If you have seasonal allergies, you likely suffer from nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, or other symptoms around the same times each year. These uncomfortable symptoms can make you miserable for weeks or even months at a time. Thankfully, there are several great remedies available that can provide much-needed relief during allergy season. Here are some of the best and most effective remedies for seasonal allergies that can help you feel your best this time of year.
1. Honey
If seasonal allergies cause your throat to get irritated from inflammation, post-nasal drip, or coughing, honey can help soothe the discomfort. You can eat a teaspoon of honey to coat your throat, or mix it into a warm tea to sip on. Local honey is considered one of nature's best remedies for seasonal allergies. A popular theory suggests that eating locally produced honey made by bees from local plants can help desensitize the body to pollen, which could lower your allergic reaction over time. Check with your local Phipps Pharmacy for the availability and selection of local honey.
2. Steam Inhalation
Inhaling steam can be a great way to relieve some symptoms of seasonal allergies. Nasal congestion and post-nasal drip are caused by an excess of mucus in the sinuses, which can make breathing difficult and cause painful pressure in your face. A simple trick to thin and loosen mucus is steam inhalation. Run a hot shower or bath and sit in the bathroom with the door closed to breathe in the steam. Or, lean your head over a bowl filled with hot water and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam as you breathe. This can help clear mucus from your sinuses and reduce congestion.The addition of aromatic oils to the water before
3. Herbal Tea
When you’re not feeling well, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps support your immune system and flush out excess mucus. Warm liquids such as hot tea can be especially beneficial as they soothe irritation and inflammation in your throat. Opt for herbal teas as natural allergy-fighting remedies. Green tea and stinging nettle can act as natural antihistamines to help relieve seasonal allergies. Peppermint and chamomile have also been used for centuries to soothe allergy symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Vitamins and Supplements
Taking certain vitamins and supplements can help support your immune system and fight against seasonal allergies. For example, vitamin C and quercetin have natural antihistamine properties and are thought to reduce histamine levels to minimize allergy responses and symptoms. Other supplements that may help relieve your allergy symptoms could include vitamin D, butterbur, fermented red ginseng, probiotics, zinc, and others.
5. Sinus Irrigation
One of the best remedies for seasonal allergies is sinus irrigation. Use a sinus irrigation device such as a neti pot or nasal bulb to flush a saline solution through your nasal passages. This helps remove allergens and built-up mucus, which can reduce nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and other allergy symptoms. Phipps Pharmacy has a selection of saline solutions and application devices. Our team would be happy to help you select the best product for you and your symptoms. When using the saline solution, lean over a sink and use a device to gently flush your sinuses one nostril at a time.
6. Air Filters
To keep the air in your home clean and free of allergens, you should install a HEPA filter on your air conditioning system or furnace. This filter can trap airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander to keep them from circulating in the air. Make sure you replace air filters regularly, especially during high-use periods. It’s a good idea to check your filter once a month to see if it needs to be replaced. Adding an air purifier in your home can also be a great idea to help clean the air you breathe indoors.
7. Over-the-Counter Medication
There are a lot of over-the-counter medications available that can help relieve seasonal allergies. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help reduce the allergy response and temporarily treat unpleasant symptoms. You can also use a bioelectronic sinus device on the skin overlying your sinuses to provide temporary relief of nasal congestion and sinus pain. If your symptoms are severe, you should seek treatment from a healthcare professional.
More Allergy Help from Phipps Pharmacy
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you don’t have to be miserable all season long. Here at Phipps Pharmacy, our knowledgeable team wants to help you find the relief you need. If you have any questions about treating seasonal allergies or you’re looking for recommendations on allergy products, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today! We look forward to helping you find the allergy relief you deserve!
