There is so much to love about spring; the weather begins to warm, everything begins to bloom, and we naturally begin to spend more time outside.
Along with blooming flowers and plants, however, comes pollen. Albeit necessary for the circle of life, pollen can cause some pretty irritating symptoms. Sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion are all signs of seasonal allergies. However, there are ways to prevent them from letting you enjoy the season.
Here, we share 6 natural remedies for seasonal allergies so you can breathe easy and take advantage of all spring has to offer.
But first, let’s take a look at what seasonal allergies really are and how to identify them.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also called Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis, can affect people of all ages. They are allergies that occur during times of the year when plants are pollinating.
The pollen and other pathogens like mold, grass, and chemicals, become abundant in the air and we breathe them in. If allergic, when we breathe these pathogens in, our bodies enter attack mode. They release histamine into the nose, eyes, and lungs, leading to inflammation, which causes many of the symptoms we get with allergies.
Seasonal allergy symptoms
Many of us who experience seasonal allergy symptoms may not even know that is what we have. Seasonal allergy symptoms can include headaches, watery or itchy eyes, and fatigue, in addition to the typical symptoms we associate with allergies. These include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Itchy nose or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Puffy, blue-tinted under eyes
If you notice these symptoms in you or your kids, you may think it’s the common cold at first. But if they pop up at the same time each year, it’s likely seasonal allergies. More severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, itchy eyes, and a rash may be signs of allergic asthma.
When is allergy season?
Seasonal allergies occur at different times of year for different people, depending on what someone is allergic to and their location. However, between late February and early summer is when most people experience seasonal allergies. This is because this is when trees, grass, and many other plants pollinate.
However, pollen from ragweed is one of the most common allergens, which tends to affect people most during late summer and fall.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Just because you experience seasonal allergies doesn’t mean you have to dread the spring or summer. These simple solutions focus on limiting your exposure to pollen and other allergens and boosting your body’s ability to combat inflammation. Use these 6 natural remedies for seasonal allergies to minimize and even completely rid yourself of the annoying symptoms that always seem to pop up at the worst times.
1. Wash Up
One of the best natural remedies for seasonal allergies is also the simplest – wash up. When you’re out and about, you can easily collect pollen on your hair, skin, and clothes. When you get home, always remove your shoes to keep from tracking in pollen and other allergens. If you’ve spent ample time outside, it’s a good idea to take a shower and throw your clothes in the wash. This will help keep your home allergen-free. Plus, the steam from the shower can help clear your airways and make it easier to breathe.
2. Use Natural Cleaners
If you suffer from allergies, it’s important to keep your home free from dust, pollen, and mold. But many cleaning products are full of chemicals that can add insult to injury when you’re dealing with allergy symptoms. Instead of using products with harsh chemicals and fumes, opt for natural cleaners. Use them to rid surfaces, floors, and even walls of potential allergens.
3. Exercise
While it may seem like the great outdoors is your nemesis during allergy season, it can be used to your advantage. Studies show that exercise may actually reduce symptoms of allergies by reducing inflammation.
4. Raid Your Pantry
Exercise is just one way to help reduce inflammation caused by seasonal allergies. There are also many herbs and antioxidants that may help. For instance, the antioxidant quercetin helps restrict the release of histamine—the inflammatory chemical that causes allergic reactions. This antioxidant can be found in a variety of foods you likely have at home, such as onions, apples, berries, cauliflower, and black and green tea. Research also shows that the herb butterbur can help reduce itchy and watery eyes due to allergies.
5. Close Windows
One of the easiest ways to limit how many allergens make it into your home is to shut the windows and doors. This is particularly important on a windy day or when there’s a breeze. You can even check the amount of pollen in the air in your area and keep your windows and doors closed on days when it is moderate to high.
6. Use a Nasal Rinse
When you breathe in pollen, it can cling to your nasal passages, which can cause irritating symptoms. But you can help clear pollen by using a nasal rinse or spray. Neti pots are one of the most popular and widely available nasal rinse tools. They are fairly easy to use and can provide instant relief.
Medicine for Seasonal Allergies
Of course, in addition to these natural remedies, there are medications that can help. Antihistamines, such as Claritin and Zyrtec may be a good option. When combined with the tips above, you can hopefully dramatically reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies. Talk to your doctor about what remedies for seasonal allergies might be right for you.
If you have any questions about seasonal allergy medication, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@nowrx.com. And if this helped you learn how to treat seasonal allergies naturally, subscribe to our newsletter where we send out health tips, news, and resources completely free.