Allergies can leave you feeling hazy and tired, even for weeks at a time. For most people, it can be difficult to find any relief against allergy symptoms. In our fast-paced world, who even has the time to go to a doctor each time our allergies flare up?
The good news is, allergy treatment at home is possible — and easy! Learn about at-home treatments you can do yourself to stop allergies in their tracks.
The most effective way to treat allergies at home is to prevent the triggers altogether. Unfortunately, this can be very difficult if you’re allergic to something that can be found almost anywhere. If you can't completely avoid your triggers, try your best to limit contact with them. For example, if you have seasonal allergies, avoid going outside when pollen counts are high.
If you struggle with indoor allergens such as mold or dust, a great way to stay clear of these in your home is by using an air purifier. The air purifier works by filtering the air to trap allergens and dust particles that may be triggering your allergy symptoms.
Applying these prevention tips can protect you against most types of allergy symptoms.
Allergens from outside travel indoors on your clothes and hair — all without you even knowing it. Allergists recommend washing your sheets and pillowcases every two to three days to get rid of any allergens that may have settled on them.
When dusting surfaces, use a damp cloth to trap the dust otherwise it will lift into the air. Additionally, vacuum once or twice per week and change air filters regularly to help keep the air free of irritating allergens. It’s also recommended to wear a mask when cleaning to avoid getting dust and other allergens in your nasal passages.
Only use unscented all-purpose cleaners to reduce irritation. Take it one step further and make your own natural cleaners if you wish to avoid harsh chemicals.
Throughout the day, nasal passages trap allergens that can lead to congestion.
One way to treat your allergy symptoms at home is to rinse your nasal passages with a saline solution. By flushing out the allergens, you’re working to keep your airways clean and free of particles that could be making your allergies worse.
To clear your sinuses, use a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or neti pot to put the saline solution into your nostril. Then, allow the solution to drain out of the other nostril to properly flush the nasal passages. After you have rinsed both sides, gently blow your nose to get rid of any excess mucus. This process not only helps prevent sinus infections but it keeps your nasal passages clear of congestion.
Steam is another great way to clear out your nasal passages. It helps to lower inflammation in the blood vessels inside your nasal passages, providing relief for stuffy and irritated noses.
One way to inhale steam is by taking a hot shower and allowing the steam to naturally and quickly clear your sinuses. A second method includes bringing water to a boil and placing your head a safe distance above the water. You may use a towel to cover your head and trap the steam if you wish.
One of the most common ways people treat allergies is with over-the-counter allergy medicine. For some, OTC allergy medication can provide relief from annoying allergy symptoms like a runny nose.
With so many OTC allergy medicine options available, finding one that works best for your symptoms may be a challenge at first. It’s also important to note that the frequent use of these medications can get expensive — typically costing users upwards of $100 a month!
Alternatively, if you prefer a natural way of treating allergies at home, herbs and supplements are a wonderful option. Butterbur is an herb that is commonly used to treat hay fever symptoms and is sold in stores as an extract called “Ze 339”. It’s known to be just as effective as antihistamine medications for preventing allergic reactions.
Another herbal supplement is stinging nettle. This herb is commonly used in natural medicine and also has antihistamine properties. In addition, quercetin has a similar antihistamine effect and is naturally found in onions, apples, garlic, and black tea. However, taking a quercetin supplement is more effective than solely relying on food sources.
Try to include these herbs and supplements in your diet wherever you can as a natural remedy to treat your allergy symptoms.
Incorporating local honey into your diet is a great way to start a natural form of immunotherapy. When bees make honey, traces of pollen from the vegetation in your area can be found in it. Ingesting local honey directly exposes you to the allergen and can eventually desensitize your body to them, reducing your symptoms over time.
Another way to get relief from pesky allergy symptoms is to use high-quality essential oils. The most effective oils are those that are labeled as 100% pure essential oils. Diffuse the oils into the air or use them in a warm bath as a form of at-home aromatherapy. This will soothe inflammation in your nasal passages and provide relief from nasal congestion.
The best essential oils for allergy relief include:
Allergy treatment at home means finally taking control of your symptoms. When it comes to allergy treatment, there is no one-size fits all answer. Try these different methods and see what works best for you!
If you can't find relief with any of the above methods, it might be a great time to talk to a specialist about advanced natural treatment options. Make an appointment to speak with one of our online doctors to see if ShotFree Allergy can help you take back control and live allergy-free!