A natural allergy treatment can help ease the symptoms of seasonal and other types of allergies without the use of medication. There are several allergy medications available, but they can cause side effects such as drowsiness. Certain herbs and alternative therapies are proven treatments that can help a person reduce allergy occurrences.
An allergy is a condition in which a person's immune system over reacts to substances in the environment that do not cause a problem for most people. The substances that cause these over reactions are known as allergens. Dust is an example of an allergen. When people with allergies are exposed to allergens, their bodies release chemicals known as histamines, which can cause nasal congestion, an itchy throat and cough.
Butterbur Extract
Butterbur extract is among the effective natural remedies for allergies. This shrub is native to northern Asia and parts of Europe. Butterbur extract has long been used to treat coughs and other allergy symptoms. It is also considered to be a natural cure for asthma. Butterbur is available in the form of capsules and tablets.
Researchers studied the effectiveness of butterbur extract in treating allergies in a study published in the journal Advances in Therapy (March 2006). They analyzed 580 patients with seasonal allergies, and gave them butterbur for two weeks. All of the participants had stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and skin irritations. 90 percent of the patients noticed a significant improvement in their symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary in order for a person to maintain good health, but the human body is unable to produce them. The only way to get them is by including them in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, flaxseed oil, and fish oil supplements.
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are natural remedies for allergies because they cause a reduction of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. According to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal (May 28, 2000), a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce a person's allergic reactions.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a procedure which involves placing needles into a person's skin in order to stimulate certain points in the body. It has been a part of Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. The belief is that acupuncture promotes a healthy flow of energy throughout the body that leads to healing.
A four week study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine (July 23, 2001) looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for allergies. Half of the participants received a sham treatment. The other half received real acupuncture. Researchers found the participants who had the real treatments experienced a decrease in nasal congestion, and itchy water eyes.
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