About 50 million people in the United States suffer from some sort of allergy. Whether you’re allergic to pollen, animal dander, fungi, chemicals, insect bites, food, or anything else, you know just how much of a nightmare it is. The runny nose, the puffy and itchy eyes, the never-ending sneezes and swelling… Well, you probably already know all of the details yourself. If you’re sick of constantly taking allergy medication, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll give you 11 amazing natural remedies for allergies that you can start using today!
First off, why do we have allergies?
What are some natural remedies for allergies?
So now we know what allergies are and why we have them. Now, let’s get to some great natural remedies for allergies. We’ll start off with some foods and supplements, then mention three essential oils that can help allergies if inhaled, and finish off with a few other remedies.
Probiotics
The more imbalanced your immune system is, the stronger your allergic reaction will be. By taking probiotics, you’ll increase the level of good bacteria in your system and this will boost your immune system and reduce the severity of your allergic reaction. This systematic review by Zajac et. al of studies on probiotics for allergies shows that probiotics can effectively help fight allergic rhinitis. To add probiotics to your diet, you can either take supplements or eat foods high in probiotics. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, pickles, miso, and sauerkraut.
Spirulina
One of the best and most nutritious remedies for allergies is spirulina. Spirulina is algae rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants and is used in the prevention of many serious diseases. This study by Mao et. al researched spirulina supplements and their effects on allergic rhinitis and it was confirmed that spirulina could inhibit allergic reactions. Common forms of spirulina include tablets that you take daily, or powders, which are great for smoothies.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar’s anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties may greatly contribute to reducing allergies. Plus, apple cider vinegar helps get rid of the mucus in your throat, so it will certainly make it easier to cope with the symptoms. You can take apple cider vinegar raw but many people dislike the extra strong taste of it. For this reason, we recommend these apple cider vinegar gummies by Gummies Garden. They’re NSF-certified, GMO-free, and an absolutely delicious way to fight your allergies.
Vitamin C
In addition to being an excellent immune-boosting antioxidant, vitamin C is also an antihistamine. This means that it lowers the levels of histamine in your system and reduces your allergic reaction. To add some vitamin C to your diet, eat foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, strawberries, or kiwis. Or, you can take a daily vitamin C supplement.
Butterbur
Butterbur is a shrub that has been used for centuries to treat various wounds and diseases. Today, butterbur is commonly used to ease headaches and allergies. This study by Shimoda et. al on rats shows the positive effects butterbur can have on allergies. It is recommended to take a 50mg butterbur tablet twice a day for allergies.
Lavender essential oil
Just as lavender can calm you down mentally, it’s also great for calming down inflammation. This study by Ueno-lio et. al shows that the inhalation of lavender prevents the overproduction of mucus and reduces inflammation. To use lavender essential oil for allergies, add a few drops to a diffuser or bath.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is also great for relieving nasal congestion and opening up the lungs. Add a few drops to a diffuser or bath. Or, just sniffing some eucalyptus essential oil from the bottle can be enough to relieve congestion and ease your allergies.
Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil acts as an antihistamine that reduces the levels of histamine in your system and reduces the severity of your allergic reaction. Lemon oil also reduces mucus, fights inflammation, and can relieve a cough. Use lemon oil just like you would use other essential oils: add a few drops to a diffuser or bath. Consider blending lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon oils to get the benefits of all three combined!
Clean your home as often as possible
All of the surfaces in your house collect crazy amounts of allergens that can really build up. This is why you should clean your house as often as possible. Make sure to vacuum and mop your floors, clean off the dust from surfaces, and also change your sheets regularly.
Ventilate the air
Just as allergens build up on surfaces throughout your home, they can also float around in the air. Get a high-quality air purifier for allergens like pollen or, if you’re allergic to mold, you should get a dehumidifier. By keeping the air inside your home clean, you’ll not only reduce the level of allergens but you’ll also get rid of many toxic chemicals that come from various household items.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture seeks to balance out the energy in your body, which may be of great benefit to those suffering from allergies. This study by Brinkhaus et. al studied patients with pollen allergies. They all went through consistent acupuncture treatments over about 2 months and improvements in their allergic reactions were noticed after the treatments.
So there you have it! 11 natural remedies for allergies that you can start using today. Try combining as many of these as possible to get the best results. By mindfully including these remedies into your daily diet and routine, you’ll be able to say goodbye to those allergy pills once and for all. Good luck!
