How To Treat Allergies Naturally

If you know how allergies work, then it is easy to mitigate them. For those who are clueless, here is how allergies occur in a nutshell: 

When your body’s immune system becomes extra sensitive to harmless foreign substances called allergens, it triggers an allergic reaction to counter that particular allergen. The alarmed immune system produces antibodies, which, while protecting your body from allergens, secrete chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. These symptoms vary depending on the type of allergen and target organ. In short, when your body comes in contact with allergens, it causes allergic symptoms in the target organs, such as the nose, lungs, skin, throat, gut, and other organs.  

So, if you are allergic to pollen, you get a runny nose, watery eyes, and uncontrolled sneezing during the peak season or in a dusty environment. Similarly, food allergies are caused by eating specific food your body considers an allergen. 

Now that we have a clear picture, the real question arises: How do we treat allergies?  

Allergies can be uncomfortable, causing sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, congestion, bloating, skin rashes, and other symptoms that disrupt daily life. The best counter-protective measure is to reduce exposure to allergens and take clinically approved allergy medications. While allergy medications provide relief, some people prefer to complement them with natural remedies. 

This blog will explore effective natural treatments that can ease allergy symptoms and improve overall well-being. You will also find the best Ayurvedic medicines online that you can look up. 

A disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new treatments. 

Let’s discuss the preventive measures first: 

Allergy Protection With Lifestyle Adjustments

Allergy control is more effective when you know your allergies. If you don’t know but observe symptoms during specific periods, it is time to get them checked. You can always consult certified specialists like Life Aveda’s doctors. They offer online consultations to understand your symptoms and suggest their highly potent ayurvedic medicine for allergy. 

For those who know they are allergic to certain substances, reducing exposure is a key strategy for managing symptoms naturally. Here are some quick tips for allergy protection: 

• Avoid outdoor activities during high pollen counts. 
• Wear a dust mask and sunglasses while gardening or cleaning. 
• Use protective gear to keep allergens away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• People with pet allergies must avoid pets. If pets live in your house, try to maintain distance and follow hygiene practices. 

Allergy-Proofing Your Home

Allergy seasons are quite a handful for people prone to being affected by seasonal allergens. It is advised to stay indoors when there is a high pollen concentration alert. However, your living space must also be allergy-proof. Creating a clean, allergen-free environment is crucial for minimizing exposure to allergy triggers like pollen, dust, and pet dander. 

Ways to allergy-proof your home: 

• Inspect your home for common allergens. Eliminate some unusual indoor allergens like scented candles and air fresheners from your home if they trigger allergic reactions. If you have a mold problem, get professional cleaning services to get rid of any possible mold. 
• Keep windows closed during pollen season and use air conditioning instead. 
• Use dust-proof mattresses, bedding, and pillow covers for protection against dust mites.  
• After coming in from outdoors, take a shower and wash clothes and shoes.  
• To prevent allergens from recirculating in your house, use air purifiers and regularly vacuum with a certified allergy-friendly filter, such as a HEPA filter. 
• Use a dehumidifier to control the humidity level in your home. 
• Clean furniture, curtains, rugs, countertops, window panes frequently. 

5 Best Ways To Treat Allergies Naturally 

Using precautions can effectively reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions. Otherwise, there are many effective ways to treat allergies. They are easy to find, apply, and, most importantly, completely natural, with no chemicals. Let’s have a quick look at them: 

1. Nasal Irrigation

For respiratory allergies, nasal irrigation is a simple and safe method to relieve nasal congestion and sinus irritation. It involves using a saline solution to rinse the nasal passages, which can help clear pollen and other irritants. Nasal irrigation is mentioned in Ayurveda as the way to drive out negative energies from the nasal passage via water. Unlike medicated nasal solutions, it can be performed with saline water multiple times a day without side effects. 

How to Perform Nasal Irrigation:

• Wash your hands and clean the device before performing nasal irrigation. Commonly used nasal irrigation devices include a neti pot, squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or saline nasal spray. 
• Make sure the water is distilled, boiled (and cooled), or filtered to prevent infections. 
• Fill the device with pure salt and sterile water to make an isotonic solution. Premixed saline packets are also available over the counter. 
• Lean over a sink and tilt your head sideways. Gently pour the solution into your top nostril until it comes out of the bottom nostril. Blow your nose and wipe off any remaining solution. 
• Clean the device thoroughly after each use. 

2. Dietary Recommendations 

Certain foods can help alleviate allergy symptoms naturally:

• Green tea: Green tea contains natural antihistamines that help reduce allergic reactions. 
• Spicy Foods: Eating spicy foods like star anise, fennel, pepper, fenugreek, etc., can thin mucus and help clear nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. 
• Honey: Honey is believed to reduce inflammation, potentially relieving airway irritation. It can be consumed as it is, mixed with warm water, or added to herbal teas. A teaspoon of local honey may soothe a sore throat caused by persistent coughing. Some people allergic to honey take it in small doses to make the body accept it as a non-threat. However, there is little data to support this claim so you must consult a certified health practitioner about this. Avoid honey entirely if you are allergic to pollen or bees, have diabetes or are under dietary restrictions. 
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics support a healthy gut, which is linked to a strong immune system. Adding prebiotics (found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas) to your diet can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Probiotics (found in foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, etc.) may help manage allergic reactions by regulating immune responses. Prebiotics support probiotic growth, enhancing digestive health and immune function.
• Stay hydrated: Hydration can help maintain moist mucous membranes, reducing irritation caused by dryness. Keep yourself hydrated even when you don’t feel thirsty. 
• Certified Ayurvedic medicines: Ayurvedic herbs are highly recommended for allergy prevention and care. They are available in allergy care capsule, tablet, syrup, and powder forms and have proven benefits.  

3. Supplements for Allergy Relief

There are several supplements that have antihistamine properties. You can find either pure supplements or foods that are rich in these supplements. Although they are not a substitute for prescribed medications, these supplements have shown promise in reducing allergy symptoms: 

• Butterbur: This plant extract has antihistamine effects and is known to help nasal allergies, especially allergic rhinitis. Butterbur extract is as effective as some allergy medications. However, its tolerance needs to be monitored, and it must be taken cautiously.
• Quercetin: This antioxidant flavonoid found in apples, berries, broccoli, green tea, grapes, red onions, and wine can reduce inflammation and restrict histamine release. It is recommended to take Quercetin supplements rather than the foods rich in it due to its lower levels in the latter.
• Vitamin C & D: Vitamin C has antihistamine and antioxidant properties and can help reduce histamine levels in the body and help manage allergic reactions. Vitamin supplements and food sources like citrus fruits (oranges, spinach, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, etc.) are rich in Vit C, and their deficiency has been linked to the occurrence of allergy-related diseases. A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to allergic rhinitis. Taking vitamin D supplements may help reduce inflammation and boost immune function. 
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, walnuts, and flax seeds, omega-3 fatty acids help manage inflammation and may benefit those with respiratory allergies.
• Bromelain: Pineapples are a rich source of Bromelain, an enzyme that can reduce allergic symptoms like irritation and nasal swelling. It is particularly beneficial in sinus infections. 
• Tinospora cordifolia: Commonly known as Giloy, it is an Indian herb that can reduce allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, 
• Stinging Nettle: The leaf extract of stinging nettle is used in allergy treatment. This herb has shown effectiveness in reducing the first signs of nasal allergy symptoms. It can be consumed as a tea or in supplement form. 

Always discuss supplement use with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any medical conditions or take other medications. 

Try Life Aveda’s herbal supplements included in our allergy care products, which comprise the best Ayurvedic medicine for respiratory allergy. Visit our online store today.   ​

4. Exercise

Staying mentally and physically fit is vital for strengthening your immune system. Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve allergy symptoms by boosting overall health and lung function.  Avoid pushing too hard and do beginner-level mild exercises. Moderate exercise may reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms, though it is wise to avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times. Instead, you can do mild indoor exercises initially and gradually build endurance over time. Alternatively, you can consider high-intensity indoor exercises like cardio, treadmill walking, indoor cycling and swimming. If you have pollen allergies, limit your outdoor activities during the morning and midday. 

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy where sterilized fine needles are inserted into specific body acupuncture points. These points are connected to various pathways associated with organs or systems. It enhances energy flow and reduces inflammation. A licensed acupuncturist painlessly applies needles to the acupuncture points associated with allergies. People who are prone to seasonal allergies have experienced positive results with acupuncture for allergy relief. Some studies suggest it can help with nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Though its effectiveness for allergies has shown mixed results, it can offer modest relief for mild symptoms. Based on the severity of the symptoms, acupuncture sessions can be multiple or integrated with other conventional allergy relief treatments like nasal sprays. Acupuncture can be a suitable option if you want to minimize medication use. Make sure to consult a licensed acupuncturist for the treatment. 

A gentle reminder 

While natural remedies can be helpful, they should not replace medical treatment, especially for severe allergies. Discuss your symptoms and natural treatment plans with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and suitable. For in-depth allergy-centric consultation, contact Life Aveda’s certified Ayurvedic doctors. 

Treat Allergies Naturally! 

Treating allergies naturally involves a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and specific remedies. Managing allergies requires a personalized approach, and natural remedies may be a beneficial part of that journey. If you are looking for Ayurvedic treatments for your allergy troubles, then contact Life Aveda for clinically approved Ayurvedic healthcare practices.