10 Natural Solutions to Allergies

March 21st, 2023

By Jane Marsh

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

Allergens are present in your life in surprising places and ways. However, there are helpful options if you’re dealing with allergy symptoms and need a natural solution. Treat your symptoms naturally with these 10 solutions.

Know Your Triggers

Various things cause allergic reactions indoors and outdoors — you’re still exposed to allergens even if you stay inside. To best treat your symptoms, figure out what you’re allergic to. Many people start coughing and sniffing when allergy season hits, but you might be allergic to something more specific.

These are some of the main culprits that cause allergy symptoms:

• Dust: Dust settles around your house naturally over time.
• Dander: Particles of your pet’s skin and fur get left wherever your pet has been.
• Pollen: Plants produce pollen year-round, but there are certain times when they create large amounts.
• Mold: Mold grows on wet, dark or damp surfaces in homes.
• Chemicals: Many cleaning and laundry products contain harsh chemicals that cause allergic reactions.

You’ll come into contact with these triggers often. Narrow down which of these allergens causes a reaction and which reactions are the strongest.

Watch for Reactions

Depending on exposure, allergy symptoms can affect your sinuses, skin, throat or eyes. You might have an allergy problem if you frequently sniffle or itch at home. Pay attention to your symptoms to know what’s causing your reaction and how to treat it.

Treat Your Symptoms Naturally

There are ways to soothe those pesky symptoms that involve natural remedies or ingredients. If you want to treat your allergies safely, try some of these natural solutions.

1.   Close Windows

A closed window stops any allergens from coming inside — especially during allergy season — and will relieve symptoms. This is an effective method and an easy place to start when you’re trying to alleviate your allergy symptoms.

2.   Take a Shower

Even if you can’t see them, allergens cling to your skin. Going outside, playing with a pet, gardening or cleaning the house are all activities that get allergens stuck to you. Shower regularly to cleanse yourself of any of them. For the best results, wash yourself right before you go to bed and whenever you get done doing anything that’ll expose you to allergens.

3.   Desensitize Yourself

Exposing yourself to small amounts of an allergen lessens symptoms or could even make the allergy disappear. Professional allergen treatment takes around 3–5 years to finish. The process gets your immune system used to the allergen over the course of the program and as time goes on.

Since many allergies worsen over time, allergen desensitization might be the right choice for you. Regularly exposing yourself to small amounts of pollen or dust reduces your immune system’s reaction.

4.   Clean Your House

Clean your home to remove the allergy at its source and naturally treat your symptoms. For example, dust and mop every surface in your house to minimize the amount of dust and dander. Plenty of alternatives to harsh cleaning solutions — like hot water and vinegar — will help you manage your symptoms.

5.   Change Air Filters

A dirty air filter spreads allergens throughout your home even if you’ve taken every precaution to prevent that. Any allergen can get caught in your air filter. These microscopic particles stay airborne longer, which makes them easier to breathe in. Regularly change your air filters to keep the air in your home clean and breathable.

6.   Use Butterbur

Butterbur is a shrub that treats allergic reactions from pollen and manages symptoms naturally. It’s best used in small amounts or for short periods because it has chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs can be removed from butterbur, making the plant healthier and safe to use for up to 16 weeks.

7.   Get a Spider Plant

Spider plants are thick-rooted plants known for their durability and fast growth. In less than 24 hours, spider plants remove up to 95% of airborne pollutants from a room. In addition to this, spider plants are pet friendly. These plants are great options for helping you naturally manage your symptoms.

8.   Wash Your Clothes

Pollen, dust and dander get stuck on your clothes even when you stay indoors. Clothes you clean regularly are more likely to be free of anything that could cause an allergic reaction. Wash your clothes with a body-safe and natural detergent for the best results.

You should also regularly change your clothes after you leave the house or expose yourself to allergens. For example, you should change your clothes after dusting or vacuuming.

9.   Get a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier lowers the humidity inside your house. Reducing your home’s humidity below 60% kills dust mites and keeps mold from growing. Place a dehumidifier in the rooms where you feel most affected by allergy symptoms.

10.        Watch Your Pets

Pets easily spread allergens by shedding on furniture and bringing in pollen from outside. To prevent your pet from carrying around allergies, keep them inside or out only. When you take your pet on a walk or let them out to use the bathroom, keep them away from pollen-producing plants. Groom your animal’s coat and paws regularly to reduce the amount of dander in your home.

Live Allergy-Free Naturally

Unlike other remedies that might just treat your symptoms, these natural solutions help prevent them. You can quickly solve your watery eyes and sore throat with these fixes. Allergens will always be present in your life, but you can deal with them naturally to stop your symptoms.

About the author:

Jane is the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she shares practical tips on how to live a greener life.