by Brandy Abalos

Seasonal allergies can leave you with a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and other symptoms that interfere with everyday life. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans experience allergies each year. In fact, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. Although allergies are a problem for many, there are some solutions that can help you beat the worst symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Explore herbal remedies.

While home remedies don’t work for everything, there may be something helpful in what your grandmother told you about curing hay fever with herbs. Butterbur is an herb that
can be obtained in many health foods stores and online. It has properties similar to antihistamines and can relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. Onions, apples, garlic and black tea, contain a nutrient called quercetin, which has been shown to block histamines (the primary cause of inflammation).

Reduce your stress.

The hormones your body releases when you are overly stressed can seriously impact your immune system. This can make your seasonal allergies even worse. By reducing your stress during peak allergy seasons, you can better manage your symptoms. Some stress management techniques include meditation, self-care and committing to a reasonable schedule.

Consider using apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar has shown to boost your immune system, break up mucus and support drainage of the lymphatic system, thereby reducing your seasonal allergy symptoms. You can purchase apple cider vinegar at any grocery store, health foods store or online. Experts recommend mixing up to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with lemon juice and adding it to a glass of water. You can drink this mixture up to three times per d maximum reduction of allergy symptoms. Additionally, apple cider vinegar gummies are available if you want another option.

Probiotics might improve your symptoms.

Since allergies are the result of an imbalance in your immune system, taking probiotics can recalibrate things by stimulating the production of immune enhancing substances. Probiotics encourage the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Some studies have linked that bacteria to reduced allergies.

Essential oils are an option.

Essential oils have become popular over the last few years, and for good reason. They can be beneficial to your health in many ways, including the reduction of allergy symptoms. You can add them to a bath, oil diffuser or massage oil. Some of them may also be ingested by adding them to a cup of tea or water. Some of the best essential oils for reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system include peppermint, basil, eucalyptus and tea tree. They may also help with detoxifying the body and fighting against infections.

Detox your body.

Allergies may be made worse by the toxins in your body. If your immune system is already reacting poorly to toxins, it can flare up even more when introduced to allergens. The liver works overtime to metabolize stress, medication, alcohol and processed foods. By reducing these things, your body is better able to handle allergens properly. To detox your body, try to eliminate fast food, fried foods, sugar and alcohol from your diet. You can also add in foods that support your liver, such as milk thistle, nuts, citrus fruits, turmeric and artichoke.

Deep clean your house.

Springtime dampness encourages the growth of mold and mildew in windows, basements and other less frequently cleaned locations. Dust and pollen also tend to pile up seasonally. You should get rid of allergy triggers by deep cleaning your house more frequently. That includes dusting bookshelves, vents and other hidden places. Bedsheets and pillowcases should be changed at least once per week. Don’t forget to change your air filters and add an air purifier to your appliances if you’re still experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms indoors.

Cleanse your nose and sinuses.

Dirt and pollen can adhere to your mucus membranes in your nose. You might want to try using a neti pot to cleanse your nasal passages. A sinus irrigator can also get into your sinus cavities to clean things out. Make sure you follow the directions for proper usage of these systems, as they can cause additional problems if not used appropriately.

Acupuncture might give you relief.

Acupuncture treats imbalances in your body. It can be used to address the acute allergy symptoms you are experiencing as well as get to the root of the problem—an imbalanced immune system. To find a reputable acupuncturist, you can search online to find someone with positive reviews. You might also reach out to friends and family for a referral. Local health foods stores often have a bulletin board or health consultant who may have recommendations for you as well.

Take medications.

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms. In most cases, these medications are antihistamines that reduce the reaction of your immune system to allergens. There are many different types of medications, some of which may work better than others for you. Benadryl, Flonase, Claritin, Zyrtec and others are some common brands. Consult with a doctor before taking any medications to ensure they won’t interact badly with anything else you are currently taking.

You Have Many Options to Help You Beat Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies may have you down, especially in the spring and fall. However, you can treat the symptoms with many at-home remedies.

If you want to address the root cause, there are also natural and medication options. If your seasonal allergies become more than you can handle, you should consult with an allergy specialist. They can run tests and determine exactly what your body is reacting to. That may give you a better idea of how to treat your symptoms.

As with any health condition, it’s always best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.