People with allergic rhinitis are very familiar with the inconveniences of living with this condition. When their allergy strikes, they begin to experience a variety of symptoms such as incessant sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and a persistent dry cough. These can make it difficult for them to sleep and concentrate. They can also cause drowsiness or tiredness during the day, which can result in irritability.
Taking antihistamines can help relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, not everyone is comfortable with taking over-the-counter or prescription medications. Some people experience adverse reactions when taking antihistamines due to hypersensitivity. Others just prefer turning to natural remedies to treat a variety of health problems. There are also times when allergy medications are inaccessible.
Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives that can help alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. If you’re looking for the best natural remedies for allergic rhinitis, here are nine you can try:
Ginger
Ginger is a popular herbal remedy for allergic rhinitis. Not only is it easy to get your hands on this herb, but you can also get it in different forms like powder, tea, juice, and supplements. If you want to use ginger to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, the best way to do it is to drink ginger tea. This can help ease up nasal congestion and headaches. For better results, you can inhale the steam of your tea while you sip.
What makes ginger an effective natural remedy for allergic rhinitis is that it’s a potent antiviral substance. This makes ginger a natural antihistamine that also helps boost your immunity.
Chamomile
Chamomile, particularly chamomile tea, contains chemical compounds that can soothe inflamed sinuses. Drinking chamomile tea can also help you relax and even induce sleep, thanks to the chemical compound apigenin. As a result, you can get a good night’s rest and not be bothered by the symptoms of allergic rhinitis after drinking a nice warm cup of chamomile tea.
Peppermint
Another natural remedy that has anti-inflammatory properties is peppermint. Just like ginger, peppermint is an herb that’s easily available and comes in several forms like teas, mints, and aromatherapy products. That being said, you can use and consume peppermint in different ways to get the relief you’re looking for. For example, diffusing peppermint essential oil in the air can help you breathe better. Eating a few peppermint mints, on the other hand, can help soothe your itchy throat.
Perilla
As a member of the mint family, perilla also has some anti-inflammatory properties that can help control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Drinking perilla tea or taking perilla oil can treat nasal congestion, sinusitis, eye irritation, and other allergy symptoms. In the Philippines, you can usually find perilla leaves in Asian supermarkets, specifically Korean marts. They’re also available for purchase online.
Five-Leaved Chaste Tree (Lagundi)
The five-leaved chaste tree plant, more commonly known as lagundi in the Philippines, is used to treat inflammation, fevers, respiratory diseases, and coughs. Traditionally, people would boil its leaves and use the liquid to relieve them from respiratory problems like allergic rhinitis. Today, however, lagundi has been formulated into tablets and syrups, which can be easily taken by both children and adults.
Stinging Nettle
Brushing against stinging nettle is painful, but this sharp leaf is actually a natural antihistamine. Drinking stinging nettle tea will help alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and make you feel better overall. You can buy stinging nettle tea in various health and wellness shops, as well as online marketplaces.
Luffa
Although the word “luffa” is typically used to describe a natural bath sponge, it actually refers to plants of the cucumber and gourd family. Luffa plants, like the patola, are chock-full of nutrients. They make great sources of vitamin C, niacin, and essential amino acids. Their extracts are also used in creating natural hay fever remedies that alleviate sneezing, as well as a blocked and runny nose.
Pineapples
There are two major reasons why pineapples can greatly alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: vitamin C and bromalin. Vitamin C is a nutrient that doesn’t only strengthen our immune system, but also acts as a natural antihistamine. Bromalin, on the other hand, is an enzyme that modulates your body’s immune system to prevent it from reacting to inflammatory responses. Both vitamin C and bromalin are present in pineapples, making the fruit an excellent herbal remedy for respiratory problems.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in lakes, rivers, and ponds. This algae is known to block histamines, preventing inflammation-driven reactions from occurring. Spirulina is commercially sold in powder and tablet forms.
Herbal remedies can help relieve you from the discomforts caused by allergic rhinitis, but you have to take the right ones to gain their effects. With the help of this list, however, you’ll be able to find natural medicines that work for you. If you need more clarification and information, consult your doctor or a licensed herbalist.
