Natural allergy remedies
Allergies tend to flare up during the spring and fall seasons the most but some people experience allergy symptoms all year long. Allergies are characterized by rashes, wheezing, runny nose and eyes, sneezing and so on. Many people go in for medications like antihistamines to help relieve allergy symptoms. However, medications can have many side effects and it is wiser to seek natural allergy relief first.
Several natural products can be used to minimize allergy symptoms, boost immunity and keep allergies at bay. Herbs, certain foods and nutritional supplements are commonly used to provide natural allergy relief.
Supplements which can help relieve allergies include vitamin C and bioflavonoids. These act as natural antihistamines and boost function of the adrenal glands. Coenzyme Q10, vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc can all help ward away allergies by boosting the immune system. Active hexose correlated compound and vitamin B12 can also help relieve allergy symptoms because they have anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium also play an important role in modulating allergic response of the body.
During the allergy season, it is advised to avoid consuming too much sugar and dairy products since they may trigger production of excess mucus. Spicy foods are recommended since they thin out the mucus, increase blood flow and reduce congestion. Foods which contain pepper, fenugreek, ginger, garlic or onions are especially useful in minimizing allergies. Drinking plenty of water can also help ease congestion and reduce the thickness of mucus.
Besides maintaining healthy diet habits, you can also use certain herbs to get natural allergy relief. A few such herbs are listed below.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) – This is a popular herbal antihistamine. It has been shown to effectively relieve symptoms of hay fever. Unlike chemical antihistamines, this herb does not have any side effects like drowsiness.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) – This particular species of nettle can be freeze dried and used to relieve allergies. As a matter of fact, it has been used for many years to provide natural allergy relief.
Grapeseed extract- Supplements containing greapeseed extracts can help sooth allergy symptoms. It is particularly effective when taken in combination with vitamin C.
Licorice root – This is used in the preparation of several herbal supplements aimed at reducing allergic symptoms. It boosts the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, reduces inflammation and increases interferon levels. Interferons are chemical mediators of the immune system which help fight viruses.
Irish moss- This herb boosts the immune system and helps fight allergies better.
Ginger- This spice is particularly effective in fighting inflammation and also has antibacterial and immune boosting properties.
Ephedra- This herb has been used to treat bronchial inflammation and allergies in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.
Garlic- Garlic has several benefits. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and immune boosting properties.
Capcisum- This is a rich source of vitamin C which boosts the immune system. It also contains high levels of the natural antihistamine called quercitin. It can be used to treat allergies and colds.
Extracts of rose hips- This can be used to treat infections, colds and flu along with helping treat allergy symptoms.
If you decide to use herbs for allergy relief, it is advised to do so in consultation with your doctor. Some herbs like licorice root should not be used for people who are diabetic or have high blood pressure and so on. Herbs like ephedra should not be used in people with high blood pressure since it can raise blood pressure levels.
Besides diet nutritional supplements and herbs, some people resort to alternative treatments like acupuncture to get natural allergy relief. This treatment helps soothe an over-stimulated immune system and thus relieves symptoms of allergy.
Natural allergy remedies have an edge over medications since they are very effective and have no harmful side effects.
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