subject: Treating Allergies At Home--5 Natural Solutions For Rhinitis [print this page] An allergic reaction that results from inhalation of airborne triggers which cause the nasal passages to swell is call rhinitis. The triggers can be outdoor or indoor pollutants, as well as gases, odors, and airborne chemicals. Here are 5 natural ways to deal with and minimize the symptoms of this condition.
The symptoms that result include sneezing, coughing, increased mucous which often leads to congestion and post nasal drip, as well as watering eyes and a runny nose. But if you suffer from this condition, you are probably all too aware of the symptoms which can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. Here are 5 natural steps to take in your home that can really make a huge difference in how you feel, and how you feel about life!
Rhinitis is often triggered by a combination of allergens. Many of these triggers remain inside the home throughout the year and are called perennial allergens.
These include dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and pet dander. Seasonal allergens include pollens from trees, flowers, grass, and weeds.
Generally there is not just one solution but rather a combination that work. These 5 solutions should be used together to create a plan of action that works to help you manage your rhinitis.
Eat Local Honey---If you know your allergies stem from pollen, this is a tasty remedy to try. The thought is that honey produced from local bees will help desensitize your body to pollen that is produced in your area. This works really well for a lot of people.
Try it daily for several weeks to determine how effective it is for you. A teaspoon in your morning coffee, tea, or with peanut butter on toast is all delicious ways to start.
Wash Linens Weekly---The dust mite is one of the allergens that is always present regardless of how clean you keep your home. They feed on dead skin and thrive in warm, moist, and dark places; and your bed is the perfect breeding ground, and unfortunately, it is impossible to completely eliminate them.
Because the protein in their feces (that they leave in your bed) is such a potent allergy trigger, the only way to deal with them is to wash your linens at least once a week in water that is 140 Fahrenheit or hotter. This greatly reduces their numbers and makes it easier for you to get a good night's sleep.
Wrap Your Bedding---There are covers that you can buy that completely enclose your mattress and pillows. This prevents the mites from making a home inside your mattress where you don't stand a chance of getting to them. This is a relatively inexpensive step that makes a big difference.
Clean Regularly---Once airborne dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and other particulates fall out of the air, it is important to take them out of circulation by damp mopping floors and dusting surface with a damp cloth to remove them efficiently without sending them airborne. Vacuuming sends fewer particulates into the air than sweeping.
Reduce the Number of Triggers---Even if you take all of the suggestions above, you can still do more by eliminating virtually all of the remaining airborne allergens by filtering the air.
Filtering the air in your home continually with a purifier that contains a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) filter will remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 particulates in the air.
Carbon filters in an air purifier are an excellent component to have because of their ability to absorb gases, odors, smoke and chemicals from the air.
