Allergy Remedies

Allergies can make you miserable at any time of the year, and can be caused by anything from dogs to dust. Although there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications for allergies, these medications may have significant side effects and cannot be used by everyone. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, alternative remedies for allergies include changing certain personal habits and using natural ingredients to care for your symptoms.

Cleaning

• Removing carpeting and frequently washing and dusting your upholstered and wooden furniture can reduce your exposure and symptoms to allergens at home.

Filtering

• Filtering your vacuum, humidifier, air conditioner and furnace with HEPA filters can lower the amount of mold and dust and reduce your allergy symptoms.

Ointments

• If you have allergies to insect stings, using ointments such as aloe vera oil or baking soda mixed with water can reduce the swelling, redness and pain.

Rinses

• Rinsing your nasal passages with a neti pot and gargling with salt water are natural remedies for sore throats and nasal congestion caused by allergies.

Honey

• Using locally produced honey as a sweetener in your beverages and foods can reduce your allergies by getting your immune system used to the proteins in pollen.

Probiotics

• Probiotics are good bacteria found in products such as yogurt and supplements and may reduce your allergy symptoms by improving the strength of your immune system.

Supplements

• You may find relief from your allergy symptoms by taking supplements such as belladonna, choline and stinging nettle.