Treating allergic rhinitis with herbs and healthy foods
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a nuisance for many people around the world. Which requires the support of the body’s immune system in order to combat the allergy season. So learn about the best ways to treat allergic rhinitis with natural herbs and healthy foods in order to relieve its symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis
Hay fever is a medical term for seasonal allergies that may occur in the spring, fall, or throughout the summer, as a result of exposure to allergens such as pollen and animal dander. Some foods may also increase the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
If seasonal allergy symptoms are left untreated, symptoms may worsen, which may affect activities of daily living. Those with weakened immunity, and people with respiratory diseases must also manage allergy symptoms in order to prevent complications.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- congestion
- Runny nose
- Itching and inflammation of the eye
- sneeze
And if you develop symptoms of allergic rhinitis in the spring, it is likely that you are allergic to tree pollen, but if the symptoms appear in the summer, it is likely that the allergy is caused by grass pollen.
But if seasonal allergy symptoms appear in the late summer and fall, ragweed may be the most likely culprit.
But if you suffer from allergic rhinitis symptoms all year round, you are likely to be allergic to indoor allergens such as animal dander or dust mites.
Treating allergic rhinitis with herbs
The use of some natural herbs may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, including:
1. Nettle herb
Nettle herb contains anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which helps relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. However, it should be noted that the nettle plant may interfere with some types of medications, such as medications for diabetics and high blood pressure, which may lead to adverse interactions with these medications. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before use.
2. Spirulina algae
Some recent research has indicated the effectiveness of the food supplement Spirulina in relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, by inhibiting the release of histamine that causes the symptoms. Among the symptoms that spirulina helps to improve include:
- Nasal secretions
- Nasal congestion
- nose itch
- sneeze
3. A quercetin supplement
Quercetin is a plant pigment from the flavonoid group, found in many vegetables, fruits, seeds, and leaves such as radishes, berries, and red onions. It is also available in the market in the form of capsules and food supplements.
The results of the studies concluded that this substance is effective in preventing the production of histamine. Thus reducing inflammation and allergy symptoms. However, it should be noted that quercetin may interfere with some types of medications, such as antibiotics.
4. Gingerbread
The use of ginger is known to treat many pathological symptoms, as ginger is a natural antibiotic that helps improve the health of the circulatory system, the digestive system, and the immune system of the body.
It is also a natural antihistamine, which helps relieve symptoms of congestion and headaches. And you can enjoy the benefits of ginger by inhaling the steam rising when sipping a cup of ginger tea.
5. Onion
Onions are a natural source of quercetin, which scientific studies have indicated to the ability of quercetin to act as a natural antihistamine, which may help relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
It is worth noting that red onions contain the highest concentration of quercetin, followed by white and green onions. Note that cooking may reduce the quercetin content in onions.
Therefore, it is better to eat it raw by adding it to salad dishes, or as an addition to sandwiches and sandwiches in order to benefit from it in treating allergic rhinitis naturally.
6. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights infections and viruses. So using raw garlic in cooking may help boost your immune system and relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms. Some may prefer to use garlic supplements, but it is better for you to use natural garlic.
Apple cider vinegar for allergic rhinitis
Organic apple cider vinegar strengthens the immune system, removes mucus, and clears the airways, as apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties. It is also a rich source of vitamins, calcium and magnesium.
To use organic apple cider vinegar to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with some fresh lemon juice, or with a glass of warm water and drink it.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis with turmeric
Turmeric is one of the herbs that has strong anti-inflammatory properties, due to the fact that it contains the compound curcumin, which may help reduce symptoms resulting from inflammation, such as reducing irritation and swelling caused by allergic rhinitis.
Despite the limited studies on the use of turmeric in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, the use of turmeric may help relieve symptoms associated with allergies.
You can use turmeric either in cooking, as a dietary supplement, or you can enjoy a cup of turmeric tea.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis by inhalation
In addition to ways to treat allergic rhinitis with natural herbs, the use of some types of essential oils by inhaling steam may help improve blood circulation, relieve stress and symptoms of congestion and mucus, open nasal passages, and improve lung function. Among the types of these essential oils:
- lavender oil
- Peppermint oil
- eucalyptus oil (eucalyptus oil)
Common ways to use essential oils as a complementary treatment for seasonal allergy symptoms include:
- Spread it in the air
- Topical application to the skin after dilution with a carrier oil such as olive oil
- Inhaling the scent of an essential oil (known as aromatherapy)
If essential oils are used topically, the essential oil should be mixed with a carrier oil, usually 5 drops of essential oil mixed with one ounce of carrier oil.
Foods to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Adding some types of foods to your diet may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms and boost your immune system. Among the foods that are useful for treating allergic rhinitis are the following:
- Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir
- Fresh vegetables such as beetroot, carrots, and potatoes
- Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel
- poultry
- beef
- Apple cider vinegar
- pineapple
- Foods that contain spices such as ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and onions
Foods forbidden for sinus allergy
The foods that you are allergic to, you must refrain from them during the allergy season, in order to reduce the burden on your immune system and allow it to work in the required manner. Among the foods that patients with allergic rhinitis should avoid in order not to lead to an increase in the symptoms of your allergic rhinitis are the following:
- caffeine
- Peanuts
- chocolate
- artificial sweeteners
- Dairy products
- processed foods
- dried fruits
- Wheat
- soy
And if you are not sure how sensitive you are to certain types of foods and drinks, you can try the exclusion diet in order to determine the types of foods that can increase your seasonal allergy symptoms.
In the end, despite the possibility of treating allergic rhinitis with herbs, which can have fewer side effects than using some types of traditional medicines. But you should keep in mind that herbs are medicine too.
Therefore, a doctor should be consulted before use, in order to determine the appropriate dose for treatment, as well as knowing the contraindications for use, especially in the case of taking some types of medication.