Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

I’ve been a bit “under the weather” lately due to my seasonal allergies flaring up like crazy! My eyes water, I’ve got nasal congestion, and histamine outbreaks leave me up nights, itching like mad. I’ve got backup of Benadryl, Sudafed, Nyquil, and other allergy relief products, and though I should seek a medical prescription for the severity of my allergies, I’m trying not to be so reliant on anti-histamines. I find that once your body gets used to them, it takes a higher dose to ward off allergy symptoms. Also, my recent flare-up may have something to do with the fact that I was slacking for a few days on my vitamin/supplement regimen…

After doing a bit of research, combined with some things I’ve already been incorporating into my daily routine, below are a few natural solutions for seasonal allergy relief. Hopefully my fellow allergy sufferers will find them useful!

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

• Vitamin C. In addition to being a great ward against the common cold, higher doses of Vitamin C can act as a natural antihistamine for those with seasonal allergies. I buy bottles of 500mg Vitamin C and take up to 10 pills a day (five in the morning and five before bed) to help prevent histamine outbreaks. Vitamin C also provides a nice calming effect.
• Water. Drinking 100 ounces (five 20oz bottles) of water a day is ideal for detoxification and weight loss, but drinking the minimum recommended 8 glasses a day (64 ounces) helps to flush triggering toxins out of your body.
• Fish oil. Fish oil supplements are said to have some antihistamine effect. Whether or not it is effective, fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3, which is excellent for the health of your hair, skin, and nails. It can’t hurt! I take a minimum of 2400mg (two 1200mg capsules) a day.
• Healthy diet. One of my worst allergic reactions occured when I went from eating a strict veggie/fish diet to eating a greasy take-out meal that was full of food additives. I’d eaten the same meal multiple times in the past but my body was NOT having it on that day. Your body will react in whatever way it can to unwelcome, unhealthy changes in your diet. Eating healthfully on a regular, consistent basis can also prevent allergic reactions (stuffy nose, itchy skin — or worse symptoms) from occuring.

Important note: If you feel you are having an allergic reaction — whether seasonal or to a particular trigger — do NOT take certain drugs, including aspirin or ibuprofen. These drugs allow histamine to flow more freely through your bloodstream, causing allergic reactions to multiply in intensity. Benadryl works for most people, but if you begin to break out in hives or have shortness of breath, get yourself to Urgent Care immediately.