Home remedies for Allergy

Every time the season changes, it brings along a variety of allergies for millions of people across the globe. Also known as allergic diseases, allergies are a result of our immune system’s hypersensitivity to certain environmental elements that would not be creating trouble for most other people. Allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergies are a few types of allergies. Food, pollens and metals are the most familiar allergans. People develop sensitivity and become susceptible to certain types of allergies mostly genetically or from environmental factors.

The job of our immune system is to produce anti-bodies to safeguard us from undesired intruders that may be a cause of some sort of infection. In case of allergic infections, our immune system develops unsought anti-bodies that fight against elements that are actually not harmful. When our body comes in contact with those elements our immune system reacts with inflammation on skin, sinus, breathing or digestive problems etc. The austerity of problem may vary from minor irritation to critical medical emergency in some rare cases.

The symptoms of allergies are –

• Itching in nose, stuffy or watery nose, sneezing
• Red or swollen eyes
• Swelling in other parts of face such as tongue or lips
• Itching, rashes or swelling on body
• Cough, chest congestion, short breath
• Anaphylaxis- This is a life threatening medical emergency that may be caused in some rare cases of allergic infections. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are unconsciousness, low blood pressure, weak pulse, rashes on skin, nausea and vomiting.

If you observe that there is something that has been triggering allergic infections in your body then it is a good idea to visit a doctor. If you have initiated a new medication recently and it is causing allergic reactions in your body, then consult the doctor who prescribed those medicines. It is always advisable to call in your doctor in case you require any medical help, however, here we bring for you the most sorted out, quick and easy home remedies to fight out allergies effectively.

Home remedies for allergies

1. Saline solution – Irrigating your nose with saline solution twice a day (till the symptoms of allergies last) to cure upper-respiratory allergies which are the most common form of allergies. You can either prepare a saline solution at home or buy it from a medical store. To prepare one at home, mix one teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch on baking soda in about a glass of boiled and cooled water.
2. Steam – Steam effectively provides relief from various symptoms of nasal allergies such as those of sinus by cleaning the nasal passage flushing out all the mucus and other irritants. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil to the boiling water and take steam two-three times a day. It will help you recover to a great extent.
3. Garlic – Garlic has amazing antibiotic properties which can commendably guard you against allergies and help you get rid of them as well. Eat two to three raw garlic cloves over a week for relief from allergy symptoms.
4. Lemon – Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. It is also an excellent natural antitoxin and antihistamine which makes a very helpful natural home remedy to fight allergies. Squeeze a fresh lemon into a cup of warm water and have it every morning before the onset of your allergy season and continue having it till the season lasts.
5. Punch of essential oils – Mix two drops each of peppermint oil, lavender oil and lemon and have it twice a day when you suffer from allergies. This small punch of essential oil will work magic in warding off all your allergic reactions.
6. Turmeric – Curcumin contained in turmeric is a superb decongestant. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties and contains plenty of antioxidants. All these attributes of turmeric are very powerful in battling allergies out. It is a very good idea to make good use of turmeric in every day cooking. Else you can also mix turmeric and honey in equal proportions, about half a teaspoon of each and have it twice a day during allergy season.
7. Local raw honey – Honey produced by bees in your area works wonders in combating seasonal allergies since it contains bee pollen. Consume one- two teaspoons of local raw honey three to four times a day during allergy reason and you will experience great relief from allergy symptoms.