Natural Allergy Remedies Are Numerous

Natural allergy remedies are numerous, safe, have few side effects if any, and can be a lot more effective than several of the over the counter remedies that do have side effects and in several cases do not produce the desired results.

What actually is an allergy?

All allergies are immune reactions that are not normal, are reactions to something that is usually harmless in the environment for most people, but for those that are affected they are called allergen. The list of allergens will almost always be different, depending on the person, and they will affect 20% of all people worldwide at some point.

It is the job of your immune system to protect you against allergen, but when your immune system lets you down, you naturally have a reaction. Allergies are also thought be an inherited medical disorder in several circles. But whatever the actual cause is, they can be range from mild, to very annoying, and in some cases, severe. But what actually causes an allergies reaction?

Causes:

Your body's defense to fight allergen includes your nose, mouth, eyes, lungs, and your stomach, and with an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollens, mold, dust, mites, pets, second hand smoke or whatever the pollutant is causing the reactions, they will all basically start through one of these major vessels in your body.

When your defense systems let you down, there is a series of events that happens. Your body produces an antibody that is called IgE that binds allergens. These antibodies attach together in forms of blood cells that are called mast cells, and are found in your major vessels or entry ways that can produce allergies.

The presence of the cells make you vulnerable to the allergens, as they can bind to Ige which sets off reactions that allows the mast cells to release a wide variety of chemicals such as histamine. Histamine causes most of the symptoms in allergies and it contributes to inflammatory responses as well as constriction of smooth operating muscles.

Thus the creation of several prescriptive medications as well as several that have now become available without prescriptions, or over the counter allergy medications. But with these antihistamines, as with any type of drug, there are potential dangerous side affects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, interactions with alcohol, or the actual effects of alcohol like intoxication in some cases.

Overdose is also a major concern.

But there are several alternatives ranging from herbs, foods, vitamins, minerals, and solutions. Here are several alternatives to over the counter and prescription drugs for allergies.

Quercetin:

This is compound that is derived from a plant and is referred to as a bioflavonoid. It is extremely effective in stabilizing mast cells, and as a result, slows down or stops the release of the chemical histamine. It is also very effective as an antioxidant and is a natural free radical in the prevention of cell damage. It is found abundantly in citrus, apples, tomatoes, onions broccoli, lettuce, and wine. However, if you have liver conditions, check with physician before using this.

Stinging Nettle:

This herb has almost exactly the same effects as over the counter drugs in slowing the conditions, but without the side effects. It is a common weed in many parts of the United States and is usually sold freeze dried or in capsule form. It is also very effective in stopping the release of histamines.

Butterbur:

This is also a common weed, but this one is found in Europe. It has the same effects on allergies that the drug cetirizine has, which is one of the active ingredients in Zyrtec. It is marketed like stinging nettle.

Eucalyptus:

This is a plant, and the leaves and the oils from this plant are a natural allergy cure, and it is found in several cough and cold medications. It acts as both an antiseptic as well as a stimulant with several antibody properties. It is especially effective with steam as it helps the production of salvia which reduces coughing. Noting is as soothing to your lungs as this plant.

Red Clover:

This is a meadow herb found throughout Europe and the United States and is a natural remedy for asthma. It is most often used in tea form, and it has antispasmodic as well as expectorant qualities. You can also find this in a wine form, and in this form it is an excellent cough remedy.

Alfalfa:

This is a natural remedy for hay fever, as it slows down sneezing and itching as well as calming the nervous system, especially important in the mucus membranes. This can be ground up and mixed with a small amount of water as a liquid.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

This contains healing properties that help in easing the symptoms of a sinus infection as well as allergic reactions to pets. It is very high in Vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6. It helps to reduce mucus in sinus cavities and soothes sore throats as well.

Licorice Root:

This has been used for centuries as a cough medication and is still used in many cough syrups. This can be purchased in dried or powered forms, as well as capsules, tablets, or pills.

Omega 3 and Allergies:

The essential fatty acid of Omega 3 is a natural anti inflammatory drug. Great sources of this Omega 3 include salmon, flaxseed oil, haddock, cod, and several other cold-water fish.

Foods:

Fruit juices of all types are very rich sources of antioxidants that help in reducing inflammation. Berries are also very effective. Yogurt and Kefir are extremely effective with food allergies, as they contain live bacterial cultures that directly attack most all types of food allergies.

Minerals:

The mineral magnesium and zinc have also shown to be very effective in fighting allergen. A deficiency of magnesium is believed to be one of the major causes of asthma. Foods that are rich in magnesium include spinach, navy and pinto beans, tofu, artichokes, and black eyed peas.

Zinc deficiency is also suspected with asthma, and foods rich in zinc include yogurt, tofu, lean beef and ham, oysters, crabs, and dark meat in both turkey and ham.

Solutions:

Saline solutions are also quite effective, as salt water helps to soothe upper respiratory allergies by removing the allergens before they can take hold. You can purchase saline solution, or you can make your own by mixing a teaspoon of salt in a pint of warm distilled water and adding just a touch of baking soda.

Neti Pots:

These have also been around for centuries and originated in India. It can really be any kind of compact glass container, but they only cost about twenty dollars to purchase and are designed especially to flush naval cavities. Naval flushing using these pots is a very effective way to eliminate the allergen as it neutralizes them by direct inhalation.

You can simply fill it with warm water, or add Eucalyptus to it, and follow the instructions of filling both nostrils one at a time with the steam. Perhaps one of nature's purest forms of antihistamine.

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