Seasonal Allergy Home Remedy

You are walking in the beautiful sunshine, enjoying the flowers and greenery, when suddenly---Ahhchoo! Seasonal allergies can make life miserable. The good news is that some of the best treatments for seasonal allergies can be made cheaply and easily at home.

Allergens in Bloom

• Seasonal allergies, as its name implies, are those allergies that occur during specific seasons of the year. The most common allergens are grass and pollen. Because different plants release pollen at various times throughout the spring, summer and fall, allergy sufferers may have symptoms through most of the year. It is also possible to be allergic only to the pollen of one season; you have symptoms in the spring but clear up in summer, for example. Home remedies can be very effective in providing relief for seasonal allergy sufferers.

Symptoms

• The effects of seasonal allergies can vary from person to person because individuals may respond differently to the same pollen type. Some may react to pollen with an itchy nose and dry, swollen nasal passages. If these symptoms are bad enough they can lead to nosebleeds and sinus headaches. Another common reaction to pollen are itchy, watery eyes. Redness of the eyes will also typically accompany these symptoms. In addition to the symptoms of the nose and eyes some may experience skin rashes (or hives) and itchy skin.

Red and Green Tea

• Red (rooibos) tea and green tea are great for treating seasonal allergies. Both are high in antioxidants, which are thought to be allergen fighters. Additionally, red tea has been used medicinally for centuries in South Africa to treat various conditions, including allergies, and is even safe enough to give to babies for colic. Drink a cup of red or green tea when allergy symptoms flair up to soothe itchy eyes and nasal passages.

Nasal spray

• Buy a bottle of nasal saline and a bottle of peppermint oil. Remove the spray cap off of the top of the saline bottle. Put 10 drops, per 3 oz. of saline, of peppermint oil into the saline bottle. Place the spray cap back onto the saline bottle and give it a shake to mix the oil and saline. This mixture can be sprayed into the nostrils to relieve itching and reduce the swelling of nasal membranes. When it is first used an intense burning sensation may be felt, but after a few uses the burning will abate.

Salve

• A salve can be rubbed inside the nose to block allergens and reduce dryness. Vaseline is a traditional, over-the-counter salve to use for this purpose. Another option is to make your own salve by melting beeswax and olive oil together (roughly 60 percent wax, 40 percent oil; depending on how hard or soft you want your salve to be). You can add peppermint oil to the salve when it is melted to give it a cooling effect in your nose.

Bee Pollen and Honey

• It is thought that taking a spoonful of bee pollen daily can help with seasonal allergies. By exposing oneself to a small amount of allergens (in the bee pollen) on a daily basis, it is thought that one can build up immunities to seasonal allergens. If bee pollen is not available, honey can be used to achieve similar results.