Home Remedies For Allergies: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

Allergies are hypersensitive immune responses of your body towards specific substances, which enter into the body or come near it, but to other people, these substances are harmless and don’t cause any symptoms. Some of the allergies are food allergy, drug allergy, dust allergy, asthmatic allergy, contact dermatitis etc. Some home remedies for allergy are -

• Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin which acts as a decongestant. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and analgesic properties that can treat acute allergies. Description: You can take turmeric in powdered form in your cooked food or turmeric juice in hot milk and tea.
• Butterbur: Butterbur is a medicinal herb and is famous for its anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties that can cure seasonal allergies. Description: Butterbur can be used in the form of oil extractor pills. It helps to reduce intensity and frequency of seasonal allergy.
• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, malic and acetic acid. It helps in boosting your immune system thereby curing allergies and other seasonal diseases. Description: In 8 ounces of warm water add 2 teaspoon full of vinegar and honey. Drink this tonic twice a day regularly.
• Garlic: Garlic is a natural anti-oxidant and antibiotic herb which immediately boosts your immune system thereby preventing all types of allergies. Description: Either chew or extract juice from 2 garlic cloves and drink it regularly to protect yourself from recurring allergies.
• Quercetin: Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pigment found in abundance in many common fruits and vegetables. This is used to curb allergic reactions and boost the immune system. Description: Quercetin is obtained in cilantro, fennel leaves, onion, cranberry, plums, apple, broccoli, red kidney beans etc. Try to include these vegetables in your diet in order to attain healthy and allergy free life.

There are certain side effects that may arise if these remedies are used in excess.

• Excess use of apple cider vinegar may cause a sore throat, decreased bone density, gastrointestinal problem, damaged tooth enamel etc.
• Butterbur contains a harmful chemical called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can damage liver cells. So butterbur products which are labeled as “PA-free” should be used.
• Excess garlic may cause heartburn, unpleasant mouth, and body odour, nausea, vomiting, gas etc.
• Turmeric if taken in excess may cause nausea, diarrhoea, increased bleeding, increased liver function, hyperactive uterine and gallbladder contractions, hypotension etc.

• Always use butterbur products that are marked as 'PA Free'
• Use face masks whenever you step out of your house.
• Change air filter of your car frequently.
• Always keep your house, car, curtains and carpets dust free.
• Try to identify the precursors which trigger your allergic reactions and start avoiding them.

Curing allergies with home remedies are lengthy processes and demand your patience and continuous endeavour to follow the guidelines. But few of the herbs like butterbur and garlic bring you the desired relief within a few days.

If these remedies and the post remedy guidelines are followed as described then the frequency and severity of your allergies can be reduced drastically if not cured permanently.

In case you want to use butterbur as a home remedy to cure your allergies then it is always advised to take a second opinion from your physician to avoid any kind of future complications. In case of the other remedies, you don’t require any expert’s supervision unless you’re hypersensitive towards any of the ingredients.