Some Home Remedies for Allergies

Some home remedies for allergies, like nasal irrigation or certain essential oils, can help relieve some allergy symptoms. But it’s best to identify the source of your allergy and follow your doctor’s advice.
When your immune system reacts to something that doesn’t bother other people, you’re experiencing an allergic reaction.

Some of the biggest culprits for causing allergic reactions are:
• pollen
• dust mites
• pet dander
• mold spores
• insect stings
• food
• medications

Allergies can cause a number of symptoms such as:
• sneezing
• runny nose
• itching
• rashes
• swelling
• asthma

Doctors typically treat allergies with a variety of approaches which often include medications and allergy shots. There are, however, natural and home remedies for allergies that you might consider.
The best natural remedy for allergies
The best natural remedy for allergies is, when possible, avoidance. Both doctors and natural healers will suggest that you limit or avoid allergens, which are what causes your allergic reaction.

You should avoid exposure to your allergens. For example, if you’ve had an allergic reaction to a sulfa drug, let your doctor know about your allergy. They’ll most likely prescribe an alternate antibiotic if you’ll ever need one.
That being said, some allergens are hard to avoid. In that case, after discussing your symptoms with your doctor, you might consider a home remedy for allergies to deal with the results of exposure to an allergen.

Saline nasal irrigation
A 2012 reviewTrusted Source of 10 studies showed that saline nasal irrigation had beneficial effects for both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, which is often referred to as hay fever.
Air filters
Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are one type of air filter to consider. By trapping airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, HEPA filters reduce allergens in your home.
Butterbur
In a 2003 reviewTrusted Source, butterbur — also known as Petasites hybridus — was found to be equally effective for itchy eyes as a commonly used oral antihistamine.

Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in papaya and pineapple. Natural healers consider bromelain to be effective at improving breathing by reducing swelling.
Acupuncture
A 2015 reviewTrusted Source of 13 studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
Probiotics
A 2015 reviewTrusted Source of 23 studies indicated that probiotics may help improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Honey
Although there’s no scientific evidence to prove it, a popular theory suggests eating locally produced honey.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers
By removing moisture from the air, air conditioners and dehumidifiers can limit the growth of mildew and mold that can negatively impact allergies.
Stinging nettle
Natural healing practitioners suggest stinging nettle as a natural antihistamine to help with allergy treatment.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a favorite of natural healing advocates who believe that it stabilizes the release of histamines and helps to control allergy symptoms. It’s naturally found in broccoli, cauliflower, green tea, and citrus fruits.

Vitamin C
Practitioners of natural medication suggest taking 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily to reduce histamine levels.
Precautions when using home remedies for allergies
Don’t use home remedies to treat severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, which can be identified by symptoms such as:
• trouble breathing
• tightness in the lungs
• chest pains
• blood pressure changes
• dizziness
• fainting
• rash
• vomiting
If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.