Herbal Remedies For Seasonal Allergies

Another allergy season is upon us. Millions of people are running to their local pharmacies to find relief from red eyes, irritated throats, and sneezing. Millions more are going to the allergist to get even stronger medications. Actually, the irritated eyes, throats, and noses are the body's attempt to keep toxins from entering its system. The eyes tear up and the throat closes to keep pollen out. The sinus cavity clogs up with phlegm for the same reason.

There are many cures for seasonal allergies in naturopathic medicine. In fact, you may find that many naturopathic cures have less side effects and last longer than the pharmaceuticals your doctor may prescribe--not to mention they're less expensive.

A neti pot is filled with warm, slightly salted water, and the spout of the pot is inserted into one nostril. The position of the head & pot are adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. The technique is not as hard or uncomfortable as one may at first think! You will be pleasantly surprised at this simple & effective method of health maintenance.

Once learned, the practice can be done in about 3 minutes, and is easily integrated into your daily routine. One of the chief complaints of seasonal allergies is a stuffy nose. Using a neti pot to rinse the sinus cavity is an ancient way to remedy this problem. The neti pot comes from the ayurvedic tradition. Simply fill the pot with warm water. You can add table salt but there are mixtures made especially for the neti. Insert the neti into one nostril, tilt your head to the side, and let the fluid flush out your sinus cavity. Repeat with the other nostril. This will help your breathing and relieve pressure behind the eyes as well.

Another problem with seasonal allergies is itchy, irritated eyes. A good remedy is 8-12 drops of chaparral or dandelion tincture taken internally twice a day. You can also make an eye wash of chamomile tea and eyebright. Filter it through a non bleached coffee filter and let it cool in the refrigerator. Dip a cotton pad in the mixture and place one over each eye to reduce inflammation. These herbs are commonly used to treat respiratory conditions including allergies, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis. Astringent chemicals known as tannins contained in eyebright shrink and tighten the top layers of mucous membranes. Eyebright is thought to help control symptoms such as watery eyes or runny nose associated with allergies.

If you don't want to make up your own remedies, there are many over-the-counter solutions. Usually they are found in organic food stores, or health food stores. Homeopathic eyedrops are the most frequently used remedy for itchy, allergy-stricken eyes. The drops contain the extracts of ingredients such as quercetin and nettle which act as anti inflammatories that keep eyes and nasal passages from swelling up.