful as they relieve stress and improves physical, mental and spiritual health of a person. Half an hour workout or exercise helps in producing anti-inflammatory effect in the nasal passage and reduces allergy symptoms naturally.

Hot Shower

  • For immediate relief from allergy symptoms, it is always good to take a hot shower to ward off allergens. Wash off eyes with cold water to get rid of eye irritation.

Peppermint Tea

  • Drink peppermint tea in case of congested and nose inflammation. Peppermint tea acts as a decongestant and expectorant as it breaks up mucus and helps in clearing nose and throat.
  • Always wear a mask when working in the yard or while doing vacuum.

Prevention and Tips

  • Certain changes also help in overcoming allergy symptoms. Eating warm cooked food every time, eating at least two hours before going to bed helps to sleep better and promotes proper digestion of food.
  • That strengthens the immune system and helps fight allergies. Always eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts as they help in overcoming allergies. Cold dairy should be avoided completely as they lead to excess kapha and phlegm.
  • Allergies may range from simple to life threatening and are very annoying to deal with. In case of severe allergy symptoms like trouble in breathing, chest pains, fainting, or blood pressure changes, it is good to consult a doctor right away but most seasonal allergies can be controlled without the use of medications.