Natural Allergy Remedies You May Have At Home

You may experience year-round allergies or only get them during certain seasons, but one thing is certain: allergies can and often do impact our quality of life.

While there are plenty of allergy medications on the market to help alleviate your symptoms, there are also some natural remedies you may want to try.

However, ahead of trying any natural remedies, you should consult with your primary care provider to understand potential side effects and whether it's right for you.

Exercise

It may be somewhat shocking, but there is evidence that exercise can alleviate respiratory allergy symptoms. Recommendations for the general population include at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity throughout the week.

If you don't already, consider starting an exercise routine as it can have many benefits to your health. However, if you have a pollen allergy, consider checking the pollen levels before heading outside to workout.

Vitamins C & D

They are perhaps two of the most widely known vitamins, but did you know they may also be able to help with your allergies. Vitamin C is an antioxidant known for boosting our immune systems to help fend off viruses, but that same immunity boost and possible antiinflammation properties can also help with symptoms like itching and runny nose. Though, much more research is still needed to determine if vitamin C is beneficial to those with allergy symptoms.

If you are low on vitamin D, you may experience nasal congestion and allergic asthma since this vitamin helps regulate the immune system and the occurrence of certain allergy symptoms. Some studies suggest vitamin D can reduce inflammation, but generally if you suspect a vitamin D deficiency, you should consult your health care provider.

Taking too much vitamin C or D can have negative side effects. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea and digestive issues, while too much vitamin D can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood resulting in kidney stones and calcium deposits in your organs.

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal rinse, irrigation or saline lavage is a simple at-home remedy that's often used to relive nasal congestion and clear up your sinuses. This can help reduce allergy symptoms, helping you breathe easier. A neti pot is the most common device used for nasal irrigation, and you can purchase a nasal irrigation kit. Additionally, you may consider using a humidifier for sinus care since a dry environment makes it more difficult for your mucus to move through our nasal passages.

Honey

Honey is made using the flower nectar from beehives and may have numerous health benefits. Research has shown that honey may reduce inflammation, which can relieve inflamed nasal passages and airways to make it easier for you to breathe. Additionally, honey can be mixed in with other popular soothing remedies like tea.

However, it's important to note that if you are allergic to honey or to bees, you should not ingest honey. Also, honey has a high sugar content, which may impact those with conditions impacted by sugar ingestion like diabetes.

Antihistamines are a great tool to alleviate your allergy symptoms, but some of these at-home remedies may greatly help. Ask your primary care provider if any of these at-home remedies may be right for you.