How to use Natural Remedies to Treat Seasonal Allergies

Although the change of seasons is an exciting and beautiful time of year, many people find they are unable to enjoy the change due to seasonal allergies. Many allergy sufferers hope to avoid expensive medications or the inconvenience of allergy shots. For many allergy sufferers, this is possible through the use of natural remedies. Some natural remedies that lessen the effects of seasonal allergies include:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Air cleaner with HEPA filter
• window shades
• air conditioner
• vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
• Vitamin C supplements

1. Purchase an air cleaner that contains a HEPA filter. This filters the air in your living environment. If you have a large living space, it is best to purchase several units. If you have a limited budget, purchase one for your bedroom. This is one area where you spend many hours of your day (or night). Controlling the allergens in your sleeping space will help significantly with seasonal allergies.

2. Pull the window blinds or close the curtains after dusk. At dusk, many trees release allergens into the air. Taking this step helps to reduce the amount of allergens that penetrate into your living space. The symptoms of seasonal allergies are also lessened if you stay inside after dusk.

3. Do not open the windows on a warm evening. Instead, run the air conditioner. This eliminates allergens that come into your living space through the windows. Also, the air conditioner acts as a air filter.

4. Change your clothes when you come inside the house, thereby reducing the amount of allergens that enter your living space through your clothes.

5. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and use it often. The HEPA filter traps allergens, so they are not released back into the air. Vacuuming often reduces your exposure to dust mites, a common allergen.

6. Wash your sheets and pillow cases often. This also decreases your exposure to dust mites, and therefore decreases the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

7. Take Vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C helps to boost your immune system, which helps you fight off the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Tips & Warnings

• Allergens build up in your system like sand in a bucket. Once your "bucket" is full of allergens, your symptoms increase. The key to fighting allergies with natural remedies is to limit your exposure to allergens, so your "bucket" does not get too full.
• Always check with a medical professional prior to taking any vitamin supplement.

[Ladybugblue]

on 6/14/2009 Thanks for the tips! 5*