Apple cider vinegar breaks up the mucus in the body.
Many of us face the spring armed with over-the-counter allergy medications, only to end up either too drowsy to function or still handling lingering allergy symptoms. For an extra boost of prevention this season, it can help to turn to natural remedies. These aren't just old wives' tales — these remedies have undergone clinical trials and have been proven to work. Here are a few to try out this season:
- Butterbur. The rather strange-looking butterbur plant has historically been used to treat aches and pains, as well as providing large leaves to wrap butter in on the trip to market. Now, butterbur is commonly used as an antihistamine, either in tea or in tablet form, after a 2002 study confirmed that it was as effective as many over-the-counter allergy drugs.
- Apple cider vinegar. Mix some apple cider vinegar into water and lemon juice to break up the mucus that can cause runny noses and sinus headaches during allergy season. It's also a good source of potassium.
- Eucalyptus oil. Breathing in the vapors from just a few drops of eucalyptus oil can help open the airways by reducing inflammation, bringing relief for breathing problems brought on by allergies or asthma. Rub the oil on your chest or keep it in a small bowl to breathe in when you get congested.
- A hot shower. The simplest of natural remedies, a hot shower creates steam to clear your sinuses and cleans potentially triggering allergens off your body, so take a shower as soon as you get in the house to keep your home allergen-free.
Investing in a HEPA air purifier is another good strategy for keeping spring allergies at bay. Contact us for more information about HEPA air purifiers.