Allergies
No matter the allergy, the symptoms can be challenging. Those suffering from allergies know and recognize the terrible headache, stuffy nose, sneezing fits, and general exhaustion these symptoms can cause. It can make concentrating difficult and often leave you feeling like you're in a fog most of the time. Many people seek medical attention for their allergies, and with good reason.
Many medications and over-the-counter remedies for allergies exist. While these medications can provide relief, the problem is that they are only masking the symptoms.
Allergies are altered or abnormal reactions to specific allergens. The allergen can reach the body through the air, breathed in, through touch, or ingestion. Almost any body part can be affected by allergies, and almost anything can be an allergen.
Common allergens are:
- Pollens
- Dust
- Cosmetics
- Animal hair
- Poisonous plants
- Serums
- Vaccines
- Drugs
Physical agents such as:
- Heat
- Cold
- Sunlight
A variety of common foods, such as:
- Oranges
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Fish and other sea foods
- Chocolates
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
Common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, migraines, headaches, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, depression, conjunctivitis (pink eye), eczema, hay fever, stuffy and runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, asthma, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, hands, or eyes.
The same allergens can produce different symptoms in different people or different symptoms in the same person at other times.
Natural Cures and Home Remedies for Allergies
It's important to note that these remedies may not work for everyone, and it's best to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience severe or persistent allergy symptoms. Here are some home remedies that may help alleviate allergy symptoms:
Nasal Irrigation
Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can help reduce inflammation and relieve congestion. You can use a navage battery-powered nasal rinsing aid, neti pot, nasal bulb, or saline spray.
Steam Inhalation
Inhaling steam can help soothe nasal passages and reduce congestion. You can take a hot shower or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head.
Honey
Raw honey may help alleviate allergies as it contains small amounts of pollen that can help build up a tolerance to allergens.
Lime
Half a lime squeezed into a glass of lukewarm water, sweetened with a teaspoon of honey, taken first thing in the morning for several months, flushes the system of toxins and acts as an antitoxic and anti-allergic agent.
Probiotics
Probiotics can help boost your immune system and reduce allergy symptoms. You can consume probiotics through yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods.
Essential oils
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that can help reduce allergy symptoms. You can diffuse them in the air or apply them topically.
Nutrients
Taking 100 mg of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid daily has been shown to relieve allergy symptoms. Vitamin E also possesses anti-allergic properties. A dosage of 400 mg taken once daily for four to six weeks also helps reduce the symptoms of allergies. Taken regularly, Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin D, quercetin, butterbur, and astragalus can significantly relieve the allergy sufferer.
Check with your doctor before adding supplements, especially if you take prescribed medications.
Castor Oil
Five drops of castor oil in water or fruit juice each morning on an empty stomach is effective in controlling the symptoms of skin, nasal and intestinal allergies.
Bananas
One or two bananas a day are helpful for those who are allergic to certain foods and suffer from skin rashes, digestive disorders, or asthma.
Carrot, Beet, and Cucumber Juice
These natural juices can help manage the symptoms and even lessen their occurrence. Combining carrot, beet, and cucumber juices can provide a powerful natural cure for allergies. Peel one red beet, one cucumber, two carrots, and about one-half inch of ginger. Chop into thin slices, then add to a juicer, Vita-Mix, or similar. Mix until well blended.
Cucumber, Ginger, and Lemon Juice
This is a juice blend to help your body's immune defenses.
Peel and cut into pieces one cucumber. Take one-inch fresh ginger, peel, and slice (you should get over a teaspoon of ginger). Peel one lemon. Put all ingredients in a juicer, Vita-Mix, or similar, and three peeled cloves of garlic and blend.