There are numerous mind, body, and spirit remedies that can help alleviate those annoying symptoms that allergies bring. With natural remedies, you can avoid unwanted side effects that most medication can cause, such as drowsiness. The following are drug-free strategies to help cope and deal with allergies.
Diet:1. Fruits and Vegetables with the deepest hues, such as berries, spinach and red grapes, are highest in
antioxidants, which help prevent the free-radical damage to cells that weakens immunity.
Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene have anti-inflammatory properties that may help decrease the swelling in the airways that causes congestion. Quercitin, a plant compound found in apples and grapes, also inhibits inflammation in nasal passages.
*Avoid dairy, sugar, wheat and food additives.
These are known to produce excess mucus, which causes congestion and nasal irritation. Cutting back will help make you less sensitive to pollens and other irritants.
2. Eat Spicy Foods! They can increase blood flow, which brings oxygen to the nasal passages and helps thin and eliminate mucus.
3. Drink Lots and lots of
water. Fluids help clear airways by hydrating mucous membranes. The wetter the membrane, the thinner the mucus and the more easily it can drain.
4. Choose foods that contain
omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, almonds and
flax seeds. Omega 3’s may help lessen respiratory symptoms by reducing inflammation.
5. Try Herbs. Be sure to check product labels for dosages, and always consult you doctor about possible interactions with other drugs before taking anything.
Stinging Nettle –A natural anti-histamine that relieves irritation in the nasal passages.
Sodium Selenite – Helps boost the immune system and neutralize free radicals, which can spur allergy attacks.
Aloe – When taken in supplement form or in a saline based nasal spray can also help heal irritated mucous membranes.
Fenugreek – eases congestion by thinning mucus.
Body:1. Workout for about, if not more than 30 minutes daily. When your body is exposed to an allergen, it releases histamine, a substance that causes inflammation and irritation in the airways, nasal passages and eyes. Moderate aerobic exercise strengthens your immune system, making it less sensitive to allergens. Exercise also helps organs affected by allergies, such as the nasal passages, lungs, and sinuses by improving the blood flow. During allergy season, try to work out indoors so your lungs aren’t exposed to pollens and pollution.
2. Take yoga. Breathing exercises and simple yoga postures that relax the chest muscles and open airways such as the cobra, camel stretch (a backward bend) and fish pose can help the lungs take in more oxygen. To find out which breathing exercises and poses are best for relieving your symptoms, talk to a yoga instructor.
3. Get a massage. Relax and enjoy yourself. Several studies have shown that massage therapy can decrease physical and mental stress. Lower stress levels enable your immune system to function better and reduce the production of histamine.
4. Steam your face. This thins mucous secretions, which helps unclog your sinuses and alleviate runny nose. Boil several cups of water and pour it into a large, wide mouthed bowl. Place the bowl on a flat surface and hold your head over it for about 15 minutes. Keep the steam concentrated by placing a towel over your head and the bowl. Or, you can buy a facial steamer at the drugstore that has plastic funnel-shaped attachment to direct steam. Taking a long, hot shower or applying hot compresses to your face also helps relieve sinus pressure.
5. Drain your sinuses. To facilitate drainage once you’ve steamed, try the following postures: for the frontal sinuses, sit upright for several minutes. For the ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes and nose) lie down on your back for several minutes. To clear the maxillary sinuses (below the eyes) lie on the opposite side the sinus you want to drain: for the right one, lie on your left side for several minutes.
6. Try Acupressure. It can help reduce sinus pressure. Press the following points with your forefinger and thumb several times a day for 10 seconds each: The bridge of your nose (on either or both sides); the spots where your eyebrows start; the points on your face where your nostrils flare out.
Mind:1. Practice Visualization. Do this while you’re relaxed, for example after meditating or doing breathing exercises. First, picture yourself in a scene that would normally cause your allergies to flare up – for example, on a farm surrounded by grass or neat a cat. Then imagine yourself walking through the farm or petting the cat, breathing fully and deeply through your nose without restriction or chest tightness.
