Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? More than 25 percent of adults in the United States have seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. You may deal with sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, or other uncomfortable symptoms during certain times of the year. Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to improve your body’s immune response and relieve allergy symptoms. Here are some of the best remedies for seasonal allergies that can help provide much-needed relief:
1. Saline Nasal Irrigation
A well-tested remedy for seasonal allergies is saline nasal irrigation. A nasal rinse thins and clears out mucus from your sinuses to help relieve congestion, post-nasal drip, and itchiness. A neti pot or nasal bulb are effective nasal irrigation tools. Lean over a sink and gently flush one nostril at a time with a saline mixture to clear and hydrate your sinuses for allergy relief.
2. Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme that is found naturally in pineapple and papaya. This enzyme is known by natural healers to help thin mucus and reduce nasal inflammation, which can make it easier to breathe while your seasonal allergies are acting up. Some people suggest drinking pineapple juice as a remedy, but studies have found that taking bromelain supplements may be more effective.
3. Acupuncture
Studies suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial in relieving seasonal allergies as well as perennial allergic rhinitis. This ancient Chinese therapy involves an expert sticking tiny needles gently into the skin at specific points. The effects of acupuncture on allergies is still not clear, but studies have demonstrated positive results.
4. Honey
Honey can be helpful for relieving seasonal allergies for a couple of reasons. Consuming a teaspoon of honey can soothe a throat that is irritated from coughing or post-nasal drip. It’s also thought that eating local honey can help desensitize the body to pollen. Pollen is one of the most common allergy triggers. Eating honey made by bees from local plants may help lower your allergic reaction to pollen over time.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting effects. This means it may help relieve seasonal allergies by reducing the body’s allergic response and alleviating symptoms. Try eating foods high in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, cantaloupe, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and kale. Vitamin C supplements or IV therapy can also help you get the right amount of this key nutrient.
6. Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables. This antioxidant is an anti-inflammatory and bioflavonoid, and it is thought to help regulate histamine production and release. This in turn can help control allergy symptoms. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, try increasing the amount of quercetin you consume. This nutrient is found naturally in citrus fruits, green tea, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, onions, and raspberries. You can also try taking a quercetin supplement for allergy relief.
7. Butterbur
Butterbur, or Petasites hybridus, is one of the most promising and well-researched natural remedies for seasonal allergies. Studies suggest that a butterbur extract called Ze 339 may be as effective as some allergy drugs in blocking allergic reactions. A 2003 study found butterbur to be equally effective for itchy eyes as a common oral antihistamine.
8. Ozone Therapy
If you suffer from severe seasonal allergies, ozone therapy may be the right solution. Ozone is a compound produced from oxygen that can help improve cellular functions and stimulate antioxidant molecules and immune responses. When injected through the nose into the nasal cavity, ozone can help drain built-up mucus and clear out the sinuses. This therapy provides nearly instant relief from allergy symptoms and can be used to treat long-term allergic rhinitis.
Customized Treatment Plans for Seasonal Allergies
If your seasonal allergies are affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek help. There are a number of treatment options available. Here at the Institute for Progressive Medicine, we work with you to come up with a customized treatment plan based on your specific health needs. If you’re ready to learn more about our treatment offerings and how they can provide allergy relief, schedule an appointment today to get started.