Home Remedies for Allergies: Relieve All Your Allergies Naturally
Table of Contents
Butterbur
The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus), which comes from a European shrub, shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. In one Swiss study, butterbur was just as effective as the antihistamine Allegra for reducing allergy symptoms.
Quercetin
This flavonoid, which is found naturally in onions, apples, and black tea, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown in research to block histamines.
Stinging nettle
The roots and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) have been used to treat everything from joint pain to prostate problems. Although some people use freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves to treat allergy symptoms, there isn’t much research to show that it works.
Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation with a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda may help clear out mucus and open sinus passages. You can administer the solution through a squeeze bottle or a neti pot — a device that looks like a small teapot
Fish Oil
A study of people with allergic asthma (asthma caused by allergies) found those who took daily fish-oil supplements for a month had lower levels of leukotrienes, chemicals that contribute to the allergic reaction.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help relieve hay fever, according to new research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. In the study, allergy sufferers who were randomly assigned to a dozen acupuncture sessions had more symptom relief and used less antihistamine medication than those who got a “sham treatment” or did not get the treatment. Experts don’t know for sure why acupuncture helps, but suspect that it “curbs inflammatory immune-system substances involved in allergic reactions,” according to HealthDay.
Cook with turmeric
Turmeric, a spice common in curry and Indian cuisine, contains curcumin. It may act as a decongestant, help reduces allergy symptoms, and ward off colds. “It seems to be as effective as some drugs for certain conditions,” said Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., professor of experimental therapeutics at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
