Do you get up in the morning and start sneezing? Do you also suffer from stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and red eyes? This is the problem that many of us have with allergies. Actually, the most important thing is to use the medicine that the doctor prescribes for this. But today we will talk about some natural ways that we can get relief by making small changes in our lifestyle along with those medicines. Remember, these are not things that you can do instead of medicines, but things that you can do to get additional relief along with medicines.
First, let's prepare the home environment.
If you have allergies to things like dust and pollen, controlling the environment we live in can make a big difference. We can't stop the pollen from coming outside, but we can control what comes inside the house.
- Keep the windows closed: Pollen is especially high in the morning (between 5 and 10 a.m.). Keep the windows closed during these times and use an air conditioner (AC) if possible.
- Clean up after coming home: After coming home from outside, if possible, leave your shoes outside before entering the house. It's a good idea to change your clothes and shower as soon as you get inside. This is because pollen and other things can be stuck to our clothes and hair .
- Stay safe: If you're gardening or cleaning a dusty area like the garage, be sure to wear a dust mask and sunglasses . This will help prevent dust particles from getting into your nose, mouth, and eyes.
Simple ways to relieve your nose
One of the biggest problems we have with allergies is a stuffy nose and runny nose. There are a few simple things that can help relieve this.
Nasal Washes
This may sound a little strange, but it is a very effective method. It involves rinsing the inside of the nose with saline solution (salt water). You can do this using a 'Neti pot ' or a special squeeze bottle that you can buy at a pharmacy.
Very important: Be very careful with the water you use to rinse your nose. Always use boiled water, distilled water, or sterile water from a pharmacy. Do not use water straight from the tap. Some of the microorganisms in that water can cause brain infections. After each use, rinse the neti pot or bottle with clean water as well.
Saline Sprays from the Pharmacy
This is even easier. You can use a saline spray, which you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy, and spray it into your nose. This will wash out allergens like pollen from your nose, reducing nasal congestion and providing relief.
Help from food and drink
- Spicy food: When you eat something spicy, your nose runs like water, right? The reason is that spicy food thins the mucus and reduces nasal congestion . So, try eating something spicy when you feel like your nose is blocked.
- Honey: If you have a sore throat from coughing all day, drinking a teaspoon of honey can help soothe your throat. However, never give honey to babies under one year old.
Shall we also learn about these special methods?
HEPA filter
There are varying opinions on how much air purifiers (air filters) help with allergies. The reason is that a much larger amount of allergens than are floating in the air are deposited on things like carpets, sofas, and bedding in our homes. Therefore, keeping the home clean is the first and most important thing .
However, if you are buying an air purifier, make sure it has a HEPA filter . These filters can capture even the smallest particles, like pollen. Also, if possible, choose a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Because regular vacuum cleaners tend to throw dust particles back into the air.
Acupuncture
This is a traditional Chinese medicine method. It involves a specialist inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. Research on acupuncture for allergies has yielded mixed results. While some people experience some relief, research suggests that it is not a major effect. However, it is something that can be tried if you are looking to reduce your medication use, have mild symptoms, and can afford the cost.
Be very careful about supplements!
There is some evidence that some supplements can help with nasal allergies. But you should definitely talk to your doctor before using these, as some of them can have side effects.
| Supplement | Important things to know |
|---|---|
| Butterbur | Research shows that this is as effective as some allergy medications. However, you need to be very careful with this because there is a risk of liver damage . |
| Fermented Red Ginseng | Some studies have shown significant relief from nasal congestion and reduced quality of life due to allergies. |
| Rasakinda (Tinospora cordifolia) | It has been shown to provide significant improvement in sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itching. However, it can also increase the white blood cell count . |
| Quercetin and Bromelain | There is evidence that these can also be helpful to some extent. |
Again, if you are taking other medications daily, or have other medical conditions, it is essential to seek medical advice before starting any nutritional supplements like this.
Natural remedies may help you get some relief from your allergies. But if your symptoms don't improve or they're affecting your daily life, you should definitely see a doctor. Treatments like medications and allergy shots may help you get better.
Take-Home Message
- The natural remedies mentioned in this article are not a substitute for the medications prescribed by your doctor. They are just additional relief methods that can be used alongside those medications.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment, especially supplements.
- Keeping your home and surroundings free of allergens is a very powerful and simple step.
- If your symptoms are severe or if you have no improvement, it is very important to seek proper medical treatment.
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