Allergies causing headaches, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, rash, stomach aches, acid reflux, indigestion, tiredness and fatigue effect millions of people. In America alone, more than 26 million people suffer from seasonal allergies and 50 million suffer from allergies of all types.

Many people turn to over the counter traditional medications for relief. Unfortunately, they only provide marginal relief and can have unpleasant and unhealthy side effects. On the other hand, natural allergy remedies may be not be able to provide a quick fix but are able to treat the underlying cause and provide long term results.

A weak immune system is easily overcome by allergy symptoms. Consistently consuming an immune defense strengthening diet and taking effective natural allergy remedies, inevitably turns a weak immune system into one that can not only rid the body of allergies but can prevent them from returning.

Imagine a prickly invader like a grain of pollen entering your nasal passages and latching onto soft mucous membranes. These mucous membranes contain immune cells which are loaded with histamines. The immune cells respond by releasing histamine and other chemicals. The purpose of histamine to help the body get rid of intruders through sneezing, watery eyes and itching.

Traditional allergy medications such as antihistamines attempt to treat the symptoms brought on by the body in its attempt to get rid of the allergen. However, the medicine is actually preventing the histamines from removing the allergen, thus masking the problem instead of providing a remedy. This can result in chronic allergies and long term dependence on these medications.

Neti Pots. You can rinse away allergens with saltwater. Neti pots have been used in India for thousands of years to flush the sinuses and keep them clear. The idea may take a little getting used to but it is very effective. The saltwater can rinse away those prickly pollen grains and help treat allergies and other forms of sinus congestion.

An Italian study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that nasal flushing was a mild and effective way to treat seasonal allergies in children, and reduced their use of antihistamines.

To flush your sinuses, mix a quarter to a half teaspoon of noniodized table salt into a cup of lukewarm water and pour it into the pot. (You can adjust the amount of salt, depending on what feels most comfortable.) Lean over a sink with your head slightly cocked to one side, then put the spout of the neti into one nostril and allow the water to drain out the other nostril.

Use about half of the solution, then repeat on the other side, tilting your head the opposite way. Gently blow out each nostril to clear them completely. Neti pots are widely available online and at natural food stores. Use your pot about twice a day during allergy season, especially in the morning and after spending time outdoors. You also can use a neti pot before bed to prevent snoring caused by allergies and promote optimal overnight breathing.

Practical tips to help with allergies:

* Avoid using window fans to cool rooms, because they can pull pollen indoors.
* Keep windows closed when driving, and use the air conditioner to avoid allergens.
Limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high.


Internal cleansing - We are exposed to many toxins on a daily basis such as artificial food ingredients, heavily processed foods, synthetic perfume or personal care products, toxic chemicals in the workplace or at home and heavy metals. All these toxins stress and weaken the immune system and have been known to worsen all kinds of allergies. Removing toxins that have accumulated in your body will help the immune system to become strong again.

Querceten - A natural plant-derived compound called a bioflavonoid helps stabilize immune cells. It is found in citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine. However to receive adequate amounts, allergy sufferers will probably need to use supplements to build up enough quercetin over time to prevent attacks.

One thousand milligrams a day, taken between meals is the recommended dosage. Treatment should begin about six weeks before allergy season. Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so please consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement — especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Omega-3 fatty acids - A German study, published in the journal Allergy, found that participants who ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to suffer allergy symptoms than those who didn’t regularly eat these foods. Omega-3s help fight inflammation and can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts, grass-fed meat and eggs. The richest source by far is flax seed oil.

Stinging Nettle - If you need an antihistamine but don't want to experience the side effects of dry mouth and drowsiness, stinging nettle works in a similar manner to drugs sold to treat allergies. It inhibits the body’s ability to produce histamine. The best way to get it is in capsule form from your local health store. Studies have shown that taking about 300 milligrams daily will offer relief for most people, but the effects will probably last only a few hours.