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This article was co-written by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Degrandpre is a licensed naturopath in Washington. She received her ND degree from the National Medical University in 2007.
There are 14 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 15,414 times.
Pollen allergy is a very common condition that affects millions of people every year. Although usually harmless, symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and increased sinus pressure due to seasonal allergies are a major nuisance in everyday life. If you have frequent severe pollen allergies, it’s best to see an allergist. Your doctor may give you medication or injections to reduce your body’s sensitivity to the allergenic histamine. However, if you want to avoid medication, you can use some natural antihistamines. These therapies are rarely as effective as drugs, and studies have shown mixed results, but they may work for you. If you’ve self-treated your allergy and it still doesn’t improve, see an allergist for treatment.
Steps
Relieves stuffy nose and inflammation
Allergies occur because the histamine in pollen stimulates the body’s immune response, causing nasal congestion and inflammation. There are a number of natural compounds that can help block histamine, reduce inflammation, loosen mucus, and ease allergy symptoms in general. Try using some of the following foods and spices to see if they work. If not, you can take an over-the-counter antihistamine instead of using other common methods.
- Cayenne pepper can be very spicy, so you should add it slowly to foods. Each time you should only add ½ teaspoon of chili (2.5 g) so that the dish is not too spicy.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all dose, but if taken correctly, you shouldn’t experience any side effects, unless you’re allergic to cayenne pepper or often experience heartburn. In these cases, you should avoid using cayenne pepper.
- Turmeric can be safely used in relatively high doses, even above 2,500 mg, so you can add it to your diet without worrying about serious side effects.
- You can also mix turmeric with other seasonings like cayenne pepper and garlic powder to make a seasoning that’s both delicious and anti-allergenic.
- Onions are high in quercetin and have a cleansing effect on the sinuses. [4] X Research Sources
- Other foods that contain quercetin include apples, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, berries, grapes, and wine.
- 1-2 raw garlic cloves per day is considered a safe dose. You can also use up to 300 mg of garlic powder. [6] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to Source
- High doses of garlic can interact with anticoagulants and make it difficult for the blood to clot. If you have blood clotting problems, consult your doctor before you start eating garlic.
- The maximum safe dose of stinging nettle is 150 mg per day.
- Never eat raw nettles. Stinging nettle leaves have many spines that are only removed through processing.
- The recommended ginger dosage ranges from 50 mg to 2 g per day. You should start from the lowest to make sure you don’t experience any side effects. [10] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source
- You can also drink ginger tea by making tea bags or boiling fresh ginger in water.
Prevention of allergies
Besides suppressing histamine and alleviating symptoms, you can take natural measures to prevent allergies. The following nutrients can boost the body’s immune response and prevent the onset of allergy symptoms. If that still doesn’t work, ask your allergist about oral or injectable medications to build your immune system’s tolerance to the allergens.
- Rich sources of vitamin C include bell peppers, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and apples.
- The recommended dose for vitamin C is 65-90 mg per day. Most adults can get enough vitamin C through a normal diet, as long as it includes fruits and vegetables. [12] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- Foods rich in omega-3s include oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocados and beans.
- You can also try drinking green tea as soon as you feel any signs of an allergic reaction. This can help the body to have enough strength to fight the allergens.
- Honey is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so using it during an allergy flare-up can help alleviate symptoms. [18] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source
Medical treatment
Certain foods and nutrients naturally act as antihistamines and have the potential to treat or prevent allergy symptoms. These compounds are generally safe, so you can add them to your diet to see if they work. However, research on these therapies has mixed results, and they are generally not as effective as conventional treatments such as medications. If home remedies don’t help your allergy, see an allergist for allergy treatment and management.
Advice
- Nutrients such as quercetin, capsaicin, and curcumin are also available as dietary supplements. You should ask your doctor if they are right for you.
Warning
- All herbs and nutrients carry the risk of an allergic reaction. Discontinue use immediately if you notice signs of hives, rash or itching,. If you notice swelling in your mouth or throat, you need to call emergency services right away.
This article was co-written by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Degrandpre is a licensed naturopath in Washington. She received her ND degree from the National Medical University in 2007.
There are 14 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 15,414 times.
Pollen allergy is a very common condition that affects millions of people every year. Although usually harmless, symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and increased sinus pressure due to seasonal allergies are a major nuisance in everyday life. If you have frequent severe pollen allergies, it’s best to see an allergist. Your doctor may give you medication or injections to reduce your body’s sensitivity to the allergenic histamine. However, if you want to avoid medication, you can use some natural antihistamines. These therapies are rarely as effective as drugs, and studies have shown mixed results, but they may work for you. If you’ve self-treated your allergy and it still doesn’t improve, see an allergist for treatment.
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