We live in an environment where so many of us have sensitivities that trigger an allergic response. Whether your body is triggered by pollen, grass, dust, pets, or smog, the inflammation and congestion caused by these reactions can be the bane of our existence during sunny spring days. Many people turn to medicines like Zyrtec, Claritin, or a nasal steroid to get some relief, but these medications can be harsh on your body and leave you feeling worse. After years of this, you can feel like you’re stuck between allergy symptoms and medicine symptoms. Fortunately, more natural, organic, and safe ways exist to relieve allergies.
Everyone goes through allergies, so An Optimal You wanted to compile a list of the best natural remedies to help you ease those allergy symptoms. Here are a few natural ways for you to get relief during times of allergies:
- Hydration
Staying hydrated is a necessary part of life, especially during allergy season. When dehydrated, your body produces more histamines, which are the chemicals that lead to allergy symptoms. So, when your body isn’t getting enough water, your allergy symptoms will worsen. Drinking between 3 and 4 liters of water daily ensures that your body is clearing out allergens successfully.
- Make Use of Essential Oils
Essential oils are made when plant material is distilled or cold-pressed. Many plant parts, such as leaves, needles, flowers, bark, seeds, etc., can be used to make essential oils. Each essential oil contains many chemical components, making it effective in helping with both physical and emotional issues. The right blend of essential oils can boost your immune system and lessen the effects of allergies on the body, too. There is a wide variety of ways to benefit from these essential oils.
- Steam Blends
A steam blend is always recommended for fast relief and to help rid the body of allergens. Bring a pot of water to a boil, remove it from the heat, and add 1 or 2 drops of a customized blend of essential oils to the water while it is still steamy. Put a tent over your head with a towel, lean over the steam, and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes. This immediately helps to clear congestion and expel allergens from the body. It’s generally recommended that you use oils with a high 1,8 cineole content and those with anti-inflammatory properties for these blends.
- Diffusing
Creating an anti-allergenic blend to diffuse in the home is another effective tool. Diffusers distribute the essential oils into the air that you breathe. Blends are tailored to specific concerns, taking pets, infants, small children, or elderly living in the home into account to ensure safety. Diffusing can help clear the air of allergens and offer purifying benefits. Cedarwood is always great to have in a diffuser blend of oils.
- Using “Clean” Cleaning Products
People with allergies benefit immensely from using natural cleaning supplies. Commercial cleaning supplies contain environmental toxins and can further exacerbate symptoms relating to allergies. Meanwhile, cleaning products made from simple, eco-friendly ingredients are effective, non-irritating, and smell fabulous! An Optimal You also has a blog on the toxic cleaning products that are likely still in your home. For more information about how store-bought cleaners in your home negatively impact your health, read: Is Your Clean Home Killing You? We offer tips on how to replace these products with cleaner, greener alternatives.
- Make Use of Spritzes and Hydrosols
Spritzes, or hydrosols, offer a lot of relief when sprayed directly onto your face and body. Hydrosols are the water that separates from essential oils during their distillation process. This water contains many of the therapeutic properties of oils but is much gentler. Hydrosols can be used when oils are too harsh.
If your eyes are red, itchy, and irritated, a cooling compress of a hydrosol with anti-allergenic properties, like German Chamomile, can be very comforting and significantly ease symptoms. However, you should never apply essential oils around your face or eyes.
- Inhalers
Inhalers are wonderful tools for many purposes, including allergies. They are portable, discrete, inexpensive, long-lasting, and provide quick relief. The inhaler is used in the nostril as needed and typically lasts a few months. Many effective oils can be blended into an inhaler based on each individual’s symptoms. It is best to combine a few oils and not just use one. When you combine approximately 3 to 5 different oils for one purpose, they work synergistically for a great result!
- Destressing
Your immune system is the main thing that helps clear unwanted stuff out of the body. That means when your immune system’s function is lowered, allergy symptoms will become worse. When your body is under consistent or severe stress, the function of your immune system will reduce. By taking time to relax and decompress, you’ll give your body the support it needs to clear out the particles affecting you.
- Acupuncture
There are several different techniques you can use to clear stress from your body, but acupuncture is the most effective for allergies. Acupuncture specifically stimulates your immune system and helps to regulate your allergy response. This will clear out the particles giving you allergies and stop allergy symptoms from happening simultaneously, clearing your sinuses and keeping them that way.
- Saline Rinses
Allergens can sometimes get stuck in your nasal passageway, causing even more headaches for you. By rinsing your nostrils out with a solution of salt and water, you can flush out these particles before they even have the chance to get into your lungs. This dramatically reduces your immune system’s load. Don’t do a rinse with normal water, however. Saline has a salt content like other bodily fluids, such as tears, so it won’t irritate your nasal passage. Without that salt, the water will irritate your nose more.
The next time you are faced with allergies, don’t rush to harsh medications. Instead, use natural solutions that will help your body without causing damage. Aromatherapy and essential oils are some of the best ways to deal with allergies, so don’t be afraid to get additional help from your local certified clinical aromatherapist.
