Mama’s Natural Allergy Remedies

It’s the beginning of May– the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, there’s not a cloud in the sky and you’re stuck inside, sneezing, wheezing, coughing and being miserable.

 

 

I know, I know. They’re the worst. The dozens of Facebook statuses clogging up my newsfeed confirm my suspicions that most of you suffer from allergies, especially in my area because…

We’re number one! We’re number one! I literally live in the worst freaking place for Spring allergies. Even worse, I cannot take allergy medication. ANY allergy medication. A few years ago, I was tired of suffering and turned to natural remedies. Shockingly, they worked better than anything I had tried before. Better than shots. Better than medication. Now, even though I’m basically allergic to the outdoors and live in such an awful area for allergies, I don’t suffer much at all. I’m able to get out and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine without the nasty meds that leave me drowsy and may not work at all. 

These are my natural remedies that help me and I think would help you too. 

The Neti-Pot

I know, I know. You think it’s weird and it freaks you out. It IS weird. You fill the pot with lukewarm distilled or filtered water, add the sinus rinse packet, insert the spout in one nostril, tilt your head and the water comes out the other nostril. I KNOW IT’S WEIRD. I first was introduced to the Neti-pot when I watched this Youtube video, just because it’s so odd and funny. Then I got one as a gag gift. Then I used it, just for novelty purposes, as a joke, to report back the hilarious experience to my family who gave it to me. But, I actually noticed a huge difference in how I felt. I immediately felt sinus relief after using it. Now I use it all the time and have for years. So, I guess the joke is on them. 

Maybe it’s still on me. My husband walking in on me in the bathroom, with a little plastic pot up my nose and the water dripping back into the sink, has to be in the top five most awkward moments of our marriage. We’re close, but no one wants to see your partner irrigating their nasal passages. No one. 

When you use the Neti-pot, the solution thins mucus, decreases postnasal drip and cleans bacteria and nastiness from your nasal passages. That’s why it works so well and why you’ll most likely feel serious relief after just a time or two. You can pick a Neti-pot up at Target, any local pharmacy, Amazon, etc. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it. 

Saline Nasal Spray

After using the Neti-Pot, you may have clear nasal passages, but your nose is dry or your nose might just be dry because that’s how you suffer from allergies. So your nose is no longer runny, but now the inside of your nostrils hurt and maybe even bleed. Lovely. The spray helps irrigate your nasal passages like the Neti-pot, but also moisturizes. So it’s a great solution for dry noses. 

I use this one. But, just like the Neti-pot, you can pick up a good saline spray anywhere you can find OTC allergy meds. 

Essential Oils

I love Eden’s Garden oils because they’re inexpensive and just as effective as the pricey stuff. The Breathe Easier Synergy blend is fantastic. I like to put a drop or two on the inside of my palm, rub my hands together and then inhale, taking several deep breaths. Really clears up your sinuses and perks you up a bit. 

Steam Tent

Making a steam tent helps break up congestion and although it’s not a miracle cure for something a little more progressive like a sinus infection, it provides some serious relief. 

To make a steam tent, boil some water, (I like to add essential oils, but that’s optional) place the pot of water under your face, drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. Obviously be careful not to burn yourself on the hot pot. Try to position the towel so it covers your head and neck completely.

 

Ahhhhhh. Great relief for gnarly congestion.

I use the Neti-pot pretty regularly, maybe twice a week, and the other methods on a as-needed basis. Luckily there are no side effects and all methods are all natural so I can do it as often as I need, but they’re so effective, I don’t have to do them constantly. 

Babies and toddlers often suffer from allergies too. Little D is just starting to get a bit sniffly and sneezy the more we’re outside. For babies and toddlers, I recommend using a saline spray formulated for babies like this one and the Nosefrida. If you’re not familiar with the Nosefrida, brace yourself, it is stranger than the Neti-pot. But, again, it’s highly effective and much easier, more comfortable and safer than using a bulb syringe. Check out this video demonstrating the Nosefrida in action. 

As the winter was so incredibly frigid, this Spring is proving to be especially unbearable for allergy sufferers. If you feel like your allergy medication isn’t working or you hate the side effects or are otherwise looking for something more natural, give my methods a shot. They’re easy, cheap and effective. Be sure to report back with your results and embarrassing Neti-pot experiences!