9 natural remedies to kick spring allergies to the curb

Want to beat spring allergies the natural way?

The grass is starting to turn green in Wisconsin and the flowers aren't far behind. Once spring arrives, so will the constant sneezing and watery-itching eyes that come with seasonal allergies. Up to 30% of the world’s population is effected by common allergies.

It is easy to turn to over-the-counter allergy medications that help clear mucus and reduce your sniffling, but many people seek doctor-prescribed options, such as an allergy shot, to aid because the over-the-counter are ineffective for them. Not too appealing, right?

Many over-the-counter allergy medications have antihistamines in them which make 1 in every 5 users drowsy. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, antihistamines can relieve up to 80% of symptoms by rarely all of them. Oral decongestants can cause headaches, sleeplessness and rapid heartburn on top of that.

So let’s think about this: we have allergies and take all these man-made, over-the-counter medications to “bandage” the problem, but it never really fixes it. Instead of running to the drugstore when spring hits, try out some of these alternative and natural remedies.

1.       Sip on some Apple Cider Vinegar.

By drinking apple cider vinegar, you are naturally increasing your potassium, which aids in the elimination of runny noses. Apple cider vinegar also helps break down any mucus build up, letting you finally smell again! It doesn't exactly taste the greatest so don’t drink it straight! Mix with water and/or lemon juice. You can also add honey and warm to a comfortable temperature.

2.       Probiotics

Probiotics are commonly recommended by doctors, chiropractors, and health professionals all over the world. Many recognize Probiotics for the use in balancing bacteria in your stomach, but it has been shown to support the immune systems of children who suffer from allergies also.

3.       Flush your nose regularly

“Nasal irrigation is the draining of saline from one nostril through another in order to flush out the mucus” This is a simply and fairly relaxing process that is generally done by using things such as Neti pots, which look like small plastic teapot. You can find these at any local drugstore. In 2006, a study was completed that resulted in benefits to allergy patients regularly flushing their nose during the peak allergy season.

4.       Hot Shower

Everyone loves hot showers right? Well, most of us do! The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology has recommended that you take a shower once you enter your home to cleanse yourself of all outdoor pollen. Makes sense to me. The steam from the shower will help temporarily clear your sinuses.

Diffusing Lavender or Peppermint while showering can be relax to your body. Young Living Lavender essential oil is a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory which is also relaxing. 

*Be sure to research and use only quality oils (such as Young Living Essential Oils). Many companies have misled customers, claiming to offer “pure”, “therapeutic grade” or “aromatherapy grade” essential oils. Currently there are no government regulations that grade or certify essential oils as pure, therapeutic or aromatherapy grades. However, you can find organic essential oils, such as Young Living Essential Oils. The FDA regulates by organic or non-organic. A natural product is not the same as organic according to the FDA, although organic foods are natural by definition. According to the FDA, "Organic refers not only to the food itself, but also how it was produced." In addition, to be labeled as organic, "they must be grown and processed using organic farming methods that recycle resources and promote biodiversity- two key elements of environmentally sustainable agriculture." Basically what that means is, "crops must be grown without using synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes, petroleum-based fertilizers and sewage sludge-based fertilizers." View the About Young Living tab and Seed to Seal tab to learn more about Young Living Essential Oils and the organic process they go to that molds the value from the time the seed is planted until the oil is sealed.

Please note, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

5.       Diffuse Eucalyptus Oil

Dried Eucalyptus leaves are used to make this oil commonly used for allergy relief. Young Living offers an array of Eucalyptus Oils that are each derived from various Eucalyptus plants, but not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure allergies.

6.       Eat Spicy Foods

Spicy foods such as onion, garlic, hot ginger and cayenne pepper are known to help thin mucus, letting it drain easier.

7.       Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that involved thin needles poking you in strategic places that have some people “freaked out”. Several studies have shown it to be an effective solution in patients with allergic rhinitis (allergic inflammation of the nasal airways).

Please note, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Young Living products are not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose but instead used as a way to help maintain and support an already healthy body and lifestyle.

For more information and studies about Young Living oils, their properties, and essential oils in general, please go online and visit Pub Med; or another third party publisher. There are many articles regarding the properties of essential oils. Each individual inquiring about Young Living should do adequate research to make their own educated decision regarding Young Living products

Resources:

Pediatric Research. “A randomized prospective double blind controlled trial on effects of long-term consumption of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei in pre-school children with allergic asthma and/or rhinitis.” NCBI. August 2007. Web. 19 March 2015.

Food Marketing Institute. “Natural and Organic Foods.” FDA. Web. 19 March 2015.

Editorial Board. “OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS.” Asthmas and Allergy Foundation of America. 2005. Web. 19 March 2015.

Pongdee, Thanal, MD. “Allergy-Friendly Gardening.” American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. 2015. Web. 19 March 2015.

Keniston-Pond, Kymberly. “Essential Oils for Seasonal Allergy Relief.” Richmond Natural Medicine. Web. 19 March 2015.

Alternative Medicine Review: a journal of clinical therapeutic. “Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices.” NCBI. April 2010. Web. 19 March 2015.

Annals of allergy, asthma, & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. “Acupuncture in patients with allergic rhinitis: a pragmatic randomized trial. NCBI. November 2008. Web. 19 March. 2015.