Natural Allergy Treatment

Allergies can be very troublesome and you might need to take medicines for curing them. Instead of opting for antibiotics, you can choose from the various natural allergy treatments to cure allergies. You are exposed to a number of allergens daily. Once you become aware of the allergens causing the allergy, it is easier to cure the problem. Here is some information regarding allergy relief for some common types of allergies.

Dust Mite Allergy

There are numerous microorganisms present in dust which cause allergies. Allergies caused due to these microorganisms are known as dust mite allergies. Though dust mites flourish in summers and die in winters, they can survive in the coldest seasons, if they are in a humid or warm house. The dust particles which are visible to the naked eye in sunlight, contain dust mites and their bodily wastes lead to allergic reactions. The dust mites feed on the flakes of you or your pet's skin, which is shed daily. Though eliminating them completely is impossible, you can definitely reduce them with simple precautions.

Use a dehumidifier or an air conditioner. Keep your mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers. Wash blankets, bedding and pillow covers once a week in hot water (130 - 140°F), as this will help kill the dust mites. Freeze the non-washable bedding overnight in order to kill the dust mites. If possible, you must replace the wall-to-wall carpets with tiles or wooden flooring. Regular curtain and window cleaning is also essential. Wall-to-wall carpets, feathered pillows and blinds play host to dust mites. Vacuuming the furniture and carpets with a simple vacuum cleaner won't help in getting rid of dust mites. A vacuum cleaner which incorporates a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA), will be effective in getting rid of dust mites. Clean the furniture and flooring using a damp rag or mop, as using a dry rag is of no use.

Wearing a mask while cleaning is important, so that the allergens are not inhaled. Also, once you are done with vacuuming, stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes so that the dust and allergens settle. Wash your hands thoroughly after you finish the cleaning. Water is effective in dust removal.

Hay Fever

Suffering from itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose? These may be symptoms of hay fever. Hay fever is one of the most common allergies, and is also known as allergic rhinitis, which occurs when your immune system overreacts to airborne particles. When you come in contact with something you are allergic to, your body reacts by producing chemicals. These chemicals lead to itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose. Sneezing, a stuffy or itchy nose, cough, an itchy throat, red, swollen or watery eyes are the commonest symptoms of hay fever.

The herb Butterbur blocks the action of histamines and the inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions, and is the best natural treatment for hay fever. Pregnant or nursing women, people with kidney or liver diseases and children should not consume this herb. Quercetin is an antioxidant which prevents the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine from immune cells. Apples (with the skin), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea are good sources of Quercetin. Also, you must avoid contact with pet hair, dust mites, avoid sleeping with windows open and keeping pets inside your house. Don't keep the car window open while you drive. Wearing a face mask helps in restricting any inhalation of pollutants.

Food Allergies

The common foods which cause allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, eggs, soya beans, wheat and milk. The common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of tongue, tingling sensation in the mouth, difficulty in breathing, abdominal cramps, drop in blood pressure, skin rashes, eczema and hives. Only avoiding foods you are allergic to, can help cure food allergies. If you cannot completely eliminate those food items, try to reduce their intake gradually. Drinking a lot of water, like 6-8 glasses a day, is very important in case of food allergies.

Once you identify the cause of the allergy, you can treat it accordingly. You can also get an allergy test done for this. Simply avoid things which lead to allergy symptoms in you. This means proper self observation and maintaining a record.