The best home remedies against allergies

More and more people suffer from one or more allergies, which manifest as itchy, watery eyes and other symptoms. Before resorting to drugs such as antihistamines, which are sold without a prescription and are not free from side effects, there are a number of home and natural remedies that can reduce the discomfort of an allergy. If the doctor prescribes antihistamines, natural remedies will give you additional help.

Allergies are due to an intense reaction of the immune system to exposure to agents that are not toxic and do not cause problems for other people. These agents are called allergens, such as plant pollen that reaches us through the air, or substances found in food or in the fabrics of the clothes we wear.

Upon contact with an allergen, the allergic person’s body reacts by producing histamine and other inflammatory substances that cause the typical symptoms:

Itchy, burning, watery eyes. Stuffy nose or constant sneezing. Headache or stomach ache. Cough, shortness of breath (asthma). Skin itching, redness, or rash.

Allergy or cold?

Since the symptoms of an allergy also correspond to those of a cold, many people, especially in the spring, are not sure if they have an allergy or a cold. This is how they can be distinguished:

For the start: if the symptoms start more suddenly, it is usually an allergic reaction. A cold initially manifests itself with a headache and a sore throat.Symptoms that vary throughout the day: In the case of an allergy to house dust, the symptoms are worse in the morning than in the evening, but in people allergic to pollen the symptoms are worse when they are outdoors. Cold symptoms do not have this variation and follow a typical course.Nature of the secretion: in case of allergy, the nasal discharge is watery and transparent. In the case of a cold, on the other hand, it is more dense and can have a yellow-green color.Additional symptoms: itchy eyes, nose and throat, as well as excessive sneezing indicate an allergy. Reddened and irritated facial skin are also signs of an allergy. However, if you have a fever or chills, in addition to other symptoms, this is more likely to indicate a cold or even the flu.

Diagnosis and treatment of allergies

Classic forms of allergy such as pollen allergy and house dust allergy they are fairly easy to diagnose. In general, they are determined by a test in the dermatologist’s office.

Once the allergy has been diagnosed and the responsible allergen unequivocally determined, The patient is prescribed antihistamines, usually in pill form, and instructed to avoid them.

You must have caution with some home remediesFor example, chamomile helps against gastrointestinal problems, but it can worsen allergy symptoms if you are sensitive to pollens similar to those of this plant.

Preventive Measures During Allergy Season

put up pollen grids on windows and doors to balconies and terraces.Place specific filters for pollen in the air conditioning of the car.Ventilate the house briefly, preferably in the morning when the pollen count is weakest. Avoid leaving the window open at night.Read the daily reports about the pollen count in your city to find out when you can go out into the street more calmly.Regular change of bedding and towels.Frequent washing of the hair, preferably at night.If you have severe allergies, install an air purifier in the room that removes pollen and other allergens from the surrounding air.Going on vacation to pollen-poor regions (such as the Canary Islands or mountains above 2,000 meters)

home remedies for allergies

Many allergy sufferers can relieve your symptoms with natural home remedies. Keep in mind that plants can also cause allergic reactions. Therefore, try the remedy in a small dose before taking it in larger quantities.

nettle leaves

Many people still see nettle as just a weed, even though it has been a medicinal plant for centuries. Take some leaves and dry them. Once dry, prepare an infusion with a tablespoon of leaves for a cup of water.

Two cups of this infusion a day are enough to prevent allergic reactions and relieve symptoms such as itching, runny nose and irritated mucous membranes.

Sea salt

A sea salt solution can also be used as a bath additive. to treat itching and skin rashes. You can use preparations from the pharmacy or you can prepare the salt water yourself.

For a bathroom with 80 to 100 liters of water (average bathtubs usually hold approximately 140 liters) you will need about 1 kg of sea salt.

A nasal wash with sea salt also provides quick relief. The nasal mucous membranes swell and you can breathe more easily again.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil can help you control allergies. It can be applied in different ways.

Mixed with peppermint oil (2:1 ratio) and added to bath water, the oil can relieve symptoms of aching extremities, headaches, and irritated airways, as the body absorbs the oil through the skin and nasal passages. it can help with pollen allergy or hay fever. To do this, add a drop of eucalyptus oil to a tablespoon of olive oil. With the help of a cotton swab, you can rub it inside your nose for a few minutes to decongest the sinuses.

Apple vinager

Apple cider vinegar, with its anti-inflammatory properties, It has always been used as a home remedy for colds, itching, headaches, and many more ailments.

apple cider vinegar regulates the pH value in the body and relieves allergy symptoms. Put a tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water and dilute with a splash of lemon juice and honey. If you have strong symptoms, it is worth drinking the apple cider vinegar mixture three times a day.

It is important that never drink pure vinegaras the acid can irritate your throat and attack tooth enamel.

ginger and turmeric

Both ginger and turmeric are home remedies renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare an infusion with chopped ginger or turmeric. Relieve allergy symptoms and slow down the release of histamine. The less histamine released, the less severe the allergy symptoms will be.

At the same time, ginger and turmeric regulate the immune system.

Petasites

This plant It mainly helps against asthma by relieving congested airways. The plant is also used successfully against hay fever.

eyebright

If your eyes suffer during the pollen season, you can resort to eyebright infusion.

Eyebright infusion can be For internal or external use. You can drink the infusion or let it cool down a bit, take a cotton ball, moisten it and place it over your eyes for a few minutes. You will get fast relief.

Fennel and dill oil

Instead of sea salt or eucalyptus oil, you can steam with fennel or dill oil. Since the oils are highly concentrated, a few drops, which are placed in a steam bath container, are often sufficient.

Place your face over the bowl or pan and cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors. These oils calm the bronchial tubes and thus improve allergy symptoms.

damp cloth

Put a cool, wet washcloth over your eyes. The low temperature reduces swelling and relieves itching. Do not use cold packs taken from the freezer, they are too cold for the eyes and face in general.