Home Remedies To Treat Allergic Rhinitis

What is allergic rhinitis?

The word allergic rhinitis means “inflammation of the nose”, it is also known as hay fever. The nose produces fluid called mucus. This fluid is normally thin and clear. It helps to keep dust, debris and allergens out of the lungs. Mucus traps particles like dust and pollen, as well as bacteria and viruses.

Mucus usually drains down the back of your throat. You’re not aware of this most of the time because it is a small amount and is thin. When the nose becomes irritated, it may produce more mucus, which becomes thick and pale yellow. The mucus generally begin to flow from the front of the nose as well as the back. Substances in the mucus may irritate the back of the throat and cause coughing. Postnasal drip occurs when more mucus drains down the back of the throat.

There are two forms of allergic rhinitis

Seasonal (hay fever)

This is caused by an allergy to pollen and/or mold spores in the air. Pollen is the fine powder that comes from the stamen of flowering plants. It can be carried through the air and is easily inhaled. Symptoms are seasonal and usually occur in spring, late summer, and fall.

Perennial

This is caused by other allergens such as dust mites, pet hair or dander, or mold. Symptoms occur year-round.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Hay fever is the most common form of allergy. Symptoms of hay fever are seasonal. You will feel worse when the pollens that affect you are at their highest levels.

Your symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of your allergies. Symptoms can include:

• Sneezing.
• Coughing.
• Itching (mostly eyes, nose, mouth, throat and skin).
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose.
• Stuffy nose.
• Headache.
• Pressure in the nose and cheeks.
• Ear fullness and popping.
• Watery, red, or swollen eyes.
• Dark circles under your eyes.
• Trouble smelling.
• Hives.

Allergic rhinitis can remain for several weeks, longer than a cold or the flu. It does not cause fever. The nasal discharge from hay fever is thin, watery, and clear. Nasal discharge from a cold or the flu tends to be thicker. Itching (mostly in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin) is one of the common problem with hay fever but not with a cold or the flu. Sneezing is more prominent with hay fever. You may even have severe sneeze attacks.

What are the causes of allergic rhinitis?

The most common causes of allergic rhinitis include the following:

• Pollen (for example, tree, grass, or weed)
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Cockroach droppings
• Animal dander
• Tobacco smoke.

Can allergic rhinitis be prevented or avoided?

Allergic rhinitis cannot be prevented. You can help your symptoms by avoiding the things that you are allergic, including:

• Keeping windows closed. This is especially important during high-pollen seasons.
• Washing your hands after petting animals.
• Using dust- and mite-proof bedding and mattress covers.
• Wearing glasses outside to protect your eyes.
• Showering before bed to wash off allergens from hair and skin.

You can also avoid things that can make your symptoms worse, such as:

• Aerosol sprays
• Air pollution
• Cold temperatures
• Humidity
• Irritating fumes
• Tobacco smoke
• Wind
• Wood smoke.

Treating allergic rhinitis naturally involves using two types of approach. One approach would be to look for home remedies that improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis while the other approach will be to strengthen immunity to prevent your immune system from making wrong calls.

Here are few natural home remedies to treat allergic rhinitis

Garlic

Garlic is an inevitable kitchen ingredient and it is one of the most recommended natural home remedies for allergic rhinitis. Quercetin in garlic is anti-inflammatory and a natural antihistamine and hence effective for treating the condition. Garlic is an immune booster. It also provides powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, which generally support for quick recovery from allergic rhinitis.

• Chew 3 raw garlic on empty stomach in the mornings till symptoms subside. Regular use of garlic in your cooking also help avoid this problem.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a potent antioxidant and aids in boosting immunity. Being anti-inflammatory it reduces symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

• Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a cup of milk and and boil it. Drink this warm mixture.
• You can also add honey to turmeric, mix well and have it twice a day.

Honey

Honey has antibacterial and anti-viral properties. As all know that high dose of honey to be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

• Add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of warm water. Drink thrice in a day till you get relief.

Pepper

Pepper has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is used since from ancient times for its various medicinal properties and pepper is also an effective natural remedy for allergic rhinitis. The expectorant properties of pepper aid in relieving congestion.

• Crush pepper along with clove and then add honey and turmeric to the powder. Mix well and consume it twice a day.

Ginger

The immune system boosting properties of ginger generally aid in providing long term relief from allergic rhinitis. Ginger have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which aid in treating symptoms associated with the health condition.

• Peel a piece of ginger and rinse well. Add it to a glass of water and boil it. Keep it in slim for about 5 minutes. Filter and drink warm. Having ginger tea twice a day helps to relieve you from allergic rhinitis.

Onion

Onion contains quercetin, which possesses anti-histamine properties. It is also an anti-inflammatory and hence is highly effective in treating allergic rhinitis.

• Applying onion poultice relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Here is how you make onion poultice:
• Take two onions and some grated ginger.
• Sauté the ingredients adding very little water. Just gentle heating will do.
• Spread the mixture in a towel. Fold to secure the mixture in place.
• Place the poultice on the chest or on the feet to be relieved from congestion.
• Remove it after about half an hour.
• Make fresh poultice when necessary.

Generally including raw onion in your regular diet will boost your immunity and reduce risk of allergic rhinitis.

Green Tea

Green tea has powerful antioxidant and anti-histamine properties. As all know that regular consumption of green tea for a little over one month before getting exposed to seasonal allergies can reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

• Drink green tea four to five times a day if possible.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint relieves symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. It reduces inflammation. Menthol in peppermint oil is a natural expectorant and hence it is highly effective for nasal congestion. Peppermint oil relieves headaches as well.

• Add few drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser and inhale for relief.
• You can also add a few peppermint leaves to a glass of water and bring to boil. Add a drop of peppermint essential oil. Simmer for a few minutes. Filter and drink warm.
• Take some peppermint essential oil and coconut oil. Mix well. Apply it on your chest.

Basil Essential Oil

The medicinal properties of basil are well established. Basil leaves are used in the treatment of various health conditions, basil is also proved effective for relieving allergic rhinitis. Basil fights bacteria and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

• Add some basil leaves to a glass of water and then boil. Simmer for a few minutes. Strain and drink twice a day.
• Chew basil leaves daily.
• Dilute basil essential oil with coconut oil and apply on chest for relief.

Eucalyptus Oil

A popular natural home remedy that comes almost immediately to mind when one has cold or headache or both and any respiratory issue is eucalyptus oil. It is very effective in treating symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

• Add one or two drops of eucalyptus essential oil to hot water. Cover your head with a cotton towel and bend your face over the oil added water and inhale till you find relief.
• Eucalyptus oil can also be diffused into the air. Rubbing the oil locally can also relieve you from the health condition.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Silymarin in milk thistle aids in reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms.

• Powder milk thistle seeds and add it to your soup, salad or cereal. You can also drink milk thistle tea. To make tea, add one teaspoon of milk thistle seeds to a glass of water and bring to boil. Reduce the flame and simmer for a few minutes. Filter and drink twice a day.

Spirulina

Spirulina is one of the best herbs for treating allergic rhinitis. It reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and congestion.

• Add spirulina powder to your smoothies. You can sprinkle the powder on your soup or salad. If you don’t have a particular dislike for the taste, you can also add a teaspoon of spirulina powder to two glasses of water and drink.

Eye Bright

Eye bright works great for hay fever. It has anti-inflammatory properties and it improves symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis including congestion and itchy eyes. Tannins in eye bright aid in reducing mucus discharge.

• Add a teaspoon of eye bright leaves to a glass of water and bring to boil. Simmer for few minutes. Filter and drink thrice a day till symptoms improve.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has many of benefits includes curing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It aids in fighting infection.

• Add a cup of boiling water to two teaspoons of dried goldenseal. Cover and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an immune booster. It possesses powerful antihistamine properties that aid in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis including sneezing and congestion. ACV is also an antibiotic.

• Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. Add honey to enhance the taste, and now drink that mixture.

Reishi Mushrooms

The anti-inflammatory properties of reishi mushroom aid in curing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It inhibits histamine production thereby reducing symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. Reishi mushrooms boost immunity.

• Add two slices of reishi mushroom to four glasses of water and bring to boil. After about 15 minutes of boiling, turn off the heat and strain the liquid. Drink warm.

Probiotics

Probiotics are not only effective for treating allergic rhinitis but also for preventing the health condition. They  support immunity thereby reducing the risk of allergic rhinitis.

• Probiotics are available in various foods including cheese and yoghurt. You should consume probiotic foods daily.

Omega Essential Fatty Acids

Regularly consuming of omega 3 essential fatty acid reduces the risk of suffering from allergic rhinitis. Omega 6 EFA checks production of histamine. It also supports the production of prostaglandins, which support lung health and improves allergic symptoms.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Your body produces hydrogen peroxide as it is first line of defense to fight infections. Hydrogen peroxide is essential for a sound immune system and it relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis and reduces the risk of the health condition.

• Hydrogen peroxide can be used as nasal spray or can be pumped under the tongue for relief.

Steaming

Steaming relieves allergic rhinitis symptoms. It soothes mucous membranes, cures congestion and helps with your breathing.

• Fill a bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for added effect. Bend your head over the bowl and inhale. Place a towel over your head so that the steam is locked inside giving you relief.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling removes toxins from your body. It removes irritants that trigger allergic rhinitis.

• Take a tablespoon of sesame oil and put it in your mouth. You can also use coconut oil for oil pulling.
• Swish the oil well around your mouth for about 20 minutes. Be careful not to swallow the oil.
• Spit the oil out after 20 minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water after which you may brush your teeth.
• Oil pulling has to be done on empty stomach.

Butterbur

 

Petasin, an active ingredient present in butterbur is antihistamine and hence works well for allergic rhinitis. It reduces mucus.

• Rinse butterbur root in cold water. Soak a teaspoon of the root in cold water for about 12 hours and have it.

By following all these above natural home remedies you can get rid of allergic rhinitis. If your problem is severe consult your doctor immediately.