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How to Help Allergies without Medicine

When you are suffering from seasonal allergies and other forms of allergies, it’s recommended that you visit an allergist and get some medication.

This is good, but there is one problem. What if you don’t like visiting a doctor or are in an area far away from a doctor? Does it mean you are doomed? Not at all. To help you out here is how to help allergies without medicine:

Take essential oils

Essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint oils are highly effective at relieving hay fever and associated symptoms. For the best outcome, use them in a room diffuser or combine them with coconut oil and massage them into your temples.

You can also use tree and lemon oils where you mix them with purified water, and a little vinegar, then spray them around your home. Inhaling these fumes relieves the symptoms.

Take vitamin C

Vitamin C is a known natural antihistamine, so it reduces the amount of histamine that your body produces in response to an allergen. When taken correctly, vitamin C is highly effective at reducing common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes.

While vitamin C might seem harmless, taking high doses of it can be lethal. To avoid the side effects that come with it, take a dose of 2,000 milligrams per day.

Use Himalaya salt lamps.

These salts effectively remove dust, dander, and other particles from the air, leaving you with less allergy and significantly reducing the coughing.

Try probiotics

Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium longum that regulate the t-cells that produce a stronger immune response to the common allergens. Different probiotics work differently in different people, so you should research and find the ones that work the best on you.

Undertake saline nasal irrigation

A nasal rinse clears the mucus from your nose, and this significantly eases the allergy symptoms. When done right, the nasal rinse not only reduces the nasal drip, but also washes out the bacteria and other allergens you might have inhaled.

Stay away from beef

Studies show that people who take plenty of beef and dairy have high concentrations of trans oleic acid in their bodies, increasing their chances of developing hay fever symptoms. To fight off allergies during the allergy season, stay away from beef and dairy. Instead, take chicken and other meats that contain lower Trans oleic acids.

Take plenty of water.

Water, sugar-free juice, and other nonalcoholic beverages thin the mucus in your nasal passages, which comes in handy for allergy relief. Other drinks you can take to bring the condition under control include: warm tea, broth, and soup.

Inhale some steam

Inhaling steam eases a stubborn, stuffy nose, and you breathe easier. You don’t need to be fancy about how you go about it. Hold your head over a warm bowl or sink full of water, then place a towel over your head to trap the steam.

If this is too much trouble, turn on the water in the shower and stay there for a few minutes as you take a few deep breaths.

Wear a mask

The mask has become a commonplace with the covid-19 pandemic, but it has been a highly effective device for protecting you from developing allergy symptoms. The mask not only protects others from your cold and flu symptoms, but it also protects you from inhaling the allergens, so you don’t develop allergy symptoms. For the best results, allergy specialist doctor Manassas VA recommends you get an N95 mask.

Essential Oils for Allergies: Do They Really Work?

The use of essential oils became somewhat controversial recently. Those who are pro-essential oils claim them to be effective in treating their health concerns including colds and allergies. Meanwhile, those who are not into it say that using essential oils is not a recommended alternative for “real” medications and treatments.

The use of essential oils can be a more practical and safer choice especially that COVID-19 is still around. By safer, it means you don’t have to go to an allergy clinic and be safe instead of at home. No wonder a lot of people turn to essential oils in an attempt to find relief for their health woes.

What is an essential oil?

For starters, essential oils are made from various plants concentrated into distilled liquids. It can be applied directly on skin or inhaled (also called aromatherapy). There are several personal accounts that suggest the efficacy of essential oils in providing relief from various health issues like coughs, cold, and even allergies.

In reality, essential oils have already been around and used by different cultures for hundreds of years. However, there are no scientific pieces of evidence that can prove how effective essential oils really are. Some doctors also believe in the efficacy of essential oils although further studies may also be needed.

If you have allergies, it’s up to you whether you use essential oils or consult an allergy doctor instead. But take note that you might also need to seek advice from an allergist before using essential oils or any similar product.

Can essential oils really cure allergies?

About 50 million people in the US are afflicted with allergies. Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for allergies yet although its symptoms can be managed with various medications.

An allergist doctor will prescribe medications to help alleviate your allergy-related symptoms. Another potential alternative in dealing with allergic symptoms is by using essential oils. But as mentioned earlier, it is better to consult a medical professional first before using such products.

Nevertheless, more and more people seem to realize the “benefits” of using essential oils. However, we should still err on the side of caution when using such products. For one thing, you also need to consider several factors like age and underlying medical conditions before using essential oils.

You should also consider the essential oil itself before using it. What is the essential oil’s chemical composition? How should it be used, topical, or diluted with water? How long and how much is the essential oil dosage per usage? If your allergy physician permits you to use essential oils for your allergies, make sure to ask these questions.

Essential oils for allergies

It is important to know how to apply essential oils properly. As mentioned, some can be applied topically while some need to be diluted to a carrier oil or water. On the other hand, the improper application can be potentially fatal and make your allergies worst. For symptoms of seasonal and skin allergies, these essential oils can help manage your symptoms.

Chamomile oil

Chamomile is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can help in treating mucus membrane infections and skin conditions like eczema. Applying chamomile oil with a mix of a carrier oil directly on the affected area (for skin issues) may help relieve itching and similar symptoms.

Tea tree oil

Like chamomile oil, tea tree oil can also alleviate symptoms associated with skin allergies. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well. When applied directly on the skin, it can noticeably decrease signs of inflammation and swelling. Because tea tree oil can be potent, it may worsen allergic reactions in other people.

Lemon

Lemon oil can help in treating allergic rhinitis and prevent bacterial activity. Lemon essential oil is better when diluted than applied topically. The latter can increase the risk of sunlight sensitivity, blistering, or burning.

Make sure to seek advice from an allergy specialist doctor before using essential oils. Other essential oils that can help with allergies include:

  • Eucalyptus – can provide relief from upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
  • Lavender – improves sleep, lessens anxiety and promotes relaxation, and hastens healing due to inflammation
  • Frankincense – can lessen symptoms of bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma
  • Peppermint – is said to have a relaxing effect and reduce contractions that lead to coughing, and also help alleviate fatigue and anxiety

A word of caution

Essential oils can do wonders for various allergic symptoms. More and more people are using essential oils in treating allergies and other medical concerns. But as mentioned, you should consult the best allergist in Manassas first before using any products that have healing or therapeutic claims.