During the spring, pollen is on high. But, instead of the flowers becoming so beautiful in this time, you’ll see the opposite because of a sneeze-laden nose. Because of seasonal allergies, especially during the spring, millions of people suffer. Your body essentially begins to react to substances and produce histamines. Your body do it to protect you even against substances that aren’t really harmful.
The pharmaceutical industry has actually built a big industry with OTC or over-the-counter medications for allergy because a lot of people look for relief. However, before turning to those chemical solutions, there are many natural remedies you can try first.
Here are eleven types of indoor allergy alternative solutions to try at home before spring:
- Keep Track Of Pollen Counts
Get daily pollen counts by checking the local weather forecast. Note that knowing the breakdown of mold or pollen types is also essential.
- During High Pollen Counts, Stay Indoors
Obviously, you’d want to stay indoors when the pollen count is high. If you really have to go outdoors, it’s best to wait when the pollen counts have lower down later in that day. When severe symptoms of pollen attack persist when you get back home after going out, immediately make an appointment with a pulmonologist.
- Use A HEPA Filter
HEPA filters remove airborne particles. Keep the windows shut, and, if needed, use your air conditioner.
- Shower Before Bedtime
Whenever you’re outdoors, your body, particularly the hair, can collect surprising pollen amounts, so wash yourself before bedtime. As soon as possible, make sure to also wash any clothes that you’ve been wearing while you’re in the outdoors.
- Take Butterbur
The name of this plant originates from its usage for wrapping butter in its large, wide leaves. Today, its extracts are utilized for nasal allergies, fever, and headaches. Most importantly, it blocks the chemicals responsible for swelling in your nasal passages. Butterbur’s effects are actually similar to that of an antihistamine, minus the drowsiness. You can drink butterbur as a tea, which is the best way to take it as a natural antihistamine.
- Eat Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, like horseradish, mustard, and cayenne pepper, are some of the foods that you can eat to combat spring allergies. They’re considered aces when it comes to clearing sinus out and opening nasal passages up to breathing again. They work great as natural relief for inflammation.
Turmeric and cinnamon can also be helpful. These spices aren’t necessarily hot, but they’re good additions to your diet for anti-inflammatory purposes. If you’re looking for milder versions of these spices, check out horseradish greens and mustards in your garden. They grow in early spring and you can include them in salads and on sandwiches.
- Sip Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps in breaking mucus in the body up. It lets you breathe again. Increase your potassium by drinking apple cider vinegar to eliminate runny noses. Keep in mind, however, that you have to dilute it in lemon juice or in water first; don’t drink it straight.
- Probiotic Foods
Nowadays, fermented foods have become all the rage, and that’s for good reason. Aside from their tangy flavor, fermented foods also deliver serious health benefits. Digestive enzymes come from probiotic foods, and they can help your stomach absorb nutrients on top of boosting your immune system. No wonder why kimchi and other fermented spicy foods could be doubly effective in battling spring allergies.
- Consume More Vitamin C And Flavonoids
Flavonoids are compounds that often provide plants their bright colors. They also help in improving the ability of the body to utilize vitamin C, which is an antihistamine. Berries are one of the fantastic sources of flavonoids.
While citrus is one of the most popular sources of vitamin C, many other fruits and vegetables also supply it in abundance, one of them being strawberries. The good news is that in late spring and even early summer, strawberries already start popping out.
Final Thoughts
People often turn to OTC medications for allergies. These medications range from decongestants, which help in clearing out mucus, to antihistamines, which reduce sniffling. However, they’re not without side effects. Decongestants can cause rapid heartbeat, sleeplessness, and headaches. Antihistamines, on the other hand, can cause drowsiness. People then turn to allergy shots if OTC drugs don’t work.
If the spring allergy season hits and running to the nearest drugstore isn’t your thing, then try out some of the natural remedies or alternatives mentioned in this post.
