So before you reach for the pills or succumb to weekly allergy shots to relieve those allergy symptoms, please, come take a look at some of these non-pill solutions for seasonal allergies that we have found that work at our house without any of those undesirable side effects the pills can carry.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIHISTAMINES AND ALLERGY MEDICATIONS
You can certainly reach for the pill bottles and for some, their allergies are so severe, it is the only remedy that helps. Some of those pills do have side effects like these, however:
- Faster heart rate
- Complications with other medications for high blood pressure, antibiotics or others
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and maybe even vomiting
- Restlessness or moodiness (in some children)
- Trouble urinating or not being able to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Trouble sleeping
- Itchy skin
- Ringing in the ears
9 EASY DRUG-FREE SOLUTIONS TO SEASONAL ALLERGIES
For those who suffer more of the mild reactions to seasonal allergies and who do not want the pills as well as for severe sufferers who have to take the pills and need even more help, here are some habits to create that may help lessen the pollen impact and help eliminate those allergy symptoms. I have linked to some favorite and very useful products that have helped us or others we know to create an allergy-free and drug-free zone to feel their best all year-round no matter what is blooming:
1. Watch the counts.
High pollen counts really exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Consider bookmarking this site that forecasts pollen counts in your area and watch the weather channel for updates. Stay inside during pollen peak times like early morning and late afternoon hours.
2. Make spring cleaning effective.
Keeping your home clean is a great way to keep the pollen at bay. But, you may be able to get out of the dirty deed this time of year. Dusting up that pollen while cleaning can really aggravate your situation. Ever so politely ask a non-allergen sufferer in your home to take pity and wipe down surfaces daily to clear the pollen away. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens as well. Wash your sheets (especially change pillow cases) and towels frequently, too.
Don’t miss this: This 5 minute cleaning ritual at your house can greatly reduce the likelihood of the flu hitting your family.
3. Vacuum your dog.
Yes, I do this, and please do not report me to PETA because she loves it! The point here is that pollen attaches to everything that has been outside. If you want a snuggle with Rover and he has been outside, you are snuggling with pollen, too. This goes for you as well. After being outdoors, shower and change your clothes to help eliminate tracking in allergens. This is especially important before bed as you want to keep your bed a pollen-free zone!
4. Sprinkle warm spices.
Nothing like a hot bowl of spicy soup to start clearing those nasal passages. Much like when you have a cold, the heat of the spice and the heat of the food temperature work together to clear you up.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
Clear your nose of all traces of pollen. The netipots are fine to achieve this, but make sure you use sterilized water. These individualized packs of saline with a nebulizer or a netipot are a lifesaver for some I know. The cans of sanitized saline are an easy option, too, and you may find a little less messy. Do this at least once a day but especially after being outside.
Don’t miss this: Is your first aid kit at home up to par? Check these ideas out to make sure.
6. Channel Hollywood.
Is it just the sunny weather in Hollywood or are sunglasses primarily a fashion accessory? Whatever it is, sunglasses greatly protect your eyes from pollen. So, go ahead and keep ’em on just like the stars! But, outdoors will do.
Don’t miss this: Some sunglasses can do more harm to your eyes than good! Tap here for really important things to look for to protect your eyes when buying sunglasses.
7. Create a mini steam room. Inhaling steam is a great way to relieve nasal congestion. The shower can do this but if you do not want to take a full shower, boil some water and pour it into a large bowl. Place the bowl in front of you and drape a large towel over you and the bowl and inhale. Even better, add a few drops of my favorite organic eucalyptus oil to open those passages even more! Or add a few drops to the shower floor and let it get good and steamy in there for the same effect.
8. Consider ancient ways.Acupuncture may offer some relief to people who have allergies. Only one acupuncture session will probably not do much, but some studies have shown a positive effect with an acupuncture plan over several weeks, and my acupuncturist claims success with many. Chinese herbal remedies can help as well.
9. Clear the air.
Installing special air filters in your furnace and air conditioning systems can remove 90 – 95 percent of particles from your indoor air. If that is too expensive or you rent, there are also portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to purify the air in bedrooms and other spaces you spend the most time. Another tip: shut the windows and doors during high pollen count periods, too.
Don’t miss this: A plan to make the air in your home void of toxins and smell fantastic at the same time!
FOR EVEN MORE ON THE TOPIC . . .
- Clean the indoor air with plants! Here are two easy plants to grow that are inexpensive, found everywhere and effective in clearing the air!
- Keep that bathroom free of allergens, toxins and germs with these tips to do it right!
Allergies at your house? What non-pill solutions work for you or for those in your circle that suffer from the pollen in the air?
This post appeared previously at THM but has been updated.
Great
Knowledge is power! We're so glad you shared these valuable and enlightening ways to get allergy relief without pills at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I'm Pinning and sharing!
So true. Knowledge is power and there are plenty of natural ways to try first before reaching for medications. Thanks for swinging by, Deborah and for sharing the ideas.
I am far too familiar with allergies and do just about all I can without pills to reduce my reaction! Thanks for sharing these tips! 🙂
Hope your symptoms are short lasting, Annmaire, and these suggestions help you! Allergies not much fun, I know!
These are great tips! I would have never thought to vacuum the dog haha. I have terrible seasonal allergies, so I've actually been getting allergy shots and they have helped immensely. Not a natural remedy, per se, but helpful for sure!
I know they can help a lot, Nicole, but for some, insurance does not cover it and some fear the needles as well! Ha! So, happy to hear they are working for you!
Love natural solutions for allergy season! Thank you for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
So glad you came by, Michelle!
I think my dog would love it too.
Thanks for bringing your post to Blogger's Pit Stop.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew
Ha! So weird, but so effective! As I said, my dog loves it!
Sorry to hear! Do try these methods to clear the air of pollen at home. They really are effective to make it through this time of year! Good luck!
My husband has been having a terrible time this week with the pollen. We've had lots and lots of hot sauce on things, plus some chicken soup too.
I would rather never take a pill for allergies, I only suffer once in a while and I deal with it…it is usually only for a day or too… I feel awful for other people who have major issues but I think taking pills may actually make it more difficult for them with all the side effects as you state… We really need to simplify.. Have a great rest of the week xox
Many do have intense reactions to the pollen. These actions are really worth a try before deciding to take the pills! Glad you do have to resort to them, Launna! Have a great week, too!
Hi Shelley! My Giant Schnauzer really does love it! If she sees me open the closet door where I keep the vacuum, she starts wagging her tail. Of course, I am very gentle. What can I say — she has her quirks and we love that! Happy Spring to you!
Oh my gosh – these are great, super-easy ideas! I have to admit, though – vacuuming the dog is by far my favorite – both because it's just flat-out hilarious and also because I'd completely never thought to do that! I wonder if my little guy, Finn, will like it?!?!? (I'm going with NO! … But he may just have to endure it anyway!! :D)