Ah, springtime. When the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and flowers and grass are growing in abundance. While this is a beautiful time of year signifying rebirth, it is also allergy season. While there are many over-the-counter medications for relief, there are also natural remedies you can explore.
First, let’s get to the bottom of what allergies are. They are a response from your immune system that determines a threat in your body, called an allergen, that responds by releasing the chemical histamine and other substances.
The first step in managing your allergies is to determine which type of trigger you have. This can be achieved with a simple allergy test with your healthcare provider. The most common allergen is pollen that is produced by some types of plants to help them reproduce. To combat this and other allergies, consider these methods:
1. Shower after going outdoors and close your windows.
Shower away any pollen you may have brought indoors, and close the windows, as that breeze might be lovely but it can carry allergy-inducing pollen with it.
2. Steam
Not only can steam boost wellness and improve your mood, inhaling steam can help open airways and sinuses, and reduce inflammation. You can of course do this with a soothing steam shower using our SteamVection Steamhead.
3. Aromatherapy Essential Oils
These can help soothe symptoms during allergy season with ingredients that are calming and reduce inflammation, such as lavender or eucalyptus, or those that boost energy, such as invigorating citrus. We offer a line of 100% organic Aromatherapy essential oils that you can pour right into the built-in reservoir of the SteamVection Steamhead in your ThermaSol steam shower.
You can also pour a few drops onto a damp cloth and place it in your shower near but not in direct contact with the water for maximum effect. You might also consider using essential oils with an aromatherapy diffuser.
4. Neti Pot
This is a container designed to flush out your nasal cavities with a solution of salt and distilled water. The mixture is poured into one nostril and released from the other to clear out sinuses. You can also make your own using a clean squeeze bottle, salt and room-temperature distilled water.
5. Cold compress
Allergy symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose or itchy, watery eyes can be alleviated with a cold compress that lowers allergen activity and reduces inflammation. Try applying a washcloth soaked in cold water to your face for a few minutes at a time.
6. Go for garlic!
The antioxidant quercitin is naturally found in garlic and has the capacity to inhibit the release of histamines and boost the immune system. So not only does it add flavor to your food, it can prevent allergies!
7. Try an herbal remedy
Rosemary is found to have rosmarinic acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to a study published in the Journal of Restorative Medicine. The study also reveals that rosmarinic acid can suppress the inflammatory responses of certain white blood cells, as well as allergic antibodies, meaning seasonal allergy relief!
Turmeric has a potent active component, curcumin, that has been shown to reduce and inhibit allergic responses. A study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found those who took curcumin for two months alleviated their sneezing and congestion and experienced improved airflow.
We hope you found relief with some of these methods. What is your go-to allergy remedy? Let us know what works for you in the comments!
As always, we wish you health, happiness and wellness.
