Choosing To Live Better

Two Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergy Relief

Not everyone enjoys watching the seasons change. For some people, changing seasons means battling seasonal allergies. Dealing with seasonal allergies can be aggravating. It causes many people to experience watery, itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion. Fortunately, an allergist can help you manage seasonal allergy symptoms. However, even if you see an allergist on a regular basis you might still experience a few allergy symptoms. So, you should consider adding some of these home remedies to your treatment plan.

Using a Neti Pot

People use neti pots to flush irritants, allergens, and mucus from the nasal cavity. They are simple to use and will give you instant relief from congestion. You can make a saline rinse mixture to use with your neti pot by mixing three teaspoons of iodine-free salt — canning salt that doesn't contain preservatives or caking agents is a good option — with one rounded teaspoon of baking soda. You need to store the mixture in a clean, airtight container until you're ready to use your neti pot. To use the salt rinse mixture with your neti pot:

1. Pour eight ounces of boiling water into your neti pot.
2. Add one teaspoon of your saline rinse mixture to the pot, and stir it until it's all dissolved.
3. Wait for the water in your neti pot to cool down to room temperature.
4. Lean over the sink and tilt your head to the side so that your ear is facing the sink bowl.
5. Use the neti pot to pour the rinse into the nostril furthest from the sink. The saline rinse will flow out of your other nostril into the sink.
6. Tilt your head to the other side and repeat the process with your other nostril.

Consuming Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf — a natural antihistamine — is available to purchase in capsule form, so it's easy to take every day to relieve symptoms, such as watery, itchy eyes. However, if you don't want to take a pill, you can use nettle leaf and peppermint leaf to make a soothing hot tea. To make an 8 ounce cup of nettle and peppermint tea:

1. Place one teaspoon of nettle leaf and one teaspoon of peppermint leaf in a long-handled, tea ball strainer, and close the strainer tightly.
2. Boil 8 ounces of water.
3. Place the filled tea strainer in your cup with the handle sticking out.
4. Pour the boiling water into the cup.
5. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes — the longer you let it set, the stronger the tea.
6. Remove the strainer from your cup to drink your tea.

Tip: if your allergies are causing you to cough, adding a teaspoon of honey to your tea will soothe your throat and give you some relief.

Battling seasonal allergies isn't pleasant. However, with the help of a good allergist and a few natural remedies that will help relieve your symptoms, you can get through allergy season without any major issues.