Pollen allergies are widespread and affect a large number of people each year. Although they do not cause serious complications, sneezing, nasal congestion and constant pressure in the sinuses can affect the quality of daily life. If you suffer from severe seasonal allergy, the best thing to do is consult an allergist. He will probably prescribe some medications, even by injection, in order to inhibit the production of histamine on which the strong response of the immune system depends. However, if you don't want to take medicine, some natural antihistamines can help. They are rarely as effective as drugs - even if the research results are mixed - but in some cases they can work. If you are treating the symptoms of a seasonal allergy with self-medication but to no avail, see an allergist.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Relieve Inflammation and Nasal Congestion
Allergies are an exasperated symptomatic response to foreign substances, including pollen, which favors an excessive release of histamine in the body, resulting in inflammation and nasal congestion. Some natural compounds can block histamine production, reduce inflammation, thin mucus, and relieve general allergy symptoms. Try incorporating the foods and spices listed below into your diet to see if they are effective for you. If not, you can take an antihistamine if you are geared towards conventional drug treatment.
Step 1. Clear your airways with cayenne pepper
This pepper contains capsaicin, a substance that thins mucus and clears the nasal passages. A sprinkle on your plates can be a cure-all if you suffer from hay fever.
- Cayenne pepper is very spicy, so don't overdo it. Try adding half a teaspoon (2.5g) at a time to make sure it's not too strong.
- There is no universally valid amount to use, but it shouldn't trigger any side effects if you're not allergic to capsaicin or suffer from heartburn. In such cases, avoid it.
Step 2. Relieve inflammation with turmeric
Turmeric - specifically the curcumin of which it is composed - is able to naturally calm the inflammation of the airways caused by allergies. Try adding some to your diet and see if it helps you breathe. It is an Indian spice widely used in Asian cuisine, so it will not be difficult to find recipes in which it is contemplated.
- Turmeric has no contraindications in relatively high doses, even above 2500 mg, so you can consume it without fear of major side effects.
- You can also mix it with other spices, such as cayenne pepper and garlic powder, if you want to make an aromatic plant-based spread against seasonal allergies.
Step 3. Opt for foods rich in quercetin to boost your immune defenses
Quercetin is a substance present in various types of fruit and vegetables, capable of inhibiting the release of histamine and calming inflammation in the respiratory tract and, consequently, helps relieve the symptoms of hay fever. Include some foods rich in quercetin in your diet in case of an allergic crisis.
- Onions contain this substance in significant quantities and also help to clear the nasal cavities.
- Other foods rich in quercetin are apples, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, berries, grapes, and wine.
Step 4. Try garlic
Garlic is able to thin and dissolve mucus that clogs the airways, making you feel better during an allergic attack. Try adding 1 or 2 cloves to your daily diet to see if it helps relieve symptoms.
- The safe amount to consume is 1-2 raw garlic cloves per day. You can also use the powder, being careful not to exceed 300 mg.
- Excessive consumption of garlic can interfere with the effect of anticoagulant drugs, hindering blood clotting. In case of impaired functioning of the hemostatic-coagulation system, ask your doctor if you can include it in your diet.
Step 5. Make nettle tea to reduce the amount of histamine in your body
This herbaceous plant appears to have antihistamine properties. The most common way to consume it is to make an infusion by mixing it with other aromatic herbs, so drink 3-4 cups a day to see if it helps relieve allergic symptoms.
- Up to 150 mg per day does not involve contraindications.
- Never eat it raw. Its name derives from the stinging action of the leaves, which are removed during processing.
Step 6. Eat pineapple to reduce swelling of the sinus lining
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can naturally act on inflammation and nasal congestion caused by allergies. Try consuming 1-2 servings of pineapple a day if you have allergic reactions to see if it offers any benefits.
Step 7. Try fresh ginger
Ginger is another spice that can relieve inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. You could grate it in order to add a special touch to your dishes and at the same time reduce the allergic symptoms.
- The recommended dose ranges from 50mg to 2g per day. Start with the smallest amount to rule out the risk of developing any side effects.
- You can also make an herbal tea either by using the ready-made sachets or by boiling fresh ginger in water.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Seasonal Allergies
In addition to inhibiting histamine production and relieving allergy symptoms, there are some natural steps you can take to prevent allergic attacks altogether. The nutrients below help improve the body's immune response and prevent symptoms from occurring. If you do not get any benefit, consult an allergist to learn about the drugs that can be taken orally or injected that can increase tolerance towards allergens.
Step 1. Enhance the immune response with vitamin C
A stronger immune system has been shown to allow the body to better resist allergies. Try increasing your vitamin C intake to strengthen your immune system and decrease sensitivity to allergens.
- Excellent sources of vitamin C are peppers, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and apples.
- The daily requirement for this vitamin is around 65-90 mg. Adults can get it regularly through a diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Step 2. Increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids to alleviate the inflammatory processes in the body
Since allergens work by inflaming the airways, an effective preventative measure is to control this symptom. Omega-3s are natural anti-inflammatories that also help strengthen the immune system. Aim to get 1-1.5g per day through your diet for best results.
Excellent sources of omega-3s are oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado and beans
Step 3. Opt for green tea to increase your antioxidant intake
Antioxidants appear to help decrease allergic reactions, and green tea is an excellent source of these nutrients. Drink 2-3 cups regularly to keep the levels of these nutrients high in your system and see how you can keep pollen allergy at bay.
Drink green tea as soon as you feel the onset of an allergic crisis. It could give the body the right charge to counteract the action of allergens
Step 4. Increase pollen tolerance with locally produced honey
The locally produced honey contains the pollens that circulate in its area of origin; So if you get what is produced in your area, it can help you gradually relieve sensitivity to allergens in the air you breathe. Research on the effectiveness of this method is mixed, but try it to see if it works. Consume 1g of honey a day to see if your condition improves.
Honey is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it may relieve symptoms if ingested during an allergic attack
Health reminder
Certainly some natural foods and nutrients have antihistamine properties that can act on allergic symptoms or prevent them. They generally have no health contraindications, so you can safely add them to your diet and see if they work. However, research offers different results and overall these remedies are not as effective as conventional drug-based treatments. If you have treated the allergic symptoms with self-medication without noticing any improvement, consult an allergist to learn about further therapeutic approaches that can counteract the pollen allergy.
