4.7 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Children and adolescents spend so much of their time outdoors. That’s why seasonal allergies can be truly disruptive and create a real imbalance in your child’s daily health and wellness. 

Because your child’s immune system mistakenly sees allergens (pollen, ragweed, mold, grass, etc.)  as a danger, the body releases antibodies that attack the allergens and releases a chemical called histamine into the nose, eyes, and lungs. 

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

So, if your child struggles with seasonal allergies, his or her body may experience any number symptoms in response to the histamine:

  • A chronic runny nose, cough, congestion
  • Scratchy throat
  • Dry eyes 
  • Red eyes
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Skin irritation
  • Decreased appetite

And, if your child also suffers from asthma, seasonal allergies may present additional challenges. 

How to Naturally Treat Seasonal Allergies in Children

Pediatricians will often recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine to help your child manage his or her seasonal allergies. There are a variety of OTC options. You can talk with your doctor about which one is best for your child.

Aside from traditional over-the-counter antihistamines, there are natural remedies and homeopathic approaches to help ease your child’s seasonal allergy symptoms. These options can help you take a more holistic approach to treating your child’s allergies.

1. Nasal Irrigation

Pollens adhere to our mucus membranes. So give the nose a good cleanse. For young children, nasal irrigation might be scary and simply too challenging. 

But for teenage children, you can help them cleanse their nasal passages with a neti pot, sinus irrigator or nasal oils. 

2. Clean and Change Air Filters

Don’t let pollen or other irritating allergens collect on vents, bookshelves, dressers, carpets, fans, or air filters. 

Regularly clean your home, especially your child’s bedroom and play area. Be sure to dust, sweep, and vacuum daily during your child’s toughest allergy season. This will help you get rid of many allergy triggers and help relieve your child’s symptoms. Clean or change out the air filters in your home often. Change your pillowcase and bed sheets regularly – allergens can transfer from your hair to your pillow on a nightly basis. You might also consider adding an air purifier to your home. 

3. Manage stress

This one is for the adolescents in your life. Stress hormones wreak havoc in the body and especially in the immune system, making seasonal allergies even worse. Consider methods of stress management such as extra quiet time and self-care. Avoid overcommitments to activities (school, sports, part-time jobs, etc.) during allergy season.

4. Acupuncture

When allergies are treated with acupuncture, underlying imbalances within the body are addressed. A treatment plan is developed to relieve the acute symptoms of allergies while also treating the root problems that are contributing to the body’s reaction to allergens.

5. Herbal options

Butterbur is an herb, which comes from a European shrub and has shown potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, acting similar to antihistamines. Quercetin is a nutrient found in onions, apples, and black tea that research has shown to block the release of histamines.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is purported to boost the immune system, help break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve allergy symptoms. 

7. Chiropractor

There are many benefits to seeing a chiropractor. In particular, realinements can release stress which helps the immune system to work more efficiently — something all allergy sufferers need. 

8. Diet 

Let’s face it. A child’s diet can often be full of foods that lack real nutrition. Many of these foods cause the body to work overtime; trying to rid itself of processed foods, preservatives, or sugary foods. That means the immune system is not being fully supported, and this can cause allergy flare ups.

So try eliminating fried foods, sugary drinks or treats, and other toxins from your child’s diet. Replace these with liver supportive foods and herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, artichoke, citrus fruits, and nuts. 

9. Add a Probiotic

Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to stimuli. Many studies link the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies. Probiotics can help stimulate production of immune enhancing substances, hinder growth of pathogens, and boost the immune system.

10. Essential Oils

Adding essential oils to a bath, cup of tea, massage oil, or an oil diffuser can help reduce allergy symptoms. Peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils have been linked to fight inflammation and boost the immune system. Essential oils for allergies will help to detoxify the body and fight infections, bacteria, parasites, microorganisms, and harmful toxins.

Other Thrive Pediatric related blog articles:
4 Ways The Environment Can Impact Your Child’s Health
5 Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity in Children

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