This allergy season looks to be the worst in years. Here are three natural remedies that bring relief without side effects.

It’s the Worst Pollen Season in Years–Here’s Natural Allergy Relief

In All Health Watch, Featured Article

Last year’s spring allergy season was so bad it was dubbed the “pollen tsunami.”1

Guess what? This spring looks even worse.

Dr. Merritt Fajt is an allergy specialist and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Every year we say this may be worst pollen season,” she notes. “But this year we are seeing an increase in pollen a month sooner than usual in many areas of the U.S.”2

Many people turn to allergy drugs to avoid the sneezing, sniffling, and itching. But both prescription and over-the-counter medications can leave you drowsy and dizzy.3 Who wants to spend the spring in a medicated daze?

3 Non-Drug Remedies That Ease Allergies

Here are three natural remedies that bring allergy relief without turning you into a zombie:

  • Quercetin: This is a type of antioxidant found in certain plants. Several studies have confirmed its natural antihistamine effects.4 It reduces inflammation. That means it relieves your red, itchy eyes and runny nose. It is widely available as a supplement.
  • Stinging Nettle: Most allergy sufferers get relief with the freeze-dried version of this herb, according to a study published in the Alternative Medicine Review. Study subjects took 300 mg a day.5
  • Bromelain: This is a compound found in pineapples. But you can find it in supplement form. Studies show it reduces nasal swelling. This makes it easier to breathe.6

There are simple behavior changes that also can help get you through allergy season:

  • Take a shower and change your clothes when you get home at the end of the day. This will remove pollen so you don’t breathe it during the night.
  • Wear sunglasses during the day. It helps stop pollen from blowing into your eyes.7
  • Use a saline nose rinse. In one study, allergy sufferers who rinsed twice a day reported less nasal congestion.

Do you have a favorite allergy remedy? We’d love to hear about it. Please share it in the comments section below.

In Good Health,

Angela Salerno
Publisher, INH Health Watch

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References:
1http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pollen-tsunami-causing-severe-allergy-symptoms-wont-let-up-soon/
2http://www.today.com/health/spring-allergy-season-here-9-common-mistakes-can-make-symptoms-t81451
3http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-16589/allergy-medicine-oral/details/list-sideeffects
4http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23333628
5http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/5/5/448.pdf
6http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/allergies-allergy?page=2
7http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/12-natural-allergy-remedies-that-provide-relief/