Nowadays there seems to be a medication for every ailment you can name. But there are ways you can fight your allergies naturally, at a fraction of the cost.
If you suffer from allergies, you have probably taken an antihistamine at some point. But did you know that Quercetin, found in various fruits and vegetables, is a natural antihistamine? Quercetin can also be found in green tea. For best results, purchase quercetin capsules and begin taking them prior to your worst allergy season. Then be sure to include plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to keep the allergies at bay. These are found in fish oils, but can be taken in pill form. Try one thousand milligrams once a day with food for best results.
One of the most praised natural remedies for allergy relief is stinging nettle. As with the quercetin, begin taking stinging nettle before your allergies become bad. Purchase capsules with freeze-dried leaf extract, and take 300 mg about two to three times daily.
If you are able to tolerate the smell of lemon, then try adding a few drops of lemon balm to a bowl of somewhat hot water. Place a towel over your head and gently inhale the steam from the bowl.
Zinc is often used at the first sign of a cold to reduce cold symptoms and shorten the length of the cold. Zinc can strengthen your immune system, enabling your body to better fight off allergen. Purchase lozenges and take as directed.
Finally, it may sound unpleasant, but it is surprisingly easy. Go to your local pharmacy and purchase a nasal douche or nose cleansing kit. The kit contains packets of powder to be added to the enclosed bottle. Simply place the bottle to your nose and flush each sinus cavity. Powder can be made from home, mixing baking soda and a bit of salt. Nasal cleansing is quick, easy and gives great relief for those with stuffy noses.
Chances are you have heard stories of toxic mold invading homes and making its occupants sick. But in reality, you have a greater chance experiencing an allergic reaction to any of the 80+ common household molds – and feeling equally bad.
If you have mold in your house, you are probably inhaling its spores that are released daily in the air. And if you are allergic to mold, your body will release histamines, causing sneezing, a stuffy nose, asthma or other miserable symptoms.
Mold can be found in your bathroom or kitchen and in moist or dark areas such as closets and basements. Take a walk outside to find even more mold, often in piles of leaves, grass and under decks or near pools.
Of course, if you question the type of mold found in your house, it is important to have it tested. Look in the phone book for a mold inspector or visit an online company such as http://prolabinc.com/ to order a home test kit. You will probably find the mold is a common household form, but this knowledge will bring relief that your family is safe.
How can you safely remove mold from your home? First and foremost, wear a mask that will filter out allergens. Wear gloves and begin cleaning in the bathroom. Clean shower curtains, the tub and shower with a mixture of water and bleach. If you have a bathroom window, open the curtains to allow the sunshine in.
Close the door to the room your are cleaning to help contain floating mold spores while you work. Cover vents with plastic. If you have a fan, place it in the window to vent the air outside. Now, take a tour around your house. Look for piles, clutter and knickknacks. Clean up, allowing air to circulate around objects in your home. If you find mold, clean it with the bleach mixture and allow to air dry. If the item with mold will be ruined by bleach, use Lysol and water instead, beginning with a spot test in a safe area.
If you find items or clothing in your house covered in mold, carefully pick them up and place them in a plastic bag. Carry the bag outside and clean the item away from the house. Remember, any mold you disturb will release spores in to your living space – so handle moldy items carefully.
When you have a good day to work in the home, empty your closets and check for mold. Clean mold as directed and air dry before you move items back in. Place a lamp in the empty closet to speed drying time. When placing items back in the closet, allow for air circulation as best you can. You may also consider purchasing a light suitable for closets to help reduce dampness.
Keep your home’s humidity level at lower than 50% relative humidity. Dehumidifiers can help to keep the moisture low and the mold down.
Remember, humidity, poor air circulation and dark spaces are a breeding ground for mold. So keep things clean, uncluttered and well ventilated to reduce mold in your house.
