With all the extra pollen in the air from the blooming plants and trees, we are faced with the dreaded “A” word that nobody likes: allergies. Many people deal with seasonal allergies and try different medications to help stop the itching, sneezing, and watering eyes. These medications may ease the itch, but no one seems to be all that happy with their allergy pills. Many of them make you drowsy and dehydrated, but your nose is STILL runny! Try some of these natural remedies for your runny nose and allergy symptoms instead of relying on those not-so-great medications.
Methylsuflonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is a chemical found naturally in plants and is used as a dietary supplement for many different ailments. It has been used for pain, arthritis, inflammation, cramps, and more. Most importantly, it is used to help with allergies. Taking 650 mg of MSM orally for 30 days has shown to relieve some symptoms of hay fever. Other studies have shown that 2600 mg of MSM taken orally relieved upper respiratory symptoms in seven days.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils come in many different varieties and can help with many different things. Lemon has been used for skin care, as an antiseptic, for cleaning, as well as many other things. Lavender was used by French physicians to promote tissue regeneration and speed healing; it also is said to be a good antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Peppermint is one of the oldest herbs used to sooth digestion; it has also been studied to help with the respiratory system as an antiparasitic and an antifungal. Together lemon, peppermint, and lavender are used as what is called an “allergy bomb”. To make your own allergy bomb, place 4 drops of each oil into gel caps and take 2 times a day for relief.
Tea
Tea is typically something you drink on cold days to warm the body, but it can also be used for anti-inflammatory effects and allergy relief. Rooibos, a red tea that has a sweet taste, has bioflavonoids that are believed to block histamines that cause allergies. Green tea is a very common tea that helps fight sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Lastly, licorice root can be used to rebuild an injured gut and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties known to offer relief to irritated respiratory passages.
So, when you feel the allergy season knocking at your door try these easy, inexpensive options to relieve your symptoms.
Tags: allergies, Allergy, health, medication