Millions of people around the world suffer from allergies. Drugs and over the counter medications can offer some relief, but there are also many natural allergy remedies. These remedies offer relief without the side effects that often accompany mainstream therapies.
Herbal allergy remedies are widely recommended. Stinging nettle is one of the most effective natural allergy remedies, as it inhibits the production of histamines. Teas, tinctures and capsules of stinging nettle can be purchased or made at home. A dose of 300 milligrams daily is enough to provide allergy relief for most people.
Butterbur is another popular herbal allergy remedy for treating grass, plant and pollen allergies. One capsule taken up to four times daily is thought to control allergies as effectively as any leading antihistamine.
Many people also turn to homeopathy for natural allergy remedies. Iamara, also called Ignatia or Amara, is a homeopathic remedy used to treat respiratory allergies. Allium cepa is used to treat the sneezing, coughing and sinus congestion that indicate allergies.
Essential oils are powerful natural allergy remedies. Essential oils are the concentrated essence of a specific plant and should never be taken internally. However, when used externally or as a part of aromatherapy they can offer instant relief from allergies. Peppermint essential oil can be applied directly to the chest and throat. As the scent is inhaled and absorbed by the skin, stuffiness and congestion are alleviated. Pine essential oil can also be used in this way and is known for calming allergic reactions.
Bee pollen is another natural solution to allergies. It desensitizes the body to the pollen floating in the air. Small doses are taken daily to build up immunity to these allergens. Eventually, the body will no longer react to external pollen. This remedy should not be taken if there is a history of anaphylactic shock.
Neti pots are natural allergy remedies that use saltwater to flush irritants from the sinus passages. One quarter teaspoon of salt is mixed into one cup of warm water and applied to the nostril through the pot. The salted water is allowed to drain from one nostril to the other and then expelled. Neti pots can be obtained from mail order sources or natural health stores.
As an alternative to Neti pots, salted water can be mixed in the same manner and applied with the hands or a small cup. No matter how it is implemented, salt water is one of the easiest and most effective natural allergy remedies.