Allergies occur when your immune system treats harmless substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander as threats, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as hives, rashes, breathing difficulties, headaches, and sinus problems. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help alleviate allergy symptoms and promote long-term healing. Some of the most effective natural remedies for allergies include apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and nettle leaf.
If you're dealing with mold allergies, it's essential to eliminate the allergens causing your symptoms. However, removing the allergen isn't always a practical solution, especially if you have a pollen or pet allergy. For instance, avoiding pollen altogether could force you to stay indoors for entire seasons, which isn't a desirable solution. Similarly, giving up your beloved pet may not be an option if you value their companionship and happiness. Instead, natural remedies can provide a safe and effective alternative for managing allergy symptoms without making drastic lifestyle changes.
Allergies can be a major source of discomfort, but relying on antihistamines can have short- and long-term side effects. Fortunately, natural remedies can provide a safe and effective alternative for managing allergy symptoms without using pharmaceuticals. Here are ten natural remedies for allergies:
A simple tonic made with 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in 1 8-ounce glass of water can quickly provide relief. By alkalizing your pH, apple cider vinegar helps ease allergic reactions from pollen. For those with chronic allergies, the apple cider vinegar remedy will take 2-4 weeks to be effective.
This inexpensive root powder has amazing healing properties, reducing inflammation in the body. Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of whole milk (or almond milk) with a pinch of black pepper for a daily dose of "golden milk."
Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine that purifies the blood. Take 2-4 nettle leaf capsules 2-3 times a day or try a cup of nettle tea 1-3 times a day for powerful but gentle relief.
This flavonoid antioxidant found in berries, red wine, onions, apples, and green tea has anti-allergy, anti-viral, and gastro-protective activity. It stabilizes mast cell membranes and prevents release of inflammatory agents like histamines. Take a typical dose of 400mg, 2 times daily between meals.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take quercetin. People with kidney disease should avoid taking quercetin as well.
This Ayurvedic technique involves swishing a tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes, relieving allergies and other health issues. For extensive information on oil pulling, see this page.
Raw, local honey sold in glass jars can help with seasonal allergies. Add it to your morning oatmeal, spread it on toast, or take it off the spoon. Try 1 teaspoon 1-3 times a day for your allergies.
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that helps support your immune system. Many people can tolerate much larger amounts of vitamin C than the recommended daily amount. A dose of 1-3 grams (1,000 – 3,000 mg) can be taken one to three times a day. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase your dose until you achieve the desired results. If you experience loose stools, cut back the amount you take. Once your body has enough vitamin C, it will start to flush out the excess through the bowels.
Sodium Ascorbate is a more gentle form of vitamin C than ascorbic acid. However, be cautious of vitamin C supplements that contain additives and artificial ingredients. Chewable vitamin C supplements often contain artificial sugars.
Staying properly hydrated helps keep irritants flushed out of your body. Adding a bit of sea salt to your water helps you retain it better. If you add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to a quart of water and consume it throughout the day, you will help your body to be properly hydrated. If this water is all you drink, you will want to consume 2 quarts of water daily.
Allergy problems often stem from an imbalance or lack of "good" bacteria in the gut, which can manifest through the skin or nasal passages. Taking a quality probiotic supplement each day can help restore balance. Alternatively, consuming probiotic-rich foods like kefir or kombucha can help improve gut health and alleviate allergies.
To optimize your body's performance, feeding it high-quality fuel is important. Consume more whole and less processed foods, and avoid excessive sugars, white flour, and soda pop. Some individuals may find that a particular food is the root of their allergy, with dairy and wheat products being common culprits. This may be due to the processing of these foods. Consider seeking out raw dairy products or bread made without chemicals, often found at farmer's markets. By making these dietary changes, your body may be better equipped to tolerate these foods and alleviate allergy symptoms.
Have you found a natural remedy for allergies? We would love to hear from you! Continue reading to see what our readers have found helpful for their allergies!
