Is your nose itchy and your eyes watering? The first spring pollen is on its way, which means allergies and hay fever for many. In order to get rid of the annoying symptoms, however, it does not always have to be prescription drugs from the pharmacy. Some home remedies can also help…
Essential oils relieve symptoms
Essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil, are helpful in fighting pollen allergy. Eucalyptus has a similar effect to cortisone and can thus relieve symptoms – for example as an additive to bath water. Mixed with cooking oil, eucalyptus oil can also be used as a nose drop to clear the airways. Peppermint oil can stop sneezing attacks – just massage a few drops onto your temples.
Homemade nettle tea
Nettle tea can be a gentle natural remedy for hay fever because it has a decongestant effect. The leaves can be found in the garden or on the side of the road in nature and then dried. Pour hot water over the dried nettle leaves and leave for five to ten minutes. Our tip: If the taste of nettle is too strong, you can add some lemon juice or honey. The latter also has an anti-inflammatory effect and even relieves pain.
Treat rashes with herbs
While herbs are also often the culprit in hay fever, some may help treat skin rashes that often accompany allergies. The balloon vine, which is also often found in skin creams, works particularly well. Horsetail also fights nasty skin rashes, for example in bath water.
The eyebright herb owes its name to its effect: a tea made from the herbs works wonders against inflamed, watery eyes. Either drink a cup or let it cool and then dab on the eyes with a cotton pad. If you suffer from severe itching in your eyes, you should definitely avoid constant rubbing. Instead, dampen a cloth with cold water and place it on the itchy areas for several minutes.
Hygiene and healthy food
Hygiene is the be-all and end-all when it comes to hay fever. Anyone who comes into the apartment from outside should definitely change their clothes, wash their hands or, ideally, take a shower. This will remove the pollen and prevent you from inhaling it overnight.
In addition, a healthy diet can also help reduce the symptoms of pollen allergy. Above all, allergy sufferers should avoid preserved foods, smoked fish, sausage, mature cheese, ready meals, chocolate, nuts and soy products. Fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, pears and oranges should also be avoided.
Instead, it is better to rely on ginger, which inhibits the release of histamine and thus alleviates the symptoms. In addition, it strengthens the immune system and stimulates the metabolism. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and is also said to have a healing effect – it also strengthens the immune system.
Miracle cure apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has an anti-inflammatory effect. If a cold and the like is only slightly noticeable, a glass with two tablespoons a day is enough. To make the taste more bearable, just add a little honey. If the symptoms are stronger, you can drink the mixture up to three times a day.
Classic nasal rinse
The good old nasal rinse can help to remove the pollen from the nasal mucosa. To do this, fill a nasal douche with lukewarm water and a pinch of sea salt. Then put the liquid in your nose. For acute symptoms, always use the nasal rinse in the evening. Attention: Too frequent use can irritate the nasal mucous membranes.