Springtime Allergies Meet Their Match

Allergy-sufferers might have mixed feelings about springtime.

While it means the start of nicer weather, it also means trees, grasses, and weeds release allergy-causing pollen into the air. But not to fear! We rounded up the best natural, at-home remedies to help relieve your symptoms.

• Eat local honey: Consuming honey produced by local bees can help lessen allergy symptoms. Bees transfer the local pollens to honey, and if you eat a little of that honey everyday, your body can become used to it, causing your allergies to lessen.
• Drink green tea: Green tea is shown to have many antioxidant properties, which also work as anti-allergenic agents. One such compound in green tea is called methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and is thought to be one of the most potent anti-allergenic agents. A cup a day is also a great way to get your local honey.
• Clear nasal passages: Clearing your nasal passages, either with a saline nasal spray or a neti pot, can help alleviate sinus pressure and congestion associated with allergies. You can also clear your nasal passages by eating spicy foods, taking a hot shower, or by holding your head over a bowl of steaming water.

• Natural supplements: Some supplements, such as butterbur, have been shown to be just as effective at relieving allergy symptoms as some over-the-counter antihistamines. Other supplements that have anti-allergenic properties are nettles, quercetin, and pineapple enzyme.

Sources:

• http://www.mcardledmd.com/my-sinuses-can-hurt-my-teeth-.html
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/518083-is-spicy-food-good-for-the-sinuses/
• http://www.everydayhealth.com/ear-nose-throat/nasal-sprays.aspx
• http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/health/14real.html?_r=0
• http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-ways-to-beat-allergies-naturally.html