Coping with Spring Fever: Effective Home Remedies for Allergies

Pollen is in the air? As old man winter departs, flowers bloom, temperature increases and so do allergies.  While Spring brings plenty of delight such as warmer weather, longer days, and blossoming trees, seasonal changes aren't welcomed by everyone. For many of us, they're eclipsed by the itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion of hay fever and other spring allergies.

As some of you have already guessed it, the biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen -- tiny grains released into the air by trees, grasses, and weeds for the purpose of fertilizing other plants. When pollen grains get into the nose of someone who’s allergic, they send the immune system into overdrive.

The immune system, mistakenly seeing the pollen as foreign invaders, releases antibodies -- substances that normally identify and attack bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.

Allergy symptoms tend to be particularly high on breezy days when the wind picks up pollen and carries it through the air. Rainy days, on the other hand, cause a drop in the pollen counts because the rain washes away the allergens.

Some allergies are severe and require the attention of a doctor or other health care professional. For milder cases, though, home remedies may provide all the relief you need, with relatively little expense or hassle. Even people with bad allergies who need medication may find these at-home tips helpful for easing symptoms.  Although there is no magical cure for spring allergies, there are a number of ways to combat them, from medication to household habits. What can we do about it?

One of the best home remedies for pollen allergies is avoiding allergens as often as possible. People susceptible to allergens should avoid going outside on a dry, windy day, or wear a mask while doing outdoor activities. Keep pollen outdoors by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners while riding in cars or staying at home. If allergy sufferers live in a home, other members of the household and the person with allergies should remove clothing and clean their body so pollen doesn't spread throughout the home.

Red and green teas are great for treating seasonal allergies. Both are high in antioxidants, which are thought to be allergen fighters. Additionally, red tea has been used medicinally for centuries in South Africa to treat various conditions, including allergies, and is even safe enough to give to babies for colic. Drink a cup of red or green tea when allergy symptoms flair up to soothe itchy eyes and nasal passages.

It is thought that taking a spoonful of bee pollen daily can help with seasonal allergies. By exposing oneself to a small amount of allergens (in the bee pollen) on a daily basis, it is thought that one can build up immunities to seasonal allergens. If bee pollen is not available, honey can be used to achieve similar results.

Certain spices can play a role in treating allergies. Spices like cayenne pepper have been known to prevent congestion and mucous buildup associated with pollen allergies. The heat from cayenne peppers causes the body to release secretions that naturally thin mucous buildup and clear breathing pathways such as the lungs and nasal passage.