By Eirian Hallinan
Spring is finally here and while the warmer weather and sunshine are certainly welcomed by all, this time of year is a mixed blessing for allergy sufferers. Itchy eyes and a runny nose can make it hard to enjoy all that this time of year has to offer, but fortunately, there are some home remedies that can help.
If you’re looking for ways to relieve your allergy symptoms naturally, consider giving these home allergy remedies a try.
Butterbur
This shrub has been used for everything from pain and headaches to urinary tract infections. In recent years people have been using tablets made from the roots of butterbur to treat allergies. A clinical trial funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), found that butterbur was as effective as an oral antihistamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms.
Quercetin
This antioxidant naturally found in apples, onions, and other fruits and vegetables has been found to have antihistamine effects. It may also reduce inflammation in the airways. Quercetin can be bought as a supplement. It’s currently unclear whether or not you can absorb enough quercetin in your diet to have an effect on your allergies.
Neti Pots
The use of neti pots, also referred to as nasal irrigation, has been found to improve several allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion and postnasal drip. Neti pots look like small teapots and are easy to use. Warm, sterile water and pure salt are mixed in the pot and then run through your nostril by tilting your head and inserting the spout into the nostril. The water and salt solution runs out of the bottom nostril, cleaning out your nasal passage. Neti pots can be found in most drugstores and department stores.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil can be used in several ways to ease allergy symptoms. It’s long been used in cold and cough remedies because of its expectorant effects and ability to loosen phlegm. Lozenges and syrups containing eucalyptus can help ease allergy symptoms such as cough and congestion. Eucalyptus oil can also be added to creams to use as a rub or to vapor baths or a vaporizer to help with congestion. A 2006 study also found that eucalyptus oil can kill dust mites, which is a common household allergen.
Bromelain
This enzyme found in pineapples has been found to reduce sinus inflammation and thin mucous so that you can breathe more easily. It is available in supplement form and easily found wherever you buy supplements.
As you would with any medication, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking any herbal remedies or supplements. Even those made from natural sources may interact with any of the supplements or medications that you may already be taking. It’s also advisable to get your supplements and natural products from quality sources.