As one season turns into another every year, it seems that a growing number of people become more sensitive to the environment.
Allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever, can affect us in different ways, from itchy eyes to a stuffy nose. This condition presents itself with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, which may lead to serious health problems. We will look at allergic rhinitis types and hay fever remedies. With all of the triggers, we have tips to cover the most stubborn symptoms with our allergic rhinitis home remedies.
Allergic rhinitis occurs in one of two forms: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is seen during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. It is commonly referred to as hay fever and manifests as a runny or stuffy nose, itchiness, or fatigue.
These symptoms are a result of tree, weed, and grass pollens, as well as mold spores floating in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis tends to stick around throughout the year, regardless of the weather or season. The triggers are mold, dust, pet dander, pet hair, and cockroaches. You may suffer from both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Risk factors include genetics, environment exposures, and history of other allergy conditions.
Allergic Rhinitis Home Remedies
Allergic rhinitis natural remedies begin with recognizing the symptoms and separating them from that of a common cold. We have compiled a list of the most commonly used allergic rhinitis natural treatments.
1. Saline Water
Noted as the first action to take to rid allergic rhinitis, a saline water treatment will target the irritating nose mucus. Add a bit of baking soda and one teaspoon of salt to two cups of warm water. Apply some of the solution in a nostril with a nasal bulb and have it drip through the other nostril or from the mouth. Remove excess mucus and solution by blowing your nose. Repeat on other side and perform this process twice each day.
2. Steam
You can also release mucus with the help of steam. One of the best natural remedies, steam will target symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. Lean over a bowl of boiling water with a towel draped over your head and shoulders to form a tent. Inhale the steam for five to 10 minutes before blowing your nose. Repeat throughout the day. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil such as peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, or eucalyptus.
3. Ginger
The powerful natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antihistamine components of ginger could make it a great allergic rhinitis fighter. It can target coughs, runny noses, nasal congestion, and headaches. Combine one tablespoon of grated ginger and a bit of cinnamon and cloves into a pot of water and bring to a boil. After five minutes, add some lemon juice and honey before drinking the solution three times each day. Add fresh ginger to your dishes or chew a few pieces each day.
4. Turmeric
You might also alleviate the symptoms of cough, sneezing, dry mouth, and congestion with turmeric. Use the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by mixing six tablespoons of turmeric powder and six tablespoons of raw honey. Take one teaspoon twice each day during your allergy season. You may also want to add one glass of warm milk with turmeric.
5. Garlic
The odor may put you off, but many people treat allergic rhinitis with garlic. It has the natural antihistamine quercetin and antiviral, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties. Munch on two to three cloves of fresh garlic each day.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
This natural antihistamine and antibiotic product is known to fight all sorts of ailments like allergic rhinitis. It targets the sneezing, headaches, and nasal congestion. Drink a glass of warm water mixed with two teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Repeat three times each day.
7. Onion
Another of the many food-based allergic rhinitis home remedies, onion can be used as a powerful antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and an antioxidant fighter. Add onions to your meals or eat a bowl of raw sliced onions.
8. Rose Extract
Rose extract works to combat symptoms of allergic rhinitis with its anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
9. Raw Milk
Drink a glass of raw milk each day to get the benefits of its components to fight the nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness.
10. Black Cumin
If you can get your hands on this rare herb, you can add it to your meals to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.
11. Peppermint
Peppermint is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Add to your dishes or chew fresh peppermint leaves daily.
12. Vitamin C
Boost your immune system to fight allergic rhinitis with foods enriched with vitamin C. Include in your diet oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, lemons, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, and sprouts.
13. Stinging Nettle
As one of the traditional allergic rhinitis Indian home remedies, stinging nettle leaves have proven to be effective in treating this condition. Combine hot water with one tablespoon of a dried stinging nettle leaf and allow it to steep for five minutes. Add honey after straining and drink two to three cups each day.
To treat and prevent allergic rhinitis triggers, you may want to take the following precautions:
- Maintain a low-fat, high complex carbohydrate diet.
- Keep hydrated.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and dairy during symptoms.
- Shower to remove pollen after spending time outdoors.
- Eliminate mold and dust mites from your interior living space.
- Use a dehumidifier.
- Wash hands after spending time with your pets.
The condition allergic rhinitis can prove to be an annoying case of constant sneezing and coughing along with a stuffy and runny nose. The symptoms of hay fever can last for weeks and even months for some people, with certain environmental factors acting as generators.
You can take steps to lessen, if not prevent, some symptoms with a few lifestyle changes. Monitor your symptoms and when you tend to have them as well as any environmental exposures at the time. Natural home remedies may help alleviate the effects of allergic rhinitis and allow you to enjoy regular daily activities.
Related Article:
Best Natural Antihistamines: Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Roots
Sources :
“Allergic Rhinitis,” American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; http://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis, last accessed July 6, 2017.
“Home Remedies For Allergic Rhinitis,” Top 10 Home Remedies; http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-allergic-rhinitis.html, last accessed July 6, 2017.
“Home Remedies For Allergic Rhinitis,” Authority Remedies; https://authorityremedies.com/home-remedies-for-allergic-rhinitis/, last accessed July 6, 2017.