The 4 Best Natural Allergies. Did You Know Them?
Among the different natural solutions available to combat allergies, we can find those for topical use and those for oral consumption. We present some of these alternatives.
With climate changes, pollution and other factors, allergies appear. With them, in turn, emerges the need to find natural antiallergic remedies. What options we have?
In this article, we will share the four best allergy medications, as well as some eating tips and good habits. In addition, we will explain what science says about each of them.
The alergies
Allergies are responses of the body that consist of immediate hypersensitivity. That is, the patient experiences an irregular reaction to a substance that could be harmless to other people.
The immune system is responsible for defending the body from substances that we find around us. These can reach the individual through the air, by contact or by ingesting food. Cells automatically recognize the component and label it as irregular.
For this reason, the body produces millions of antibodies – immunoglobulins – that circulate in the blood. However, they are also found in body fluids to combat foreign elements.
However, it is not yet known exactly why some substances turn out to be allergenic and others not. The reason why some people have allergy symptoms is also not known.
Meanwhile, there is a high probability that children with allergic parents will develop a condition of the same type. All of these allergy-related issues are explained in depth in a Metabolism of Human Diseases publication .
What substances cause allergies?
The development of allergies is caused by exposure to an allergen. The type of exposure can be very diverse, as well as the organs affected; there are those who have respiratory discomfort, while others suffer gastrointestinal difficulties, skin alterations, among others.
According to a specialized publication in the MSD Manual, the most common substances or allergens include:
- Latex.
- Pollen.
- Molds
- Mites.
- Pet hair.
- Insect bites.
- Cosmetic substances.
- Certain medications (such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories).
- Some foods (such as dairy, nuts, and shellfish).
It is essential for the affected person to undergo skin or blood tests to determine the necessary antibody treatment:
- The first thing to do is identify the cause of the allergy to avoid exposure.
- Next, the doctor’s instructions regarding care and medications should be followed. There are even cases in which vaccination is chosen.
Natural allergy remedies
While considering the mandatory medical consultation and the treatment indicated by the professional, there is the possibility of trying natural remedies that can provide some relief. Pay attention to the following recommendations and apply them if the doctor gives you the go-ahead.
1. A bath with Epsom salts
Epsom salts have anti-inflammatory properties, according to recent research published in Chemistry . The magnesium they contain – the scientific name for these salts is magnesium sulfate – could also help absorb excess moisture, although this property has not been proven.
Traditional medicine holds that salts detoxify the body and fight skin allergies. Although it is often considered one of the more traditional anti-allergy remedies, it is important to know that there is no research that has proven its effectiveness in alleviating allergies or their symptoms. Here is a mode of use based on these popular beliefs:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Epsom salts (150 grams).
- 1 tub of warm water.
Preparation
- First, add the cup of Epsom salts to a tub of warm water.
- Enter the affected area and keep it inside for 30 minutes.
- After the indicated time, rinse.
2. Grape seed extract
The properties of grape seeds act on capillaries and improve blood circulation, according to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food . Also, according to the same source, Grapes contain antioxidants and natural vitamins that strengthen the immune system.
Both are qualities that can contribute to the general well-being of the person, but do not fight allergies in and of themselves. Regarding the latter, a 2012 study published in Food Chemistry confirms, although not totally, the supposed advantages of grape seed extract to alleviate allergic pathologies.
On the other hand, it is important to know that grapes can cause allergies in some people, as a WebMD post indicates. Of course, its consumption is contraindicated in these cases, as well as in people with hypertension.
Ingredients
- 10 drops of grape seed extract.
- 1 glass of water (200 milliliters).
Preparation
- Add 10 drops of grape extract to a glass of water and consume it twice a day.
- You can also have half a cup of grapes (about 80 grams).
3. Eucalyptus infusion
As we mentioned previously, mites are a very common factor for the appearance of allergies. Given this, eucalyptus may be a good option to combat them, according to a study published in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science . Therefore, you can apply it on clothes, sheets or furniture.
Likewise, eucalyptus has expectorant components that improve respiratory functions during illnesses or allergies, as confirmed by a study published in the International Journal of Aromatherapy .
Also, according to the same research, eucalyptus has antiseptic substances that heal the skin. Here we present a traditional recipe for its application:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water (half a liter).
- 10 drops of eucalyptus oil.
Preparation
- To begin, take into account that for every half a liter of water, you must add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil.
- Then, pour the necessary amount according to the amount of clothes.
- Do not use detergent or fabric softener and dry regularly.
- In the case of furniture, it is enough to pass a flannel moistened with the mixture.
4. Infusion of chamomile
In some situations, allergy symptoms are uncontrollable; itching, irritation, and redness are often present. In these cases, it is almost impossible not to rub to get a feeling of relief.
However, this is momentary because after a couple of minutes the area will be more inflamed. This is when you can take advantage of chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties that are mentioned in a study published by the International Journal of Molecular Medicine . Popularly, the following preparation is usually recommended:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of chamomile (10 grams).
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters).
Preparation
- First, let the tea bag steep in a cup of hot water.
- Then put it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Finally, use the infusion in the area with a cotton ball, wait for it to act for a few minutes and rinse.
Improve your diet
A balanced diet will help the body’s defenses to increase, especially if the diet includes vegetables and fruits, thanks to its high content of vitamins and minerals. Such relevance of nutrients is exposed, for example, in a study on cancer patients carried out by researchers from the Higher Council for Scientific Research in Madrid.
The same source indicates that it is also good to change saturated fats for foods that contain beneficial fatty acids. Some of them could be:
- Nuts.
- Fish.
- Ground flaxseed.
- Soy.
- Walnuts.
- Cereals.
Final Recommendations
To conclude, it is worth noting the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle to keep the body’s defenses high. In addition to good rest, whose link with the immune system is detailed in a study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences , we can also highlight:
- Maintain ventilation at home.
- Preferably, do not use rugs or, in any case, keep them clean and dust-free.
- Wash and change sheets frequently.
Finally, in addition to following these keys, it is important to consult a specialist. So we can know specifically what causes allergies to, as we said, avoid exposing ourselves and know the appropriate treatment.
