Spring is in the air! But, um . . . so is the pollen. I have not been a big sufferer of spring or fall allergies (except for it affecting my eyes) but I live with those who have suffered greatly. And, I can see first-hand how life can come to a screeching halt once those pollen counts soar!
So before you reach for the pills or succumb to weekly allergy shots to relieve those allergy symptoms, please, come take a look at some of these non-pill solutions for seasonal allergies that we have found that work at our house without any of those undesirable side effects the pills can carry.
Side Effects of Antihistamines and Allergy Medications
- Faster heart rate
- Complications with other medications for high blood pressure, antibiotics or others
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and maybe even vomiting
- Restlessness or moodiness (in some children)
- Trouble urinating or not being able to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Trouble sleeping
- Itchy skin
- Ringing in the ears
9 Easy Drug-Free Solutions to Seasonal Allergies
1. Watch the counts.
High pollen counts really exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Consider bookmarking this site that forecasts pollen counts in your area and watch the weather channel for updates. Stay inside during pollen peak times like early morning and late afternoon hours.
2. Make spring cleaning effective.
Keeping your home clean is a great way to keep the pollen at bay. But, you may be able to get out of the dirty deed this time of year. Dusting up that pollen while cleaning can really aggravate your situation. Ever so politely ask a non-allergen sufferer in your home to take pity and wipe down surfaces daily to clear the pollen away. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens as well. Wash your sheets (especially change pillow cases) and towels frequently, too.
Don't miss this: This 5 minute cleaning ritual at your house can greatly reduce the likelihood of the flu hitting your family.
3. Vacuum your dog.
Yes, I do this, and please do not report me to PETA because she loves it! The point here is that pollen attaches to everything that has been outside. If you want a snuggle with Rover and he has been outside, you are snuggling with pollen, too. This goes for you as well. After being outdoors, shower and change your clothes to help eliminate tracking in allergens. This is especially important before bed as you want to keep your bed a pollen-free zone!
4. Sprinkle warm spices.
Nothing like a hot bowl of spicy soup to start clearing those nasal passages. Much like when you have a cold, the heat of the spice and the heat of the food temperature work together to clear you up.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
Clear your nose of all traces of pollen. The netipots are fine to achieve this, but make sure you use sterilized water. These individualized packs of saline with a nebulizer or a netipot are a lifesaver for some I know. The cans of sanitized saline are an easy option, too, and you may find a little less messy. Do this at least once a day but especially after being outside.
Don't miss this: Is your first aid kit at home up to par? Check these ideas out to make sure.
6. Channel Hollywood.
Is it just the sunny weather in Hollywood or are sunglasses primarily a fashion accessory? Whatever it is, sunglasses greatly protect your eyes from pollen. So, go ahead and keep 'em on just like the stars! But, outdoors will do.
Don't miss this: Some sunglasses can do more harm to your eyes than good! Tap here for really important things to look for to protect your eyes when buying sunglasses.
7. Create a mini steam room.
Inhaling steam is a great way to relieve nasal congestion. The shower can do this but if you do not want to take a full shower, boil some water and pour it into a large bowl. Place the bowl in front of you and drape a large towel over you and the bowl and inhale. Even better, add a few drops of my favorite organic eucalyptus oil to open those passages even more! Or add a few drops to the shower floor and let it get good and steamy in there for the same effect.
8. Consider ancient ways.
Acupuncture may offer some relief to people who have allergies. Only one acupuncture session will probably not do much, but some studies have shown a positive effect with an acupuncture plan over several weeks, and my acupuncturist claims success with many. Chinese herbal remedies can help as well.
9. Clear the air.
Installing special air filters in your furnace and air conditioning systems can remove 90 - 95 percent of particles from your indoor air. If that is too expensive or you rent, there are also portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to purify the air in bedrooms and other spaces you spend the most time. Another tip: shut the windows and doors during high pollen count periods, too.
Don't miss this: A plan to make the air in your home void of toxins and smell fantastic at the same time!
For Even More On The Topic . . .
- Clean the indoor air with plants! Here are two easy plants to grow that are inexpensive, found everywhere and effective in clearing the air!
- Keep that bathroom free of allergens, toxins and germs with these tips to do it right!
Allergies at your house? What non-pill solutions work for you or for those in your circle that suffer from the pollen in the air?
This post appeared previously at THM but has been updated.
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