Certain times of the year, as the pollen count rises, people experience allergic reactions that interfere with their lives. Although many over-the-counter medications can temporarily alleviate the symptoms, the side effects are often more harmful than the allergy itself. If you're experiencing seasonal itchy eyes, a runny nose or constant sneezing attacks when you go outside, you're most likely suffering from some degree of pollen allergy. Before going to the pharmacy and loading up on medication that might make you drowsy or listless, try a homeopathic remedy.
Neti Pot or Saline Nasal Spray
Saline has healing qualities that, when mixed with water and used to irrigate the sinuses, can bring the allergy sufferer quite a bit of relief. The neti pot has been around for centuries and can be purchased at most pharmacies. The pot is designed to be filled with saline solution and placed in one nostril with a secure seal. Tip your head and allow the water to gently run into the nostril. It will run through the sinuses then back out the other nostril. Saline spray is easier and more convenient but doesn't deliver as much of the saline solution. A few quick squirts in each nostril will bring some relief by clearing the pollen out of the nose.
Hot Spices
Adding a dash or two of hot spices to your food will cause thinning of the mucus in your nose. Some recommended spices and seasonings for this are crushed red pepper flakes, ground cayenne pepper or hot pepper sauce.
Local Honey
Find honey that has been harvested from local bee hives. The bees have ingested the pollen from the flowers that are causing the allergic reaction, so eating the honey helps build up resistance to whatever is bothering you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of hot water and drink it twice a day. If the taste makes it impossible to get down, add a teaspoon of local honey for added benefit. For centuries, people have used apple cider vinegar for its healing qualities.
Herbs and Flavonoids
Some of the herbs and flavonoids (found in fruits and vegetables) have been shown to help treat pollen allergies. Butterbur, quercetin and golden seal are all used to treat allergy symptoms. Butterbur and quercetin have been shown to help control the histamines, and goldenseal's astringent properties can help with allergy symptoms.
Petroleum Jelly
Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly around the entrance to each nostril. In addition to relieving some of the irritation to your nose, its stickiness will help trap pollen before it goes any farther.
