If you have mild or occasional allergies, you might wonder if there are any natural home remedies that can effectively manage your symptoms. While many touted natural “cures” for allergies lack sufficient scientific support, there are some home remedies that have been shown to have some benefits.
Nasal Rinses and Neti Pots
Nasal rinses involve using saline solution to clear nasal passages. Some research has found that nasal saline rinses are effective at removing allergens in the nose and that they can be a helpful supplemental treatment to help manage moderate to severe allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
How to Use
To do a nasal rinse most people use either a nasal rinse kit or a Neti pot. With a Neti pot, you pour the solution into one nostril and the solution drains from the other, working to clear out the nasal passages. A kit usually comes with a squeeze bottle or bulb. You can use it daily to help prevent symptoms.
If you do decide to try nasal irrigation you must only use boiled or distilled water to prevent infection.
Vitamins and Herbal Remedies
Several vitamins and herbs have been shown to have some effect in treating or minimizing allergy and asthma symptoms. They include:
- Vitamin D
- Quercetin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Stinging Nettle
- Probiotics
- Black Cumin Seed Oil
Most of these supplements can be found at your local drug or health food store like Natures Nutrition Center. It’s important to ask your doctor before taking any new supplement. You need to know that they are safe and will not interact with any of your prescribed medications or worsen any pre-existing conditions.
Exercise May Be Helpful
Regular physical activity seems to help alleviate allergy symptoms, including respiratory allergies. However, the reasons why are not entirely clear. Since it is important to your overall health and wellness, we encourage moderate exercise, though we recommend speaking with a medical professional prior to starting any new exercise regimen to make sure it is safe.
Visiting an Allergist
While you might find some relief from your allergy symptoms by using the methods above, we recommend visiting an allergist if your symptoms are persistent and interfering with your life. An allergist can perform the necessary tests to correctly identify your allergens and help you come up with a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms, such as:
- OTC or prescription nasal sprays
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Eye drops
- Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or drops that you place under your tongue.
For more information about natural allergy treatments or to talk to an allergy expert, call Pinnacle ENT Associates today.