Allergies Getting To You?
Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?
Home remedies for allergies — including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes — include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below you’ll learn about some amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief.
What Are Allergies?
An allergy is defined as a type of “bodily reactivity (hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure,” or an “exaggerated or pathological immunological reactions (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states.”
In other words, allergies are due to hypersensitivity of the immune system that causes damaging responses that can affect the whole body. Some of the most common causes of allergies are things like pollen found outdoors, animal fur, dust or particular foods.
Allergy symptoms occur when your body responds to allergens by producing a chemical called histamine, which works by helping to counteract the allergen. The immune system causes allergic reactions by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that cause widespread symptoms.
There are several broad categories of allergies, which include:
Seasonal allergies (also called rhinitis or hay fever), usually worsening when pollen levels increase or change, such as during the spring or fall
Perennial allergies, occurring year-round
Food allergies, such as shellfish allergies
Drug/medication allergies
Indoor allergies, such as to mold or dust
Skin or eye allergies
Pet/animal allergies, such as to dogs/cats, insects, etc.
Anaphylaxis, which is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction in response to a number of different allergens
Symptoms/Causes
Symptoms caused by allergies vary from person to person, depend on what causes the allergic reaction, and vary depending on how severe the allergy is. Common symptoms associated with allergies can include:
Runny nose, itchy nose, congestion and stuffiness
Skin rash, redness, hives, dryness, peeling or itchiness
Tingling or itchy sensations in the mouth and on the lips
Swelling of the tongue, lip, throat or face
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea and abdominal cramps
Coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing (asthma symptoms can sometimes be triggered by allergies)
Dizziness, lightheadedness and in severe cases loss of consciousness
What Causes Allergies?
There are so many different things that can cause allergies that it can be hard to pinpoint which are contributing to your symptoms. Some of the most common causes of allergies include:
Pollen from trees, plants and grass
Dust, including the kinds found around your home
Certain foods, especially those known to cause the most food allergies like gluten, dairy, tree nuts (especially peanuts), eggs, soy and shellfish
Insect bites and stings
Animal fur and dander
Mold
Certain medications, such as antibiotics
Latex, such as the kind used to make latex gloves or condoms
Fragranced personal care or beauty products (cause of so called “fragrance sensitivities“)
Smoking, including cannabis, which is associated with asthma in some cases
Elimination diets (such as gluten-free or dairy-free diet) to manage food allergies
Someone with severe allergies might also carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector (Epipen) in case of an attack
When it comes to allergies, what’s important to understand is that when your immune system produces an allergic reaction to something it’s because it senses that something is not right within your body. Instead of only addressing the symptoms of allergies (itchy skin or watery eyes, for example), you need to uncover the root cause and build your natural defense system for true allergy relief.
When we take prescribed medications or over-the-counter products for allergies, these can disturb natural processes of your immune system and have other deleterious effects like altering our pH balance. To keep symptoms at bay, you will always have to take a drug because your body doesn’t learn how to adapt to allergens.
Allergy drugs, drops, creams and other products can alleviate and hide symptoms, but they don’t address the fact that the problem still exists.
Natural Allergy Relief Options
What helps relieve allergies fast? Watching what you eat, getting plenty of fresh air and drinking enough water are some of the natural remedies that can relieve allergies by improving functions of the immune system.
It may take several weeks for your symptoms to subside, but they are likely to be better kept under control when you tackle the root causes. Here are nine ways to get natural allergy relief.
1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet
First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment.
Here are some of the best foods and ingredients to incorporate into your diet to help you beat allergies:
Garlic — What’s so fantastic about garlic? Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps ward off infections, viruses and even allergies. Eating or juicing two raw cloves of this powerful antioxidant may literally keep the doctor away. Some people choose to take garlic supplements because they don’t want to smell like garlic, but the supplements do not work as well as the real herb does, so don’t be deceived by this. Raw garlic eaten every day helps fight off all types of allergies because it boosts your immune system immensely.
Lemons — As most of us know, an alkaline body means better balance and immune function. Lemons and limes are excellent immune-boosting fruits and used for various afflictions, including allergies. Both of these fruits are loaded with vitamin C and immune-boosting antioxidants. Drinking lemon water throughout the day detoxifies the body and rids it of impurities. Mix the juice of one or two lemons or limes with olive oil to make a wonderful-tasting dressing for salads and veggie sandwiches.
Green leafy vegetables — Leafy greens (including spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine, arugula and watercress) are great sources of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that aid detoxification and help reduce inflammation.
Probiotic-rich foods — Probiotic foods support immune health and can help repair a damaged intestinal lining. Examples include kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, yogurt, raw cheese, miso and kombucha.
Bone broth — Bone broth, made from beef and chicken stock, is rich in many minerals and amino acids that support the treatment of leaky gut, thereby helping strengthen the immune system.
Coconut milk — The best alternative for cow’s milk is coconut milk, which is free of dairy, lactose, soy, nuts and grains.
Almond butter and seeds — For people allergic to peanuts and peanut butter, almond butter is a safe and healthy alternative that provides healthy unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, minerals like riboflavin and magnesium, and even some antioxidants. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are also great sources of healthy fats and fiber.
Gluten-free flours/grains — Instead of using wheat flour when you cook or bake, try coconut flour, almond flour, spelt flour, oat flour and rice flour, which are all gluten-free.
Breast milk — Studies shows that exclusive breastfeeding seems to have a preventive effect on the early development of asthma and atopic dermatitis.
Although it’s not abundant in many foods, vitamin D is also important for immune function and may help manage allergy symptoms. In fact, certain studies have shown that children who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop allergies and suffer higher rates of hospital admissions due to allergic reactions.
You can get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes in the sun most days without sunscreen and by eating foods like whole milk and some mushrooms for natural allergy relief.
2. Quercetin
Quercetin is a polyphenol antioxidant that is naturally found in plant foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cauliflower), onions/shallots, green tea and citrus fruits. Considered a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the release of histamines, it helps naturally control allergy symptoms.
According to a 2020 study, quercetin has anti-allergic functions that are known for inhibiting histamine production and pro-inflammatory mediators. Another study found evidence that quercetin is effective at reducing congestion because it helps calm down hyperactivity of the airways.
It is so powerful that researchers have found evidence suggesting that quercetin can help control peanut allergies, the leading cause of life-threatening/fatal allergy attacks. Various sources suggest that it is best to use quercetin as a long-term remedy, since it can take several months of use to start working.
People prone to seasonal allergies should start to take it a few weeks before spring arrives when trees and plants start to bloom.
3. Neti Pot
What is the best allergy relief for a runny nose? Neti pots are a natural remedy for allergies and many respiratory conditions because they help clear the sinuses and remove congestion.
Use of neti pots has been shown to help improve quality of life in sufferers of respiratory illnesses and cause little to no side effects.
Clearing the nasal passages of allergens and irritants, this form of “sinus irrigation” originated in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition hundreds of years ago. People living in India have been receiving astounding results from using neti pots for centuries, and now you can, too.
Thankfully, this “alternative” approach to preventing congestion and allergies has now become more mainstream. David Rabago, MD, has conducted several studies on the subject and has proved clinically that using a neti pot is beneficial for preventing and treating several upper respiratory conditions, including chronic and acute sinusitis, the common cold, and seasonal allergies.
When you use a neti pot, make sure that the water is distilled and as sterile as possible. Tap water is full of chlorine and fluoride and can actually aggravate your sinuses, so it shouldn’t be used.
If you don’t want to use a neti pot, you can also try a salt water sinus rinse by mixing sea salt with warm water and sucking it up one nostril.
4. Stinging Nettle
Research has specifically shown that stinging nettle leaf naturally controls histamines, which is why a growing number of doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation before hay fever season begins. It can also be used as a tea or in tincture form.
According to sinus allergy experts, other herbal remedies that may help control symptoms by supporting the immune system and reducing congestion include:
Ginger
Turmeric
Yarrow
Reishi mushrooms
Astralagus
Perilla (Perilla frutescens)
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
5. Eucalyptus Oil and Frankincense Oil
One interesting study evaluated the effect that various essential oils had in killing the highly allergic house mites and found that eucalyptus oil ranked among some of the most potent. Essential oils for allergies work by reducing inflammation and improving detoxification of harmful bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and toxins that can trigger attacks.
You can use eucalyptus oil for seasonal allergy relief in a variety of ways:
You can put several drops of eucalyptus oil into your neti pot, inhale it via a diffuser or use it in your laundry detergent as an antimicrobial agent.
For an eco-friendly, biodegradable addition to your natural detergents, add 25 drops of eucalyptus oil to each load of wash during allergy season, especially if you or the kids are running around outside.
If your allergy symptoms are going strong, mix eucalyptus oil with coconut oil, rub it on your chest and behind your ears, and diffuse it in the air during the day and while sleeping.
Another powerful essential oil for managing allergies is frankincense oil. The almost unbelievable cancer-killing capacity of Indian frankincense has been well-established in scientific literature for several years, but its life-giving power doesn’t end there.
In a study published by Phytotherapy Research, when mice took 1–10 milligrams of frankincense orally, it was discovered that multiple levels of their immune systems were stimulated, including IgG, IgM and interferon. This means that frankincense has seriously powerful effects when it comes to supporting the immune system.
To implement it into your natural health regimen, simply rub frankincense behind your ears and on your chest several times per day, or diffuse frankincense essential oil in your home and office for about three hours daily.
6. Probiotics
It’s now become common knowledge that a strong immune system starts with a healthy gut. More than 80 percent of your immune function is stored in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It should be no wonder that research keeps surfacing that links probiotic supplement use to reduced risk of allergies.
Probiotics are beneficial “good bacteria” that live inside your GI tract and help defend you against infections, viruses, allergies and more. They are increasingly being employed to correct gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria in the microbiome) and, in turn, to modulate allergic diseases.
They are so effective that a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that women who regularly take probiotics during pregnancy significantly reduce their children’s risk of developing allergies.
7. Cleaning Up Your Home to Remove Irritants
There are many things you can do to limit the amount of irritants and triggers you’re exposed to, such as dust, fragrances, etc. Here are some of the most effective changes to make to your home, cleaning and beauty routines for natural allergy relief:
Avoid burning scented candles in your home or wearing perfume.
Use hypoallergenic beauty products, such as lotions, shampoos, etc.
Use laundry detergent that is fragrance-free and dye-free (or hypoallergenic). Avoid dryer sheets and softeners.
Use a humidifier to help cleanse the air in your home. You may also want to use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Vacuum regularly to remove dust, and wash things like sheets, towels and blankets often.
During times of the year when allergens outdoors are high, keep windows closed.
Be careful about how indoor plants and pets may affect your allergies.
Risks and Side Effects
While most of the supplements and tips described above can provide natural allergy relief safely, there are some precautions to keep in mind.
When allergies are mild or moderate, they are usually not very threatening and go away with time. However, severe allergic reactions can be dangerous and require medical attention.
Anaphylaxis is the term for a severe allergic reaction, which can happen due to contact with food allergens, drugs/medications or insect stings. Symptoms usually affect the lungs, blood vessels or heart and can include:
trouble breathing
tightness in the lungs
chest pains
blood pressure changes
dizziness
fainting
rash
vomiting
If you or your child experience these symptoms, head to your doctor or the emergency room right away to prevent complications.
Discuss these options with your health care provider, and consider trying the natural allergy relief remedies described above in addition to using medications.
*Article adapted from Dr. Josh Axe