Ah, Ah, Ah….chooo! …Those darn allergies are at it again making you cough, wheeze and sneeze. You’re miserable and you want relief but over the counter medications can make you sleepy. On top of that, many come with side effects that range from annoying to dangerous. What did they do before there was a pharmacy on every corner? Let’s take a look at some of Grandma’s allergy remedies and discover how she relieved symptoms without side effects, back in the day.
Grandma’s Allergy Remedies
Peppermint Tea
One of grandma’s favorite ways to ease allergy symptoms was to make a nice hot cup of peppermint tea. Whether she knew it or not, peppermint is an essential oil that works as a natural decongestant. It also contains anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties. It’s a fantastic and tasty way to feel better when allergies attack. To make peppermint tea use 7 -10 peppermint leaves, and steep in hot water for 7 – 10 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste.
Bee Pollen
While it may seem odd to use Pollen to help fight allergy symptoms, Bee Pollen does just that. Bee Pollen is a natural anti-histamine and as a result can help relieve the puffy eyes and runny nose that accompany allergies. So how do you get bee pollen? It seems that bee keepers…
“…attach a small box fitted with a screen in the doorway of a hive to allow the bee to enter but harmlessly remove the pollen granules from their legs. Beekeepers are careful to collect only a small amount from any given hive, so as not to deprive the bees of this food source. The collected granules are then either sold fresh, or frozen or dehydrated for commercial bee pollen.”
Read more at – http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/whats-the-buzz-on-bee-pollen
Red Onion Water
If you’re not near a bee hive there’s another natural anti-histamine available and it’s found in red onions. Red onions contain quercetin which has the same effect as bee pollen in that it helps reduce and relieve allergy symptoms. It also reduces inflammation and can help open up your bronchial passages, helping you breathe. To make red onion water slice a red onion and let it in fuse into 4 cups of water for approximately 8-12 hours. Drink the mixture 1 to 2 times daily as needed. Grandma recommends adding some honey to sweeten the taste too. (she’s always so thoughtful isn’t she?)
Take a Nice Hot Shower
If grandma seemed extra clean during allergy season there’s a very good reason; she knew a nice hot shower could help. While the warm water helps wash away pollen from your hair and skin, the steam helps soothe irritated sinuses and clear your nasal passages.
Conclusion
So if you’re suffering with allergy symptoms but you want to avoid the complications that can come with over the counter medications try some of Grandma’s allergy remedies for yourself. They’re natural, they’re time tested and they work. Do you have a favorite home remedy for allergies? Share in the comments below.
