5 Home Remedies Alleviate Allergies

Allergy season is here. If you don't want to get sleepy with your regular anti-allergy drug, try these alternative homemade remedies.

If you suffer from allergies like me, you know how hard spring can be. Spring brings warmer and sunny days along with sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes for allergy sufferers.

For mild allergies, home remedies might provide some relief with little to no hassle and expense. We've rounded up five home remedies to bring your nose and mind some peace.

Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties because its main active component is curcumin. Curcumin is considered anti-allergic as it inhibits allergic responses. You can take turmeric in pills, teas or use it in cooking. If you're cooking with turmeric, beware it stains your hands.

Neti Pot

Neti pot is the allergy sufferers' best friend. The idea of flushing your nasal cavities with water and salt might sound gross. I thought too, but trust me, this is a quick and easy solution, especially if your sinuses are inflamed and painful. Neti pots can be found online or in some drugstores.

Nasal Saline Spray

Sprays with saline solutions are helpful to unblock congested areas on your sinuses and rid the mucus. It works by moisturizing the dry nasal regions and by curbing inflammation. Saline nasal sprays are easier and more gentle than neti pots.

Supplements

Some herbs and supplements give the immune system a boost, thus helps to fight inflammation. Studies have shown that supplements such as spirulina, chlorella, and goldenseal are helpful to fight allergies.

They contain extracts that help to reduce airway inflammation, thus relieving allergy symptoms. Other vitamin supplements that boost the immune system are vitamin C and magnesium.

Steam

Steam is incredibly beneficial to clear nasal passages and soothe sinuses, even if temporary. You can take a hot shower, a hot bath, go for a sauna, or even just a simple steam inhalation with essential oils with hot water is already good. Opt for tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus.

Essential oil diffusers are a good option too. However, this is a less powerful inhalation method, and it might not completely unblock heavily clogged sinuses.