Spring 2015: 6 Natural Remedies for Spring Allergies

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Spring is near, meaning the flowers are blooming; and unfortunately, the arrival of seasonal allergies as well. According to The Daily Meal, around 50 million people in the United States experience seasonal allergies during the Spring.  

There are over-the-counter drugs that can help with Spring allergies such as antihistamines and decongestants; however, these allergy medications have some side-effects. For instance, Mashable states that one out of five people experience drowsiness after using over-the-counter drugs for allergy relief. In addition, people experience headaches and rapid heartbeats after taking oral decongestants.  

Luckily, there are some natural remedies for allergies, which really work and cause no side-effects.  

#1: Take a Hot Shower 

According to Mashable, hot showers can help clear the sinuses. The Daily Meal adds that a hot shower can cleanse the body of any allergens that could have settled from a day outside.  

#2: Take Butterbur 

Butterbur is an herb that has been traditionally used to relieve and prevent headaches, The Daily Meal explains. A study conducted in 2002 revealed that the herb also has similar effects to antihistamine, without the drowsiness, added Mashable. 

Butterbur can block chemicals that cause swelling in the nasal passage. Meanwhile, The Daily Meal states that the herb can protect against hay fever and allergy-related asthma as well.  

The herb can be found in pill or tea form local health stores. 

#3: Have Some Probiotics 

Probiotics support immune systems, states Mashable. It is a good bacteria which can improve stomach health and fight seasonal allergies. Probiotics can be found in fermented food such as, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.  

#4: Avoid Foods that Can Trigger Seasonal Allergies 

There are certain foods, like tomatoes, which contain histamines and can cause allergies. The Daily Meal advice people to avoid "allergy trigger foods." 

A list of other foods that can trigger allergies can be found here.  

#5: Eat Spicy Food 

Mashable reports that spicy food can help thin out built-up mucus. The site advices eating food which contains some cayenne pepper, onions and garlic, as well as hot ginger. 

#6: Add Some Apple Cider Vinegar to Drinks 

Apple cider vinegar increases the potassium levels of the body which can help break-up mucus, reports Mashable. It enables smoother breathing by eliminating a runny nose. The site also advises to add the mixture to water or some lemon juice.  

The Daily Meal suggests adding 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 2 cups of water. It adds that adding the mixture to drinks will help boost the immune system.