Natural Health Options for Allergy Relief
One of the newest and most popular ways to naturally relieve allergies is the European herb Butterbar (Petasites hybridus).
Butterbar is a large leafed, shrub- like plant native to Europe. It is also commonly known as: Butterfly Dock, Bog Rhubarb, Butter-dock, Blatterdock, and Exwort.
Butterbar has anti- inflammatory effects that decrease histamine and leukotrienes (chemicals involved in allergic reactions).
Butterbar can be found as a supplement that can be taken four times a day to relieve hayfever without drowsiness.
Another natural option is a saline (salt water) nasal spray. The saline works to wash out pollen and reduce or thin mucus.
The flavanoid compound Quercetin also helps. This compound occurs naturally in the skins of apples and red onions and is especially abundant in red wine. It has also been isolated and is sold as a dietary supplement.
According to New York University allergist Clifford Bassett, M.D., if you suffer from ragweed or other pollen allergies you should avoid eating melon, banana, cucumber, sunflower seeds, chamomile, and any herbal supplements containing echinacea, all of which can make symptoms worse.
Suffering from allergies and craving something hot and spicy. Well, you can ease your allergy symptoms and satisfy your craving at the same time. In fact, the spicier the dish, the more likely it is to thin mucus secretions, which in turn can clear nasal passages.
Watching your diet can help relieve your allergy symptoms. Fruits and vegetables with the deepest hues, such as berries, spinach, and red grapes, are highest in antioxidents, which help prevent the free radical damage to cells that weakens immunity.
Avoid dairy, sugar, wheat and food additives. These are known to produce extra mucus, which causes congestion and nasal irritation. Cutting back will help make you less sensitive to pollens and other irritants.
Drink water. Fluids help clear airways by hydrating mucus membranes; the wetter the membrane, the thinner the mucus and the more easily it can drain..
Finally, help reduce your symptoms by reducing allergns inside your home. Use a HEPA air purifier to reduce airborne allergens, special laundry detergents to wash away dust mite allergens, and HEPA vacuums to capture and retain the allergens in your home.

Sources:
www.webmd.com
www.allergycontrol.com
www.fitnessmagazine.com
www.mayoclinic.com

Learn more about this author, Miranda Owens.
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