Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects both men and women, and also is common among infants and young children. Hay fever, usually refers to outdoor allergies, and airborne materials such as pollen and molds.
Others factors, which trigger this condition include, cigarette smoke, humidity, cold temperatures, exposure to chemicals, wood smoke and fumes, and high pollution. Below are some of the best home remedies for hay fever.
Best Home Remedies for Hay Fever
1) Local Honey
Local bees make local honey, which can effectively treat hay fever, due to the presence of bee pollen. You can have immunity to the allergens and other pollens, by ingesting local honey.
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, present in it give relief from various symptoms of hay fever. For best results, it is advisable to use locally harvested honey for protection against pollens.
To help relieve symptoms, consume one or more teaspoons of raw, unprocessed local honey. This can be taken, three or four times in a day. According to experts, consuming raw honey daily, before hay fever season, can prevent the condition.
Another option, is, in a glass of warm water, mix one tablespoon of honey and three or four drops of fresh lemon juice, and drink it immediately for a good health.
Consuming this mixture daily, will help to strengthen your immune system and fight off symptoms quickly.
2) Ginger
Another effective home remedy to treat hay fever. Ginger, has the ability to strengthen the immune system and also act as a natural antihistamine. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce nasal swelling and other symptoms.
Ginger as a cure for hay fever, can be used by chewing small pieces of fresh ginger root sprinkled with salt. This can be done several times in a day, to get relief from a runny nose, headache and even cough.
For fast recovery from allergies (R), it is also advisable to drink, two to three cups of ginger tea daily. To prepare the ginger tea, add one tablespoon of grated ginger to one cup of water. Boil it for five minutes. Strain the mixture, and add a little honey and lemon juice to it. Drink the tea warm.
3) Garlic
A natural antibiotic that can effectively ward off several symptoms of hay fever. In addition, to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, garlic is a good source of quercetin, a natural antihistamine. These properties present in it, will also promote speedy recovery.
To fight the various symptoms of hay fever, chew two to three raw garlic cloves daily for one or two weeks. You can also try garlic soup for relief from hay fever symptoms. To prepare the soup, boil three or four cloves of chopped garlic in one cup of water, for about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture, and add a little bit of honey to it. Consume this mixture, twice in a day, for at least one week.
4) Apple Cider Vinegar
Another effective home remedy for hay fever. Apple Cider Vinegar, is effective in restoring the vital nutrients in the body, which in turn regulates the immune response system of the body. It also helps in restoring an alkaline pH in the body.
To use this as a remedy for hay fever, mix one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. To this mixture, add one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and one-half tablespoon of raw honey.
Drink this mixture, three times in a day until your condition improves.
5) Nettle
An effective home remedy, for treating hay fever, is the nettle herb. The herb, is known as a natural antihistamine (R), which has the ability of reducing inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Other hay fever symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, and itching can be eased with this nettle herb.
Nettle as a home remedy, can be used, by mixing one tablespoon of dried nettle leaf in a cup of hot water. Steep the mixture, for about five minutes, strain it, and add some honey to the mixture. Consume this mixture, two or three times daily, until you get relief from hay fever symptoms.
According to experts, one can prevent hay fever, if the nettle is consumed regularly, one month before the allergy season.
6) Chamomile
One of the best home remedies, for hay fever. Chamomile, due to its natural antioxidant and antihistamine, properties, helps to relieve hay fever symptoms.
Chamomile, as a home remedy, can be used by mixing two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water. Allow the mixture to steep for five minutes. Strain the mixture, and add some lemon juice and honey to it. Have this tea, three or four times in a day, for two to three days.
Another option, is you can also boil a handful of chamomile flowers in water. Cover and let the water simmer on low heat for five minutes. Remove from heat and inhale the fumes for 10 minutes. Follow this remedy once in a day, until complete recovery.
7) Salt Water
Another good remedy for alleviating hay fever symptoms, and for maintaining good health. Salt water, helps in thinning the mucus and clear the nasal passages. It also provides you relief from a sore throat.
To use this a home remedy, mix one and half teaspoon of table salt in two cups of warm water. Slightly, rest your head back, and using a dropper, put a few drops of this solution into each nostril. Inhale slowly and then blow your nose to remove excess mucus and solution.
Repeat this procedure, twice in a day, until your health condition improves.
You can even mix one teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water, alternatively. Use this mixture to gargle. Do this remedy, until you get relief from the allergy symptoms.
8) Steam
Steam can be used as an effective home remedy to get relief from hay fever symptoms like sore throat, runny nose and sneezing. It also helps to clear out excess mucus.
You can do this as a home remedy, by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil or menthol crystals to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and hold your face over the bowl. Now, carefully inhale the steam, for about 10 minutes, and then blow your nose. Try out this remedy, three or four times in a day, until complete recovery.
By Supraja