Spring is just around the corner. While most of us look forward to the sunshine and moderate weather returning, may others fear one thing spring brings: seasonal allergies.
Sneezing, watery eyes and sinus pressure. None of these symptoms and fun to deal with. And they can really get in the way of your daily life. Many people break down and take prescription or over-the-counter medications just to get some relief.
However, there are many natural remedies that can help alleviate those pesky springtime allergies. Have you tried any of these remedies yet?
Local, Raw Honey
If you eat a spoonful of local, raw honey every day, it can help keep your springtime allergies at bay. The honey must come from bees that are in your local region — the closer the better — and it can’t be pasteurized.
Essential Oils
A mix of lemon, lavender and peppermint oil can provide relief from many of the symptoms of allergies. Simply put a drop of each in your hands and inhale, or place them in a diffuser.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is great for boosting the immune system during cold season, but it can also help with alleviating allergy symptoms, too. Vitamin C works by reducing inflammation associated with allergic reactions.
Quercetin
Some research has demonstrated that quercetin can have a similar effect as some antihistamines do, so it’s a natural alternative to try. You can either try a quercetin supplement or choose foods that contain it, like apples, garlic, onions and cayenne.
Nettle
You can purchase nettle in capsules or drink it as a tea. Since it contains histamine, which is released when you have an allergic reaction, nettle works by helping your body build up a tolerance to histamine. It can also help reduce inflammation. Don’t overuse nettle, though, as it can reduce your potassium levels.
Butterbur
The root and leaves from butterbur can also help with allergies because the petasines can block allergic reactions. Butterbur can help relieve itching, runny noses, sneezing, watery eyes and stuffiness in just five days. Research in Germany and Switzerland demonstrated that butterbur can be as effective as Zyrtec within just two weeks of use.
Feature image courtesy of Al Fed.