Tackling your Allergies

Itchy eyes, runny nose, stuffiness, headaches, puffiness, coughing and sneezing. Many of us suffer from these common symptoms during allergy season. Some people more than most. A great example would be my husband, who suffers from really bad allergies throughout the year. Especially during the spring time due to the pollen that floods our air and is splattered on our cars. So I have been on a quest to find different remedies for my husband to get him in better condition to enjoy the outside life. Here are a few that I’ve found that are inexpensive and easy to do:

Saline Solution:

Irrigating the nose with saline solution (salt water) may help soothe upper respiratory allergies by removing irritants that become lodged in the nose and cause inflammation. You can buy ready-made saline solution at your local drugstore, or you can make your own fresh solution daily by mixing a teaspoon of salt in a pint of warm, distilled water and adding a pinch of baking soda. You could also try using a neti pot which is a saline solution placed in a pot and poured into one nostril allowing for the mucus to drain out the other nostril! Sounds gross, but it works!

Wash:

If you've spent long hours outdoors during the pollen season, wash your hair to remove pollen after you come inside. The sticky yellow stuff tends to collect on the hair, making it more likely to fall into your eyes.

Peppermint tea:

Allergy sufferers throughout the centuries have turned to hot tea to provide relief for clogged-up noses and irritated mucous membranes, and one of the best for symptom relief is peppermint tea.

Steam your face:

 Breathing steam refreshes and soothes irritated sinuses, and it helps rid the nasal passages of mucus. Go Bare: Carpets are notorious for being a haven for dust mites. Bare floors, vacuumed and damp-mopped frequently, will help keep your home's dust-mite population down

Dehumidify:

Dust mites love a humid environment, which allows them to reproduce like crazy. Invest in a dehumidifier or use an air conditioner, which works equally well. A dehumidifier can also help prevent mold, another allergen, from growing

Herbs and Supplements:

 Several herbs and supplements—including spirulina, eyebright, and goldenseal have been studied for allergy relief. The plant extract butterbur, which is thought to reduce airway inflammation has produced what are perhaps the strongest results. Higher levels of vitamin C can help lower histamine in your body which will reduce allergy symptoms

XoXo

Rebecca