Common allergy symptoms include swelling, itching and sneezing as your body releases histamines in response to what your immune system considers a threatening intruder. Over-the-counter medications can alleviate your symptoms, but these medications can also cause drowsiness and other side effects. You can alleviate your allergy symptoms naturally with home remedies available in the average kitchen.
Neti Pot
Step 1
Add 1/4 tsp. of sea salt to the neti pot. Fill the pot with warm water.
Step 2
Stand over a sink or large bowl, tilt your head to the left and insert the spout of the teapot into your right nostril.
Step 3
Pour half the solution into your nostril. The saline solution will flush pollen and other allergens out of your sinuses. Let the water run out of the opposite nostril into the sink.
Step 4
Remove the pot and lean forward to drain the rest of the water from your sinuses. Repeat with the other nostril.
Step 5
Tilt your head, sideways, over the bathroom sink and gently pour half the salt-water solution into the upturned nostril.
Step 6
Tilt your head forward and let the water drain into the sink. Repeat with the other nostril.
Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Step 1
Run a lukewarm bath. Do not use hot water, which can further irritate your skin.
Step 2
Add 2 to 3 cups of colloidal oatmeal to the flow of running water. Swirl the water to dissolve the oatmeal.
Step 3
Soak in the bath for up to 15 minutes. The colloidal oatmeal will relieve the itching and irritation associated with skin allergies.
Step 4
Get out of the bath carefully and blot your skin dry with a clean towel.
Cold Therapy
Step 1
Fill a plastic baggie with ice. Wrap the bag in a clean towel.
Step 2
Apply the towel-wrapped baggie to areas itchy and swollen from allergies such as the eyes, face and extremities.
Step 3
Hold the ice pack in place for 20 minutes to numb the itching and reduce swelling.
Things You'll Need
- Neti pot
- Sea salt
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Plastic baggie
- Ice
- Clean towel
References
- ColloidalOatmmeal.com: Colloidal Oatmeal
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Editors of Prevention; 2010
