Holistic Treatments Can Effectively Help Allergies

“Natural Holistic Ways to Alleviate Allergies”

Spring can be an incredibly difficult time for you if you suffer from seasonal allergies. For some people, as long as there’re environmental and food-related triggers, allergies are a chronic year-round affair. Over-the-counter antihistamines, while effective in providing relief for allergy symptoms, often come with unwanted side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.

The alternative? Alleviating allergies through natural holistic treatments. Top among these natural remedies include the following:

Changes to your Diet

Cutting off some foods from your diet may help with your allergies. Prepare a food diary, including the foods you think that may be setting off your food-related allergies. Some dairy products and some fruits, for example, may make you feel congested by causing blood vessels found in your nose to dilate.

Foods that are natural anti-inflammatories and have antioxidant properties such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, rosemary, and fenugreek help alleviate allergy symptoms. While more research is required, it is believed that these foods help to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatories, including histamine, which is responsible for allergies.

Herbal Supplements

There are several herbal treatments you can try for your allergies. However, you should always remember to check with your doctor so that you get the dosage right and be aware of any contraindications before you start with the supplements.

Extracts from the roots and leaves of the herb butterbur are effective for allergy relief. Extracts from licorice and stinging nettle are equally great choices as herbal supplements for allergy relief.

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine procedure effectively alleviates puffy eyes, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms. The acupuncturist uses channels or acupuncture points between the eyebrows, elbows, feet, and other areas to help bring you relief on the side of the nose, elbows, feet, and other areas. 

 For most people, it only takes one session with the acupuncturist to see some real improvement. If you experience chronic allergies, the acupuncturist will want to address the underlying issues, and as such, your allergy treatment may take several treatments.

Nasal Irrigation/Rinses

Also called a sinus flush, nasal irrigation involves using devices such as neti pots and saline nasal sprays to flush out congested sinuses, which helps alleviate a stuffy nose and other allergy symptoms. 

Nasal rinses at least twice a day will help to keep your nasal passages moist. The saline will wash away and prevent pollen and other environmental allergens and debris from getting trapped in these nasal passages and your respiratory tract.

Halotherapy

Halotherapy, which is commonly referred to as salt therapy, has been hailed as one of the most effective natural and holistic treatments for allergies. This therapy provides relief and prevents allergies in several ways.

The dry salt particles reduce the migration of inflammatory cells into your respiratory system. The particles also absorb bacteria and reduce their growth. The presence of bacteria along your respiratory tract would otherwise trigger or worsen your allergies. The particles also absorb allergens and other irritants along your airways. Lastly, the salt particles help break down any present mucus plugs in your sinuses and airways, promoting better airflow.

Healthier, Long Lasting Results

The relief that antihistamines provide is often short-lived, which can lead to a mild dependency. That is not to mention the fact that you will have to contend with some side effects. 

Enter natural holistic treatments as highlighted, and you can look forward to long-lasting relief for your allergy, alongside other benefits for your health and wellbeing. Remember to consult with a physician so you know how best to go about it safely and maximize the benefits of a particular therapy or approach.