How to Treat Allergies Naturally

Allergies occur when your body over-reacts to normally harmless substances. Your immune system typically saves it's efforts for fighting off bacteria or viruses. But, when you have allergies, your immune system is reacting to pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, or other substances instead. You can reach for over the counter medications or you can try one of the natural remedies below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Try Nettle: Nettle contains a naturally occurring antihistamine. Naturopathic Dr. Andrew Weil has been reported to take nettle for his allergies. You will want the freeze-dried leaf form available in health food stores.
2. Try Ginkgo Biloba: Gingko Biloba contains "ginkogolides." These rarely spoken about substances can stop or limit allergy attacks. Ginkgo is well-know for its memory-boosting abilities, but that is an extra bonus.
3. Eat something full of Quercetin: Quercetin is pigment that gives grapes, green tea and pineapple their colorful hue. It inhibits the release of histamine. Whole raw foods are always the best source in my opinion, but if you want a pill they are available at the health food store as well. Do not take Quercetin capsules if you are already taking nettle. Nettle contains quercetin, so you would be double dosing.
4. Load up on Omega-3. Most American's don't have enough Omega-3 fatty acid in their diet. It counters inflammatory responses in your body. Salmon and flaxseed are wonderful sources of Omega-3.
5. How about local, raw honey? A traditional remedy for allergies is raw honey from your local area. The theory behind local honey is that bees produce it local pollen. Small doses of the pollen, through honey, reduces your bodies reaction. This is the remedy that works best for my allergies!
6. Probiotics, not antibiotics. Probiotics provide good bacteria to you digestive system. Many naturopathic doctors believe the health of your digestive system directly relates to the health of your immune system. Probiotics are available at health food stores. Never purchase one that isn't refrigerated. Yogurt can also help replace good bacteria if you would prefer a food source.

Tips & Warnings

• Did you know that most ornamental flowers don't release pollen? They rely on bees to distribute the pollen. Don't fear flowers. The most likely sources of allergy producing pollen are trees, grass and ragweed.
• Raw honey may be unsafe for young children.