Natural Ways To Relieve Your Spring Allergies
AAAAAHHHHHCCCHHOOOOOOO!!! Allergy season is here and it sure has made its presence known. All around us there is sneezing, irritated eyes, sinus pressure, coughing and for some of us, that is the least of our worries. Allergies that go untreated can turn into sinus infections, asthma attacks, or even bronchitis. Sure, you could take one of the well known over the counter allergy relief medicines, but long term they can have some not so friendly side effects such as depression, anxiety, increased appetite, and impairment of taste and smell. So what do you do for safer allergy relief?
Bee pollen is great if you start taking it regularly before allergy season, and last year you swore you would start in March. But the bottle got pushed all the way to the back of your pantry, and besides it wasn't one of the approved supplements on your latest lean body challenge. The same went for improving your intestinal health. Our immune system is based in our guts and studies have shown that by building up the healthy gut bacteria, you can decrease allergies. This can be done through a healthy diet, probiotic supplements and fermented foods. But that will take a little while to kick in and won’t get rid of your Darth Vader breathing before your big meeting tomorrow. If you are looking for an allergy quick fix without the scary meds, than the following tips will have you jumping for joy!
Neti Pot
The Neti Pot has been used for thousands of years to relieve sinus issues and improve breathing. They have been around for so long that the term neti is actually derived from the Sanskrit "Jalal Neti" meaning nasal rinse. Neti pots are in fact that, a gentle rinse used to clear out the nasal passages and sinuses of dirt and allergens. These particles can get caught in the protective mucus layer and cause a build up that can lead to inflammation, pressure and even infection over time. Usually Neti Pots use a salt or saline based solution, however, for a more intense treatment you can use alkalol, an all natural mixture of essential oils and herbs that has antiseptic properties. Just like other allergy treatments if you start using your Neti Pot prior to the onset of symptoms you will notice a reduction in allergen reaction all together. But if you are already in the throes of allergy season, using your Neti Pot 2-3 times a day will clear you up in a healthy way with no side effects.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicines such as acupuncture and chiropractic have become well known for their positive effects on pain. But did you know they can help with a myriad of internal health issues including seasonal allergies? Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese Medicine in which small needles are inserted into the skin to activate "Qi" the body's vital energy source. By using specific points on the body, acupuncture can drain sinuses, decrease the severity and frequency of asthma attacks, and even calm irritation of the eyes and skin. Studies have shown that nearly two thirds of patients had an improvement in allergy symptoms after receiving acupuncture treatment.
Chiropractic care is a physical medicine that involves manipulation of the spine. The nervous system controls the body, it tells the heart to beat, the lungs to breathe and helps to regulate the immune system. If the nervous system is under stress due to spinal misalignment, your body will not function optimally, including overreacting to allergens. When the stress is removed, the body will be able to function the way it was intended to and allergy symptoms will decrease.
Essential Oil
What if you could ease your allergy symptoms and smell great at the same time? Well, you can when you use essential oils. From skin irritation to wheezing there is an essential oil for every symptom. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus oils can be used to open up nasal passages and bronchial tubes making it easier to breathe. Roman chamomile can be used topically for skin reactions, and lemon oil can increase blood flow to the lungs decreasing asthma attacks. Essential oils can be added into your daily routine through the use of diffusers or topically when combined with a carrier oil. However, you should never apply essential oils directly to the skin undiluted because they may cause irritation.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is like an immunity wonder supplement. If taken consistently it has been shown to decrease inflammation in the body and support a healthy immune system. This, in turn, will decrease the immune system's reaction to allergens. For long term immune support colloidal silver is taken orally, however, it can be used more directly for acute symptoms. For instance, colloidal silver can be added into a mister or diffuser to improve breathing issues and asthma. You can place a few drops into the ears and eyes for relief of irritation or infection. Colloidal silver can even remove mold from linens by spraying it as a mist or adding it to your normal washing routine.
These next couple of months can be downright miserable for allergy sufferers. But now that you know how to beat them the natural way you can enjoy all that the great outdoors have to offer. So when you start sneezing and wheezing, stop by your favorite local health food store or wellness center and try these all natural remedies to relieve your allergies.
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only, and should not be construed or interpreted as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new heathcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article or any linked materials.