We all love spring because it brings warm, sunny days perfect for spending time outside after a long and cold winter. But, spring also brings some unwanted characteristics with itself, such as seasonal allergies. Most of the allergies are caused by pollen which plants and trees release. Inhaling these powdery particles very often leads to people having some of many symptoms, amongst which are:
Sneezing
Coughing
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Difficulty with breathing
Itchy, watery eyes
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Some of the trees and plants commonly related to allergic reactions are: ash, alder, beech, maple, walnut, poplar, elm, birch, hickory, cypress, pine, palm, juniper, olive, Sycamore…
When you feel the symptoms of allergy, you should know that there are other ways of treating it but reaching for different kinds of pills in the closest pharmacy. Here are some tips on how to cope with allergies in natural ways.
Probiotics
Consuming probiotics is one of the key preventive steps during periods of allergy. Other than benefiting the digestion and immunity, acidophilus can cure the source of allergic reaction starting in the immune system.
Increase the consumption of butterbur
Some studies have shown that butterbur has strong anti-inflammatory properties. They also showed that its extract Ze 339 is as effective as antihistamine medicines. People in these researches showed significant improvement when it comes to allergy symptoms. When your body gets close to an allergen, it releases an inflammatory chemical called leukotriene. Butterbur blocks leukotriene, therefore it also prevents the allergic reaction.
Increase the intake of vitamin C
Allergens cause your body to create histamine, which causes many allergic symptoms. Vitamin C blocks the development of histamine. That is why we recommend eating lots of lemons, tomatoes, green and red pepper, parsley, radish, celery, pomegranate, raw green leafy vegetables…
Take care of your diet
Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is great for preventing allergies. This is why we recommend a Mediterranean type of diet, especially during the allergic season. A rich consumption of onion decreases the occurrence of asthma, hay fever, and other allergic symptoms.
Steam it up!
If your symptoms include the usual stuffy nose and breathing problems, you should try inhaling water steam. This simple yet very useful trick will definitely relieve you of those annoying symptoms thus making you breathe easier. Place a towel over your head while leaning over a bowl of warm water. Alternatively, you can make your own sauna in the bathroom – just sit there while a hot shower is running.
Keep your home clean
Your apartment should definitively be as clean as much as it can. Keeping it clean is one of the best ways to get rid of indoor allergens such as dust, molds and fungi, animal fur, cockroach and other insect droppings, etc. However, it is extremely important to keep in mind that those strong chemicals that you can find in a supermarket can often irritate your nose and breathing system. That’s why you should try to use natural, everyday ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda to make your own natural and allergen-free cleaner.
Nessie L.B.