Also known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis refers to an allergic response to specific allergens such as dust, mold, grass and pollen. When a person suffers from allergic rhinitis, the body releases histamine to defend the body from the allergen. However, histamine causes uncomfortable symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose.
Since this condition interferes on a sufferer’s quality of life, people with allergic rhinitis use a variety of medications to treat allergies including antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops and nasal sprays. Those who have severe allergies even undergo immunotherapy or allergy shots.
But sufferers also have the option to try a few home remedies to manage the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Here are some of them, according to healthdigezt.com.
1. Flush the nasal cavity using saline solution.
Use a saline solution which you can buy from a drug store or make at home by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm distilled water in order flush out excess mucus in the nasal cavity. Simply tilt your head to one side and introduce the saline solution (using the tool you prefer) into one nostril. Allow it to flow out of the other nostril. Do this regimen a couple of times in a day.
2. Inhale steam to break down mucus.
In order to breathe more comfortably, help break drown the mucus by inhaling some steam. Pout hot water on a large basin and start inhaling the steam. You can drape a towel above your head while doing this. You may also inhale away the steam coming from the hot shower.
3. Have a cup of ginger tea.
Get relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of allergic rhinitis by drinking a cup of ginger tea, which works as a natural antihistamine that prevents allergic reaction that takes place in your body. Add a teaspoon of grated ginger in a cup of hot water and allow it to steep. Add some honey if you like.
4.Chew garlic cloves.
Chewing 2 to 3 cloves of garlic daily can provide relief as this herb is proven to be effective against allergic rhinitis. If you don’t feel like chewing raw garlic, you may turn it into a drink by steeping grated garlic in a cup of lukewarm water.
5. Drink milk with turmeric.
Known for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can also be a great home remedy for allergic rhinitis. Dissolve a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink it. You may also mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a teaspoon of honey and swallow.