Our bodies are all wired differently and can react negatively to a naturally occurring substance like pollens in one person and may show no effect in another. That's the way allergies function. They are our bodies' peculiarities and the thing with them is that they can't be cured forever.
Some of the most common substances that people are allergic to (allergens) are pollen, dust, nuts, wood, latex, some metals, eggs, soy, wool, milk, certain seafood, weeds etc.
As they say, prevention is better than cure and it could not be truer for allergies. Since you can't pop a pill every time an allergy strikes since its damaging for your immune system, the best way to cope is to avoid the things that cause your allergies to play and keep yourself protected in the pollen season. Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are also available and are especially recommended for people who cannot tolerate allergy medications, experience severe symptoms and for those who develop asthma during pollen season.
Most allergies are not too harmful except nut allergies that may cause you to choke, gluten allergies etc. Most allergy symptoms recede over some time and can even be treated with simple home remedies. Here is a list of very useful cures for common allergies-
a) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an age old remedy that is often suggested for a variety of health conditions. Its ability to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system makes it useful for allergies. Mix a teaspoon of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink this three times a day. This helps relieve acute allergy symptoms and help prevent allergy attacks as well.
b) Take Steam with Eucalyptus oil
Pour boiling water into a bowl or other container, drape a towel over your head to form a tent, and inhale deeply through your nose for five to 10 minutes. The strong aroma of eucalyptus oil can supercharge steam inhalation, helping to open your sinuses and nasal passages further. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Add a few drops of oil to a bowl of steaming water, or to the floor of the shower before you step in.
c) Neti Pots
Neti pots, small vessels shaped like Aladdin's lamp, have been used in India for thousands of years to flush the sinuses and keep them clear. To flush your sinuses, mix a quarter to a half teaspoon of non-iodized table salt into a cup of lukewarm water and pour it into the pot. (You can adjust the amount of salt, depending on what feels most comfortable.) Lean over a sink with your head slightly cocked to one side, then put the spout of the neti into one nostril and allow the water to drain out the other nostril. Use about half of the solution, then repeat on the other side, tilting your head the opposite way. Gently blow out each nostril to clear them completely.
d) Eat onion and garlic
They may not exactly be appetizing, but both are high in quercetin, an antioxidant that may prevent cells from releasing histamine (a chemical found in some of the body's cells - causes many of the symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose or sneezing.). It is also a potent antioxidant that is said to help reduce inflammation. It is best used as a long term remedy and many people start taking it about 4-6 weeks before allergy season to help prevent allergy symptoms.
e) Lukewarm lime water
Squeeze half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water and add a teaspoon of honey. Take this first thing in the morning for several months. This not only helps flush out toxins from the body but also acts as an excellent anti-allergic agent.
f) Herbal Teas
Green tea carries antihistamines. Drink 1 to 2 cups of green tea sweetened with honey daily. Another effective remedy for allergies is chamomile tea as it is a natural antihistamine. Sweeten chamomile tea with honey and drink at least 1 or 2 cups of this daily. Basil tea is a traditional Chinese remedy. To prepare this, put one ounce dried basil leaves into one quart of boiling water. Let it cool to room temperature and use this as a rinse to the affected area. Basil contains high amounts of caffeic acid, an anti-allergic compound. Therefore, it is very effective against allergic symptoms such as hives.
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