Save money by finding safe, natural, and inexpensive ways to cope with the symptoms of allergies!
As we approach that time of year when the pollen count is high, pets are shedding the remnants of their winter coats, and allergens are in the air all around, it is important for those of us who suffer from chronic allergies and hay fever symptoms to know how to take care of ourselves. There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications available to treat the symptoms of allergies, but the most effective allergy medicines are often expensive and have unfavorable side effects such as drowsiness that can impair your ability to drive or function in other ways. Fortunately there are a number of things you can do to reduce the number of allergens inside your home, and to ease allergy symptoms without suffering the side effects of over-the-counter antihistamines.
The best thing you can do, of course, is to keep your living space as clean as possible. If you cool your house by using fans, be sure to wipe the propellers clean every few days to make sure they aren’t flinging dust around your home. If you are sensitive to mold, running a dehumidifier in your home will help prevent dampness in areas where mold is likely to grow. An excellent option for keeping the air inside your home cool and free of allergens is to run an ionic fan or an ionic air purifier. These fans and purifiers create a negative ionic charge that attracts and traps airborn particles with a positive charge (which are generally the ones that cause allergic reactions), removing them from the air. The smallest and simplest of these purifiers can cost as little as $30 each, while larger ones with a higher capacity and programmable features are as much as $230. Many stores that specialize in air purification offer coupons and sales that make these purifiers a more affordable option.
There are plenty of other ways to help with allergy symptoms for people who like to spend more time outside. One of the simplest ways to relieve sinus infections and nasal irritation and runniness caused by allergies is to employ the use of a Neti Pot. Neti Pots are very inexpensive, (usually about $8) easy to use once you get used to them, and effective. Using a Neti Pot to flush allergens from your sinuses with a gentle saltwater solution can help promote clear breathing and prevent coughing, sneezing and other allergy symptoms.
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Another natural way to fight nasal congestion is to consume spicy food. The spices used in Indian and Mexican foods, along with spicy peppers, horseradish, wasabi, and other hot and spicy condiments, all act as natural decongestants. The relief is often temporary, but it is an effective means of un-blocking your nasal passageways. You can also benefit from drinking a glass of water with the freshly squeezed juice of a lemon in it a couple of times a day. This is known to help the body rid itself of toxins, provide vitamin C, and can help keep your throat from itching and act as a decongestant.
If a your allergies are primarily caused by pollen, one of the best solutions is to purchase local honey made by bees that collect pollen primarily in which you live. Theoretically, eating honey made from the very plants which cause allergic reactions can help your body develop an immunity, and reduce your allergic reactions to these plants. People who use local honey to treat pollen allergies generally try to consume 1-2 teaspoons a day, ideally starting 2-3 months before the pollen season begins. Unfiltered, raw honey is supposed to work best for this purpose if it is available.
There are also a number of herbal teas and remedies that are supposed to help with allergy symptoms. Tea made from stinging nettles, which can usually be found in health food stores if you are uncomfortable identifying plants on your own, can act as a natural antihistamine. It acts similarly to over-the-counter antihistamines, only it will not cause drowsiness.
As a general rule of thumb, consuming healthy whole foods, drinking plenty of water, and keeping your body as healthy as you can is the best thing you can do for your immune system. A decent diet and proper exercise will go a long way towards helping your body cope with allergens and other problems that may arise.