Our immune system makes antibodies to fight pathogens. Sometimes, due to immune system malfunction or other causes, our body recognises certain allergens (like those mentioned above) as harmful, even if they are not.
As a response to combat those allergens, the body triggers allergic symptoms which include sneezing, itching, inflammation, headache, runny nose, swollen eyes and many more.
The best way to prevent allergies is by staying away from things that trigger it. Take a look at some natural home remedies for allergies:
1. Honey
Honey is used as a complementary therapy to treat allergies, especially pollen allergies. It is widely known to reduce the symptoms and improve the condition.
What to do: Consume honey daily. You can add it to your tea or eat with toast.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics such as yoghurt, curd, tempeh and cheese are known to modulate the immune system in a healthy way. They may prevent recurring allergies, reduce its symptoms and improve the quality of life.
What to do: Include yoghurt, curd, and cheese in your diet daily. You can eat them directly or with your favourite fruits.
3. Papaya
Papaya is naturally rich in enzymes such as papain and bromelain. They may help improve allergic symptoms like swelling and breathing difficulties.
What to do: Toss some papaya slices in your fruit bowl and consume.
4. Aloe vera
Studies suggest that topical application of aloe vera is best to treat itching and redness of the skin that results from allergies. Another study has shown that intranasal treatment with aloe vera reduces nasal mucosa in case of allergic rhinitis.
What to do: Apply aloe vera gel directly on the skin when you notice itching or skin redness due to allergic reactions. It is better to do a patch test before applying it.
5. Pineapple
Pineapple is another fruit rich in bromelain, an enzyme that may help reduce allergic symptoms such as inflammation or nasal congestion.
What to do: Add papaya to your fruit bowl or consume pineapple juice.
6. Ginger tea
Ginger tea may help reduce inflammatory cytokines in the body caused by allergens. It is also known to boost immunity in a natural way.
What to do: Consume ginger tea at least two times a day.
7. Baking soda
Baking soda is best for skin-related allergies. It may help soothe the skin allergy caused due to the inflammatory response by allergens.
What to do: Take a baking soda bath by adding around a cup of baking soda to a bathtub and soaking for 15 minutes. You can also apply baking soda to itching areas after mixing it with water.
8. Bell peppers
Bell peppers (mainly green and yellow) are rich in vitamin C which is a natural antihistamine. They may keep allergic symptoms at bay and help boost immunity.
What to do: Add bell peppers to vegetables along with other veggies like broccoli or cauliflower. You can also stir fry them in oil and consume.
9. Walnuts
Walnuts are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA). They can make a perfect snack to treat allergies. Also, magnesium in the dry fruit helps with reducing coughing and wheezing.
What to do: Include walnuts daily in your diet by adding them to yoghurt, fruit bowl or smoothies.
10. Broccoli
Broccoli is a rich source of quercetin, a natural antihistamine. Histamine is a chemical which is naturally produced by the body as a result of allergic reactions. Broccoli may help reduce its effect and relieve allergic symptoms.
What to do: Add broccoli to your vegetables or soup and consume daily.
