Options for Natural Allergy Relief

Many people are plagued by allergies and over the counter medications may not completely help, plus you often get unwanted side effects. Relief doesn't have to come in the form of a prescription or over the counter drug remedy; there are natural ways to help your body deal with the effects of seasonal allergies.

Here are remedies that I have found beneficial:

1. The Neti Pot

The Neti pot naturally cleanses and refreshes the nasal passages to help relieve allergy symptoms. Salt water has been a natural remedy for years for soothing sore throats in addition to keeping the nasal passageways moist. Flushing the nasal passageways with a saline rinse using a neti pot can also rinse away the allergens that get trapped within the nasal cavity. The salt water breaks up sinus congestion too and can greatly reduce your dependency on antihistamine medications. I usually the Neti Pot cleanse once a day, but it can be used twice.

2. Quercetin

Quercetin, a naturally occurring bioflavanoid, has properties that reduce the inflammation associated with allergies and control the release of histamine. Quercetin dosed 1,000 -2,000mg per day in 4-6 divided is optimal for reducing allergies. Derived from different plants, quercetin can prevent your body cells from releasing histamine, the chemical that triggers allergic reactions. Quercetin also is an antioxidant that combats free radicals in the body which could lead to cancer. The best time to take quercetin supplements is before allergy season so it can build up in your body and be of the best benefit. Vitamin C also helps to reduce histamine.

3. Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol (an extract of pine bark) stabilizes the cells of the body that are responsible for the symptoms of allergies. It causes mast cells to be less reactive to the foreign proteins that cause allergies. Pycnogenol inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells - histamine released from mast cells is responsible for the inflammation/redness that occurs during allergies.

4. Eating Better

A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce your susceptibility to allergens that can trigger reactions by reducing inflammation. Flaxseed oil, salmon, walnuts, and meats and eggs from grass-eating animals all contain healthy amounts of omega-3. Spicy and piquant foods can open your passageways and thin mucus. Chili peppers, horseradish and spicy mustard all work as short-term decongestants.

Chicken soup, fresh garlic, onions and hot tea all work to reduce allergic reactions as well. Chicken soup has some compounds which work to block the inflammatory response of the body which causes congestion and swelling of the nasal and bronchial passageways. Garlic has natural components that work to fight of bacteria and other infections.

Natural, raw honey has can build your resistance to many allergens over time, but you must start before allergy season begins. Bees get pollen from a variety of plants, some of them which produce known allergens. The honey has antimicrobial properties which help you fight off allergies and help you build a tolerance to the very plants you are allergic to.

In conclusion, fighting allergies through natural means has worked for thousands of years for other people so it should be able to work for us. You do have to plan ahead with some remedies but being able to handle allergies without chemical means is a much healthier proposition. Plus, natural remedies typically do not cause any of the unwanted side effects.

I found the best price for the vitamins (Quercetin and Pycnogenol) at Puritan's Pride.  They also have the Neti Pot and the solution used in it.  While I wouldn't say the Neti Pot was a substantial savings from other places, it was definitely still cheaper.  For me placing one order was more convenient for me.  www.puritans.com