Dealing With Allergies the Natural Way

Dealing With Allergies the Natural Way

Many people tend to associate seasonal allergies with the springtime, but the truth is that allergies can affect prone individuals year-round. With as many as one in two UK residents experiencing allergy symptoms at some point during the year, people are looking for safe and natural solutions to combat the discomfort that comes with an allergy. Here’s everything that you need to know about winter allergies and how to fight them this coming season.

The Causes of Winter Allergies
In the spring, most people suffer from symptoms caused by pollen in the air. In the wintertime, however, more people experience allergies caused by indoor pollutants. Houses and flats are more likely to have poor air quality during colder months when people keep their windows shut and turn fans off. Without proper air circulation, pollutants and allergens are able to build up in the air, including:
    •    Pet dander, which causes varying degrees of allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
    •    Spores from mould and mildew, which grows in damp and unventilated spaces such as the bathroom
    •    Dust Mites: Bugs that are invisible to the naked eye thrive in rarely cleaned areas. They’re particularly common in carpeting, upholstery, and linens.

Natural Ways to Treat Allergy Symptoms

Allergies can be a source of great discomfort, making it difficult for affected individuals to breathe and relax. In mild cases, allergies cause coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. In more severe cases, people with allergies may experience irritation, hives, and swelling of the air passageway. One of the most effective ways to reduce allergy symptoms is to avoid using harmful chemicals in the house that can worsen your allergies.

Furthermore, there are plenty of over-the-counter medications that are designed to treat allergy symptoms, but these can sometimes have moderate to severe side effects. Natural treatments are much safer, and they can be just as effective at alleviating pain, redness, and swelling. Here are a couple of natural avenues to try when dealing with winter allergies:
    •    Keep your house clean and free of irritants.
    •    Prevent dry, irritated skin in yourself and your pets by using a humidifier.
    •    Try using essential oils such as lavender or peppermint oil.
    •    Use supplements derived from quercetin.
    •    Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for antioxidants that support the immune system.
    •    Rinse out your nasal passage with a mixture of baking soda and sterilised water.
    •    Avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks, which can wreak havoc on the immune system.

Allergies aren’t just limited to the springtime. Though hay fever might not be an issue in the winter, many people suffer from allergic reactions caused by poor indoor air quality. If you find yourself experiencing allergy symptoms in the coming months, remember that the safest way to treat yourself is to go the natural route.

Written by Cassandra Liily