Alternative Therapies for Seasonal Allergy Relief
Homeopathy: Treatment for seasonal allergy in homeopathy is highly personalized. What suits one may not suit another. Therefore, there is no single remedy that can be recommended for
Nasal Irrigation or Jal Neti: Nasal irrigation is the act of rinsing the nasal cavity with salt water solution. It helps clear the nasal passage by removing mucus and allergens. It also helps moisten the mucous membranes and sinuses.
Nasal irrigation can be conveniently done by using a Neti pot. Neti pot resembles a small kettle in which you fill salt water solution. You place the spout in one nostril, gently allow the solution to flow in and then let it flow out of the other nostril. Well, it does take a little practice but it is one of the most efficient systems for nasal washing and that too, it has no side effects.
Nasal irrigation is a safe practice for children with seasonal allergies. An Italian study found that seasonal allergic rhinitis-related symptoms in children reduced significantly with hypersaline nasal irrigation during 5 weeks of the study period. A decreased consumption of oral antihistamines was also observed in these children.
Nutrition, Herbs and Supplements: Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found abundantly in plants. It is an anti-oxidant that inhibits leukotriene and histamine release from mast cells. So, remember to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet during the allergy season. Quercetin is available in supplement form as well. However, consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs. Also make sure you are not allergic to the same herbs you want to take for allergy symptom relief. Some useful herbs for seasonal allergy relief are:
- Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) - 250 mg. freeze-dehydrated extract every 2-4 hours or until signs of disease disappear
- Ephedra (Ephedra sinicia) - 12.5-25 mg, 3 times a day
- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) - 350 mg 3 times a day
- Garlic (Allium sativum) – 1 tablet (equivalent to 10 cloves)
Acupuncture: Another alternative method of treating seasonal allergies is acupuncture. It is a method of treating disease by stimulating biologically significant points on the surface of the body. The strategic points can be stimulated through traditional Chinese medicine in which acupuncture needles are inserted for stimulation or through Westernized version of using non-invasive techniques such as lasers.
Acupuncture treatment helps relieve symptoms of seasonal allergy by improving the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines produced by the cells of the immune system. This has been confirmed by a DNA microarray analysis that was undertaken to assess the effect of acupuncture for treatment of allergic rhinitis. [10]
Acupuncture treatment often yields a quick response. According to Dr Felix Mann, first President of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, ‘The acupuncture dose should be right. Very sensitive patients may need only one needle!’ Some acupuncturists believe that you get better and longer lasting responses if you avoid sugar and milk in your diet.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is a therapy involving use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in baths and massages. It helps improve seasonal allergy by building up your immune system. Many essential oils have natural antihistamine in them, and some others have anti-inflammatory properties as well.
A few useful essential oils for seasonal allergy relief are listed here.
- German chamomile and Roman chamomile – these essential oils help reduce the intensity and duration of allergic reactions. Do not use if allergic to ragweed.
- Eucalyptus and Thyme these volatile oils help relieve congestion.
- Rosemary – this essential oil can be used instead of Eucalyptus if you are allergic to eucalyptus or if the eucalyptus oil is too strong (especially in children and elderly).
- Lemon and lavender – these oils will help you relax and soothe your nerves.
Seasonal allergies are not something that you have to put up with for the rest of your life. Control it successfully with medications or naturally.
