Treating allergic rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a nuisance to many people around the world. This requires the support of the body's immune system in order to combat the allergy season. So, learn about the best ways to treat allergic rhinitis with natural herbs and healthy foods in order to relieve its symptoms.

Allergic Rhinitis:

It is a medical term for hay fever and seasonal allergies that may occur in the spring, fall, or throughout the summer, as a result of exposure to allergens such as pollen and animal dander. Some foods may also increase the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. If the symptoms of seasonal allergies are left untreated, symptoms may get worse, which may affect activities of daily living. Those with weak immunity and people suffering from respiratory diseases should manage allergy symptoms in order to prevent complications.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis:

•   congestion.
•   Runny nose.
•   Itchy and sore eyes.
•   sneezing.

If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis in the spring, you are likely to be allergic to tree pollen, but if symptoms appear in the summer, it is likely that the allergy is caused by grass pollen.

But if seasonal allergy symptoms appear in late summer and fall, ragweed plants may be (ragweed) are the most likely cause.

But if you suffer from allergic rhinitis symptoms all year round, it is likely that you are allergic to internal triggers such as animal dander, or dust mites.

Herbal treatment for allergic rhinitis

The use of some natural herbs may help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies, including:

1. Nettle herb

Nettle herb has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. However, it should be noted that nettle may interfere with some types of medications, such as medications for diabetics and high blood pressure, which may lead to adverse interactions with these medications.

2. Spirulina algae

Some recent research has indicated the effectiveness of the nutritional supplement spirulina in alleviating the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, by inhibiting the secretion of histamine that causes symptoms. Among the symptoms that spirulina helps to improve are:

• nasal secretions.
• Nasal congestion.
• itchy nose.
• sneezing.

3. Quercetin supplement

Quercetin is a plant colorant from the flavonoid group, found in many vegetables, fruits, seeds, and leaves such as radishes, berries, and red onions. It is also available in the market in the form of capsules and nutritional supplements. 

The results of studies have concluded the effectiveness of this substance in preventing the production of histamine. Thus reducing inflammation and allergy symptoms. 

However, it should be noted that quercetin may interfere with some types of medications, such as antibiotics.

4. Ginger

Use of ginger is famous for treating many disease symptoms, as ginger is a natural antibiotic that helps improve the health of the circulatory system, the digestive system, and the immune system of the body.

It is also a natural antihistamine, which helps relieve symptoms of congestion and headaches. You can enjoy the benefits of ginger by inhaling the steam rising when drinking a cup of ginger tea.

5. Onions

Onions are a natural source of quercetin, which scientific studies have indicated is quercetin's ability to act as a natural antihistamine, which may help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
It is worth noting that red onions contain the highest concentration of quercetin, followed by white and green onions. 
Note that cooking may reduce the quercetin content in onions.
Therefore, it is best to eat it raw by adding it to salad dishes, or as an addition to sandwiches and sandwiches in order to benefit from it in treating allergic rhinitis naturally.

6. Garlic

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that works to fight infections and viruses. So, using raw garlic in cooking may help strengthen the immune system, and relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms. Some may prefer to use garlic supplements, but it is better for you to use natural garlic.

Apple cider vinegar for allergic rhinitis:

Organic apple cider vinegar strengthens the immune system, clears mucus, and clears the airways. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties. It is also a rich source of vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. To use organic apple cider vinegar to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with some fresh lemon juice, or with a glass of warm water and drink it.

Treating allergic rhinitis with turmeric:

Turmeric is one of the herbs that have strong anti-inflammatory properties because it contains curcumin, which may help reduce symptoms caused by inflammation, such as reducing irritation and swelling caused by allergic rhinitis. Although studies on the use of turmeric in the treatment of allergic rhinitis are limited, the use of turmeric may help relieve symptoms associated with allergies. You can use turmeric either in cooking, as a supplement, or you can enjoy a cup of turmeric tea.

Inhalation treatment for allergic rhinitis

In addition to ways to treat allergic rhinitis with natural herbs, the use of some types of essential oils by steam inhalation may help improve blood circulation, relieve stress and symptoms of congestion and mucus, open nasal passages, and improve the work of the lungs. 

These types of essential oils are:

• lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Eucalyptus oil (eucalyptus oil)

Common ways to use essential oils as a complementary treatment for seasonal allergy symptoms include:

• Posted in the air.
• Topical application to the skin after dilution with a carrier oil such as olive oil.
• Inhaling the scent of essential oil (known as aromatherapy).

Foods to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Adding certain types of foods to your diet may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms and boost your immune system. Among the foods that are useful for treating allergic rhinitis are the following:

• Foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir

• Fresh vegetables like beetroot, carrots, and potatoes

• Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel

• poultry

• beef

• Apple cider vinegar

• pineapple

• Foods that contain spices such as ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and onions

Forbidden foods for sinus allergies

The foods that you are allergic to, you should avoid them during allergy season, in order to reduce the burden on your immune system and allow it to work as required. Among the foods that allergic rhinitis patients should avoid in order not to increase their symptoms of allergic rhinitis are the following:

• caffeine
• Peanuts
• Chocolate
• artificial sweeteners
• Dairy products
• Processed foods
• dried fruits
• Wheat
• soy

And if you're not sure how sensitive you are to certain foods and drinks, you can try an elimination diet to identify the types of foods that can aggravate your seasonal allergy symptoms. 

In the end, despite the possibility of treating allergic rhinitis with herbs, which can have fewer side effects than using some types of traditional medicines.

But you should keep in mind that herbs are medicine as well. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before use, in order to determine the appropriate dose for treatment, as well as to know the contraindications to use, especially in the case of taking some types of medication.

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