Seasonal Allergies Natural Remedies

I love spring! It is one of my favorite seasons. More sun, warmer temperatures, longer days, and the awakening of nature all means spending more time outdoors. But unfortunately for many of us spring also brings itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throats, sneezing, and blocked sinuses.

Luckily there are some easy, cheap, and natural remedies for you to try and enjoy spring and the outdoor life.

1.      Neti Pot Or Saline Spray

A saline rinse helps to wash out allergens that you have been breathing in during the day and naturally decongest your nasal passage. Although a neti pot is more effective, some people don’t like to run a salty water mixture through their nose. Saline sprays are more gently and easier to use.

You can buy a ready-made saline solution or make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda in a pint of warm water. Always use distilled water to avoid microorganisms.

2.      Take A Shower And Change Your Clothes

If you spend a lot of time outdoors during pollen season make sure to take a shower when you come inside to wash all those allergens away. Especially your hair collects a lot of pollen that can fall into your eyes and cause an allergic reaction. Also, make sure to change your pollen-infested clothes after spending the whole day outside.

3.      Herbal Remedies

There are many herbs you could choose from to relieve allergy symptoms. Prepare a cup of healing tea or use the fresh herbs or essential oils in hot water and inhale the steam to find relief.

• Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. If your eyes are dry and itchy, place cold, wet chamomile tea bags over your eyes for a few minutes to find instant relief. If you are allergic to ragweed, stay away from chamomile as it may worsen the allergic reaction.
• Peppermint works as a powerful decongestant and improves breathing. You could make a peppermint tea of fresh or dried leaves or use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or steam vaporizer to clear your sinuses and find relief.
• Thyme has antimicrobial properties and works as an expectorant. Again you could make a tea of fresh or dried leaves or use essential oils in a steam vaporizer to reduce allergy symptoms, soothe a sore throat, and clear congestions.
• Eucalyptus essential oil helps to open nasal passage and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It makes breathing easier. Steam inhalation is the best and easiest way to find relief. Or you could hang eucalyptus in your shower. The steam will release the beneficial oils.
• Stinging nettle acts as an effective antihistamine and reduces itchy eyes and sneezing. There are capsules on the market or you could brew an allergy-reducing tea with freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves.
• Ginger combined with honey works as an expectorant and natural painkiller to soothe a sore throat and ease coughing.
• Cayenne pepper has strong anti-inflammatory properties and prevents the release of histamines. It works as a natural painkiller to soothe a sore or scratchy throat.
• Butterbur extract reduces inflammation of the airways and works as an antihistamine.

4.      Spicy Food

Adding more spicy foods to your diet during allergy season helps to clear your sinuses and works as a decongestant. Foods like chili peppers, wasabi, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic or horseradish are all good options to spice up your meals and reduce allergy symptoms.

What’s your favorite natural remedies to ease a seasonal allergy? Please share them with us in the comment box below.