Your eyes are itchy and red, your nose is dripping like a faucet and you're sneezing every few minutes. Allergy season has struck again and you want to curl into a little ball of misery. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. While medication such as pills, nasal sprays or shots are the most common ways to relieve allergy symptoms, there are some ways to experience all natural allergy relief.
Step 1
Get an allergy skin test and avoid the allergen. According to the Mayo Clinic, identifying and taking steps to avoid your allergy trigger is generally the most important step to preventing allergies and reducing symptoms.
Step 2
Set up an air purifier, filter, humidifier or conditioner in your home or bedroom to help provide some degree of relief. These will cleanse some of the allergens in the air; however, keep in mind they will not purify them 100 percent.
Step 3
Wash your bedding, pillows and clothes frequently and vacuum floors with a fine filter to eliminate allergens. Dust mites or pet dander congregate in the folds of soft laundry, increasing your risk of exposure to allergens.
Step 4
Do nasal lavage by rinsing out the sinuses with a saline solution and a bulb syringe. This will flush out thickened mucus and irritants from the nose and provide some relief.
Step 5
Change your diet. Eating foods containing probiotics with helpful bacteria can improve the immune system's response to allergens. Conversely, if you are allergic to certain foods, keep them out of your diet.
Step 6
Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is thought to release endorphins that can help reduce pain and create a sense of well-being. People suffering from asthma may be more relaxed after acupuncture.
Step 7
Get a massage. Stress and anxiety may inhibit the airways more if you have allergies and this can be relieved by the relaxation of a massage.
Step 8
Take quercetin. According to Allergist Dr. Cliff Bassett speaking on "Good Morning America," this natural herbal supplement reduces sinus pain and congestion. You may have to experiment with the appropriate dosage of quercetin until you find the amount that works best for you.
Tips and Warnings
- If your allergies are not alleviated by any of the above suggestions, you may need to switch to over-the-counter medication.
- Be aware of the symptoms of anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction. These include flushing, itching, hives, anxiety, irregular pulse, throat and tongue swelling, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Air purifier, filter, humidifier or conditioner
- Saline solution
- Bulb syringe
- Quercetin
