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HomeExclusiveHow To Reduce Pollen Allergies Naturally

How To Reduce Pollen Allergies Naturally

Not All Seasonal Allergies Are Pollen Allergies

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If you move across the country or travel to other states or countries, you may notice some allergies disappearing or new allergies appearing depending on the season and the type of plants and pollens in the area. You may learn more about seasonal allergies in this article.

Pollen can travel long distances and pollen levels may differ in various areas, time of the years, and daytime. They tend to be the highest between 5 am and 10 am or morning to mid-morning. Remember, some allergies are not caused by pollen, but indoor molds, dust mites, pet dander, or cockroaches, so it is very important you understand the cause of your allergies in order to prevent them.

Natural Solutions For Easing Your Pollen Allergies

Ahhh-choo! Yes, its that time againflowers blooming, bees buzzing and lots of sneezingthe all-too-familiar sights and sounds of spring.

If you have pollen allergies, spring and summer can be miserable times. You can suffer with itchy eyes, a runny nose, congestion, sinus problems and sneezingor you can numb your brain and reflexes with over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Maybe its time to consider an alternative. Making some minor modifications to your eating habits and taking certain supplements can do wonders to ease allergy symptoms.

Pollen allergies are a misguided immune response to harmless substances. Forty years ago, allergies and asthma were relatively rare conditions. An article in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology now estimates that half of all Americans have allergies, and the most common symptom is rhinitisthat is, nasal symptoms.1 Furthermore, people with pollen allergies are three times more likely to develop asthma.

Why has the prevalence of allergies skyrocketed over just a couple of generations? Scientists have theorized that it might be related to incomplete immune programming because of the use of immunizations, antibiotics and antiseptics. However, they may be overlooking the obvious cause: a change in the foods people consume, leading to a decidedly pro-inflammatory shift in immune responses.

Mold Allergy: Symptoms Causes Types And Treatment

8 minute read time

Mold, which is a form of fungus, is a multicellular organism that comes in many varieties but is generally categorized as indoor or outdoor mold. Unlike fungal infections which are non-allergic conditions, a mold allergy occurs when the body triggers an immune system reaction to mold exposure, like inhaling airborne mold spores.

A mold allergy can manifest at any age and trigger a range of symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and headaches. Accurately diagnosing an allergy to mold can be difficult. Not only is it puzzling trying to figure out the source or type of mold thats triggering the immune response, but differentiating a mold allergy from other allergens can be challenging in and of itself. The symptoms of a mold allergy can also range in severity from person to person. Its common for some individuals to experience mold allergy symptoms year-round, whereas others may have flare-ups that only occur during certain times of the year.

Some mold spores spread rapidly in dry, windy conditions while other forms are more abundant in humid, moist weather, such as foggy and rainy conditions. If you suspect you have a mold allergy, its important to be mindful of where and when you experience symptoms, such as whether youre indoors or outdoors, and what the environmental conditions are like. This knowledge can equip you and your physician with better awareness as to whats triggering the allergy and how to treat it.

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Did I Cover All You Wanted To Know About How To Cure Allergies Naturally

In this post, we took an in-depth look into the world of allergens.

We explored all the possible things people have allergic reactions to. We also looked at some solutions to help keep allergy symptoms at bay.

Ultimately we presented the most effective and proven methods on how to cure allergies naturally. That way you can get the relief you need when you need it.

About the co-author of this post:

Brigitte Evans, is a Cosmetic Skin Care Consultant and a writer from Australia, with a sweet tooth for candy and everything sparkly. When she is not drooling over the next big thing in the beauty industry, she reads mystery novels and makes plans for her next trip. She is the proud aunt of Sophie, age 3, who has rounded her Chanel lipstick, but she loves her anyway.

Want to write for Middle Class Dad? Get all the info you need here: Guest Blog for Middle Class Dad!

Butterbur.jpg by Steve nova is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License
I also have to add that while I did spend 20+ years as a leader for Whole Foods Market studying and working in the world of health and natural healing, neither Brigitte nor I are doctors, health practitioners, scientists or any other position related to health, wellness or medicine. Thus the opinions expressed here are simply our thoughts and views based on our experience and research and they should not be construed as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult a doctor or health practitioner.

What Herbs Cure Allergies

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Some raw foods and supplements are particularly helpful when it comes to preventing severe allergic reactions.

They help with sneezing, coughing, and they can even help reduce allergy-induced asthma.

We get specifically into Butterbur and Nettle leaf below, but in addition, some of the following herbs have been proven to have significant results helping manage allergy symptoms:

  • Garlic Garlic has a wealth of health benefits, but has been proven to provide anti-inflamatory properties, enhance immune systems, and has an anti-histamine reaction.
  • Rosemary In a recent study, The Journal of Restorative Medicine found that rosemary is a valuable tool in the treatment of allergic conditions, especially respiratory allergies
  • Turmeric You can find turmeric root in some markets, but turmeric powder is widely available and is a staple in Indian cuisine. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found in a recent study that curcumin was improving nasal airflow and modulating immune response in patients with AR .

The good news is those 3 are easy to find, and can easily be added to many meals, so it can be very easy to just make them part of your regular weekly meals.

Read Also: How To Know If It’s Allergies Or Pink Eye

What Steps Can One Take For Mold Allergy Prevention

There is no mold allergy cure. The best way to stay allergy free is by avoiding mold spores. Although it is difficult to outrun mold, you can stick to the following home remedies to prevent your exposure to them

  • Eliminate sources of dampness around you, especially in the basement
  • Use a dehumidifier. Mold thrives in humidity, so it is best to keep the humidity levels below 50% at home
  • Use an air conditioner, preferably one with a high efficiency particulate air filter attachment
  • Change filters on your furnace and air conditioner regularly
  • Ensure proper ventilation in all the bathrooms
  • Dont carpet bathrooms and basements
  • Keep organic plant containers clean and dry
  • Toss or recycle old newspapers and books

When you are venturing outside, ensure your follow the following steps to avoid mold

  • Avoid going through places that can have high mold counts, such as a pile of dead leaves, damp areas, greenhouses and uncut fields among others
  • Wear a dust mask when youre out on a trek or going backpacking in the jungle
  • Keep your backyard and surroundings clean and dry as they are breeding grounds for mold
  • Avoid going out at night, especially during rainy season

Clean Your Sofa Often

Similar to carpets, fabric upholstery can be a breeding ground for allergens. This is often the case if any pollen or dust transfers from our clothes into the fabric. Vacuum your sofas with the upholstery attachment on a weekly basis. In addition, put your cushion covers or cozy throws into the washing machine, as these pick up dust daily.

For leather or faux leather sofas, you can easily wipe off pollen, dust, and dander. But you may want to check out how to clean a leather couch to do this properly, without damaging it.

Also Check: Eye Drops For Dogs With Allergies

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I Ways To Prevent Allergies Naturally

1. Wear A Mask

This might be the first and foremost thing everyone can think of, but it is also useful. If you have to finish gardening before the in-law show up, so use a mask to keep pollen out of your nose and mouth.

2. Clean Out The Nose

Using a saltwater nose rinse is a natural way to help clear out pollen and other irritants in your nose. The nose like a car windshield, so, you need to try a saline sinus rinse found at any drugstore to get your nose clean. If that does not do, purchase the nonprescription herbal NasalCrom that can prevent allergic reactions in the nose.

3. Do Not Let The Pets Sleep With You

It is not good idea for you or any member of your family to sleep with pet. Skip it. Snuggling up with all dander, dried skin, saliva, might cause sniffles, even in those people who are not highly allergic. So, what is the different between a cold and an allergy? The obvious evidence of an allergy is when you sneeze and have a runny nose for three weeks or more. So, keep in mind that you should not sleep with your lovely pet if you do not want to have an allergy.

4. Keep The Homes Doors And Windows Closed

You cannot seal off the home from the outside, yet keeping windows and doors closed will be helpful for preventing pollens and outdoor molds from entering. When the weather turns nice in the spring and you want to open windows to let in the fresh air, it might be better to keep them closed and turn on the air conditioner.

5. Dust Mites

6. Boil The Bedding

Air Quality In The Home

How to Get Rid of Ragweed (Stop Allergies & Reduce Pollen Around Your Home)

Good indoor air quality is crucial for human health and particularly important for vulnerable groups i.e. babies, children, the elderly, as well as people living with respiratory and allergic diseases.

A minimum of 9,000 deaths every year are attributed to indoor air pollution in the UK and indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-10 times higher than outdoor levels. This is shocking and we are encouraging everyone to use Clean Air Day as an opportunity to learn more about indoor air quality and why clean air matters. We need to act now to protect future generations by working together to find solutions to improve the quality of the air we breathe in our own homes.

Social behaviour has changed and today people spend on average 90% of their time indoors. Our indoor environments are often poorly ventilated causing humidity to rise and creating ideal conditions for mould and house dust mites to thrive in our soft furnishings and bedding. We are a nation of pet lovers, with our pets often living indoors which can also add to allergens in the indoor environment. Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services.

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Do Natural Allergy Cures Really Work

For some people, yes. Weve seen huge reductions in allergy symptoms for some when they embrace making these sort of changes and just run with it, says Dr. Young. There have been really nice results.

But treat the above recommendations as more of a potential starting point for dealing with allergies, not the be-all and end-all for treatment. Theyre also not a substitute for medical care during a severe reaction.

There are people who benefit from medications. Thats why theyre available, says Dr. Young.

But if youre looking for an alternative to day-to-day allergy maintenance, its important to know there might be simple solutions aside from medications. These approaches can help, Dr. Young assures. Its just a matter of giving them a try.

What Tea Is Good For Allergies

Nettle leaves are incredibly potent when it comes to regulating your allergies, so drinking nettle tea on a daily basis is recommended.

It works as an anti-inflammatory which effectively reduces the swelling in your nasal passages. But, according to WebMD, has also been associated with providing relief of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Want one of the best Nettle Teas on Amazon?Traditional Medicinals Organic Nettle Leaf Tea has hundreds of reviews, almost 5 stars and is at a rock bottom price!

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Natural Solutions To Pollen Allergies

If you have been dealing with pollen allergies, I have good news for you. There are many people who have been able to reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of pollen allergies without medication.

Your lifestyle plays an enormous role in the way your immune system acts and responds to the environment. Certain lifestyle practices will help to balance the immune response and dampen allergy like responses. These natural support strategies are not FDA approved to prevent, mitigate, treat or cure allergies, however, many people have seen helpful results by following them.

These Natural Remedies Can Provide Seasonal Allergy Relief

Headache Allergies Pollen

Butterbur

The herb butterbur is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used in folk medicine for allergies, asthma, migraines, stomach cramps, and coughs.

Exactly how butterbur works is still not known, but it is thought to work in a similar way to allergy medications by blocking the action of histamine and leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions.

Numerous studies have shown butterbur can significantly improve unpleasant allergy symptoms.

In a study involving 186 people with hay fever, participants took a higher dose of butterbur , a lower dose or a placebo. After two weeks, both the higher and lower dose relieved allergy symptoms compared to the placebo, but there were significantly greater benefits seen with the higher dose.

In another study, 330 people with hay fever were given a butterbur extract , the antihistamine drug fexofenadine , or a placebo. Butterbur was as effective as fexofenadine at relieving sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other hay fever symptoms, and both treatments were more effective than the placebo.

In a 2003 review, butterbur was found to be equally effective for itchy eyes as a commonly used oral antihistamine.

Quercetin

Stinging Nettle

Bromelain

Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts the immune system. It also acts as a natural antihistamine.

Local honey

Garlic

Turmeric

Omega-3 fatty acids

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Do Regular Steam Inhalations

Inhaling steam eases a stuffy nose and helps you breathe easier. This is because the heat from the steam loosens the mucous, making it easier to get rid of. This also gets rid of the allergen particles adhering to the mucous.

To do steam inhalation, pour steaming water in a bowl. Hold your head over the bowl, place a towel over your head to trap the steam, and inhale.

Be careful not to fill the bowl too much and make sure to place the bowl on a flat, steady surface. The water will be hot. You dont want the bowl toppling over.

Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oilwill make the steam inhalation doubly effective.

Alternately, sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running and let the steam engulf you.

Try A Low Histamine Diet Trial

To reduce histamine intolerance and consequent pollen allergies, I recommend that you remove or reduce high-histamine foods, including cured meat, dried fruit, sour food, vinegar-containing food, aged cheese, nuts, high-histamine vegetables , and smoked fish.

I also recommend avoiding histamine-releasing food, including bananas, chocolate, avocado, tomatoes, shellfish, strawberries, cows milk, preservatives, and dyes. Focus on low-histamine foods instead, including artichoke, beets, bok choy, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, collard green, jicama, kale, leek, lettuce, onion, swiss chard, zucchini, leafy herbs, coconut oil, ghee, grass-fed butter, apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, pears, pasture-raised beef, grass-fed poultry and wild-caught fish.

You can try reducing your consumption of these foods for a week or two and see if you notice an improvement in your pollen allergies. If so, you have issues with histamine and should consider a lower histamine on a more regular basis. To learn more about histamine intolerance, I recommend reading this article.

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Natural Ways To Reduce Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

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Itchy, watery eyes. Stuffy nose. Or, a runny nose. Scratchy throat. Fatigue. Facial pain. Postnasal drip with a side of coughing.

All of those symptoms are signs it is that time of year again allergy season.

Allergies are exaggerated immune responses to substances that are generally not considered harmful. When you come into contact with something you are allergic to, your immune system releases a chemical called histamine, which triggers an allergic reaction and all of the annoying symptoms.

There are many different kinds of allergies, including food and skin allergies. Seasonal allergy also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis is a type of allergy that occurs when your immune system overreacts to airborne particles such as dust, dander, or pollen, causing symptoms such as a runny or itchy nose and sneezing. Pollen, a common allergen, is a substance released by every tree, flower, and weed.

Seasonal allergies can make life absolutely miserable. Unfortunately, so can the medications that are used to treat symptoms. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs for allergy relief can cause a long list of unpleasant side effects, including fatigue, dry mouth, stomach problems, nasal dryness and irritation, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and sleep problems.

What Are The Symptoms

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

No matter which type of pollen someone is reacting to, allergy symptoms are essentially the same across the board. These typically include:

Itchy or watery eyes Coughing Wheezing

Those who already suffer from asthma or other breathing concerns may experience exacerbated wheezing or other respiratory symptoms when their allergy season rolls around. They may find that pollen increases their coughing and wheezing, or makes breathing difficult in general. The best option is to find a reputable Mesa asthma doctor, so that remedies and effective treatments can be pinpointed as quickly as possible. Their doctor will perform Chandler asthma testing, to ensure a proper diagnosis is reached, and will offer direction and advice toward effective treatment for asthma in Gilbert.

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