Six Natural Remedies for Your Allergies

The term allergy is used to describe an abnormal immune response to a substance that your body mistakenly thinks is harmful. Substances that cause these allergic reactions are known as allergens. A person's immune system thinks that these allergens are damaging to the body and so reacts by creating antibodies to attack the allergens. These antibodies in turn trigger certain cells in the body to release other chemicals that bring about the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Some of the most common allergens include:

• Foods such as milk, eggs, dairy products, wheat, shellfish, and peanuts.
• Dust mites.
• Pollen.
• Animals & insects such as cats, dogs, and bees.
• Medications.

Although these substances may not be harmful in themselves, they initiate a wide range of symptoms in a person who is predisposed. An allergic reaction can affect a person's skin, eyes, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, nose, and throat. Some of the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Sneezing.
• Coughing.
• Runny nose and sinus pain.
• Itchy eyes, throat, and palate (roof of the mouth).
• Shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Swelling, rash, and hives.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Several factors can trigger allergies:

• Poor digestion can increase the probability of suffering from allergies. It is important that food is chewed properly and that the intake of water around meals is excessive.
• Stress, anxiety, emotional imbalance, fatigue, and strong emotions like fear can also increase the likelihood of producing allergies.
• Environmental factors such as irritants in the air and weather.

Although conventional medications are helpful in alleviating the symptoms of allergies, there are also natural ways to ease these symptoms. A few of these simple remedies include:

• A mixture of sandalwood and lime juice, made into a paste and applied over the affected area will provide relief from itching, rash, hives, and swelling of the skin.

• A liquid made of oatmeal can be very useful in treating hives. Add one table spoon of oatmeal to boiling water and let it steep for thirty minutes. Strain the oatmeal and apply the liquid to the hives. It is also useful in relieving the pain from bug bites.

• Applying mashed papaya seeds or mashed almond leaves to the affected area can provide relief from itching and redness.

• Making tea with thyme and consuming it can be helpful for sinus problems, stuffy noses, coughing, and sneezing. Use one teaspoon of dried thyme for every cup of water. Do not consume more than one cup of this tea per day.

• Apple cider vinegar is the most popular cure for averting the more common allergies such as pollen, animal dander, dust, and food. There are several ways to use apple cider vinegar when trying to cure allergies. A tonic made of about 1/8 of a cup of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water can be sipped throughout the day. If this is consumed at the onset of symptoms the allergies will usually subside within three hours of drinking the mixture. Apple cider vinegar may also be used in the bath. A small amount in your bath will help to relieve bug bites, hives, itching, and redness. It is best to use organic apple cider vinegar.

• Raw honey is effective in treating respiratory problems, soothing the throat, and killing infections. It has the potential to have the same effect as taking allergy injections and is generally used to treat severe allergy symptoms. Honey can be used to sweeten hot and cold teas and lemonade. Mixing 3 ounces of honey with 3 ounces of apple cider vinegar will help to give you instant relief and usually lasts about twelve hours. Spring water may be added to help with the taste.