8 Natural Allergy Remedies

Nataly | May 26, 2011 | 0 Comments
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There is no reason to spend a fortune trying to fight your allergies because natural allergy remedies do exist, and sometimes they can be even more effective than expensive prescription medications. They are safe, non-toxic and inexpensive, and their effects will help you to breathe easier and recover faster from debilitating allergy symptoms.

Below is our List OF Popular Natural Allergy Remedies

1. Stinging Nettle

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Stinging Nettle, also known as Urtica dioica, is a traditional remedy that has been used for centuries. Is safe and often highly effective. The simplest way to use nettle is as a tea, though supplements are also available. Two to three cups of nettle leaf tea daily will likely improve your condition if you suffer from hay fever. Root extracts of the plant activate the manufacturing of T-cells, which assist in regulating the immune system and decrease symptoms of season allergies such as watery eyes, itchy and sinus congestion. In a study published in 2009, a team of scientists discovered that Urtica dioica may help treat allergies by reducing inflammation.

2. Butterbur

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Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in Europe, northern Asia, and some parts of North America. Extracts made from butterbur have been used in the medicine for stomach cramps, migraines, coughs, asthma and allergies. Although the way of how the herb works is still not known, it is believed to work in a way similar to allergy medications by stopping the action of leukotrienes and histamine, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions.

3. Eucalyptus

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Eucalyptus is considered to be one of the most effective natural allergy remedies. Using eucalyptus topically or orally can treat allergies that result from coughing or nasal congestion. A natural aromatic oil in eucalyptus leaves helps to open clogged sinuses and relieve congestion. Pour boiling water into a larger bowl with two to three drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Cover your head with a towel and breathe above the boil about two feet away for about ten minutes.

4. Green tea

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Green tea is a popular natural allergy remedy. It contains chemicals that are helpful against allergy causing elements like dust or pollen. Green tea should be taken as it is, without adding honey, milk or other tea leaves because they can destroy the good elements in the tea. Don’t throw green tea bags because they are also great natural allergy remedies. After steeping tea, rub the the bag on the irritated part of skin and the redness will slowly fade away. Good thing about green tea bags is that they can be used more than once a day to stop itching and swelling often associated with allergies.

5. Honey

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Honey is a good remedy for most of he pollen allergies. The honey that you use should be local, not pasteurized. Why? Well, pollen in your local area could be the cause of your hay fever allergies. The bees collect pollen from the local plants, and they transfer small amounts of it to their honey. When you consume this honey in small amounts, it works like a series of allergy shots, and that’s how it slowly builds up your tolerance to the allergen and decreases your allergy symptoms. Honey is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect and it can also help your allergies in the short term. One spoonful before outdoor activities will be enough to help with your allergies for the day.

6. Echinacea

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Echinacea is an ancient natural allergy remedy. While this herb cannot directly treat your allergies, it may help to improve your immune system and your body will be better able to fight the effects of allergy symptoms. Since allergies tear down your immune systems defenses, Echinacea is useful for keeping you from becoming ill. Also, Echinacea helps in stopping running nose and watery eyes as well as decreasing any swelling in body tissues.

7. Vitamin C

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Most of people have already known that vitamin C is a very effective natural allergy remedy. In high doses, Vitamin C may have a remarkable effect in improving allergy symptoms (especially hay fever and asthma) due to it’s ability to fight with the inflammation responses that are part of such conditions. Some experts say that taking 1000 mg of vitamin C each day will help you to fight allergies. During cold and flu season they recommend taking 3000 mg of vitamin C daily. Fruits and vegetables that have generous amounts of vitamin C in them are: oranges, green pepper, broccoli, strawberries, green leafy lettuce, asparagus, peas, blueberries, squash, raspberries, apricots, peaches and many others.

8. Quercetin

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This herbal supplement has been known to reduce sinus pain and congestion. Quercetin occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables (particularly apples and red onions). Some experts say that using 250 milligrams two times a day is enough to reduce or control most allergies. But this treatment will take time (three to four weeks) before it becomes effective. Quercetin works best if you start taking it as a supplement a few weeks before allergy season to develop nutrient levels in the body and increase its tolerance to histamines and allergens.

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