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Pollen allergies can turn a promising spring season into a nightmare of sniffling, sneezing, and puffy eyes. These 12 simple, easy, and effective ways to reduce pollen allergy symptoms naturally can make a world of a difference!
Pollen allergies are particularly prominent in spring when the pollen count is high. Trying to avoid coming in contact with pollen can feel impossible – it seems to be everywhere, and not just outdoors either. You open the windows to let the refreshing spring breezes indoors and those allergy-causing pollen particles get in too. Impossible as it may seem, there are simple everyday things you can do to prevent those annoying pollen allergies.
12 Easy, Simple, & Effective Ways To Reduce Pollen Allergies Naturally
1. Clean all indoor surfaces thoroughly
Don’t underestimate the power of a clean environment. Pollen particles that find their way indoors settle down on all surfaces and remain there for days if not wiped away. These invisible particles can trigger your pollen allergy symptoms if you touch the surface and then touch your face.
Disturbing the particles also increases the risk of allergies. Because they are so light, pollen particles easily rise and fly around unseen indoors. Inhaling these light, invisible allergens can cause irritation to build up.
Wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth is one of the simplest ways to keep indoor allergens at bay.
Always use natural cleaners. Harsh chemicals in commercial cleaners can irritate your nasal passages and aggravate your symptoms. This Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate with essential oils is perfect for the purpose.
2. Use A Mask When Stepping Outdoors
Wearing a mask is the single most effective way to reduce pollen allergy symptoms when stepping outdoors. It’s the easiest too!
Put that mask on while gardening, working in your yard, or spending time forest bathing. An N95 respirator mask is best for preventing allergens from entering the nose. It blocks as much as 95% of small allergen particles including pollen.
3. Close Your Windows On Days When The Pollen Count Is High
It feels good to have fresh spring breezes blowing through the window. But unfortunately, they carry pollen particles indoors with them. These particles settle down everywhere, from the walls and floors to the furniture, drapes, and even your clothes. They then proceed to trigger your allergies even if you don’t step outside.
Closing your windows on high pollen count days will prevent pollen from getting indoors limiting your exposure and minimizing the symptoms.
4. Use An Air Purifier For Allergies
Installing an air purifier can be very effective at reducing pollen allergy symptoms. They work by eliminating pollen particles from the indoor environment.
The best air purifiers for allergies are designed with multiple layers of filters, each one designed to do a different job.
The outermost layer consists of a pre-filter. A charcoal filter forms the second layer. They both work together to trap larger particles from the environment and eliminate odors.
The smaller-sized particles that pass through are then captured by a true HEPA filter, which forms the last layer. The HEPA filter is designed to capture the smallest particles, including pollen particles and mold spores. The air that leaves the HEPA filter and re-enters the environment is free from pollen particles and other contaminants.
Using an air purifier during peak pollen season eliminates the pollen inside your home, reducing pollen allergy symptoms. This is a great way to keep your indoor air allergen-free.
The GermGuardian AC4825 With True Hepa Filter is among the best air purifiers for allergies. In addition to the 3 filters, the GermGuardianAC4825 has a UV light that kills airborne viruses and bacteria as they pass through the purifier. This helps to remove any additional allergy-causing microbes from the indoor air.
Read my detailed review of the GermGuardian AC4825 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter and go here to read what other users have to say about this air purifier for allergies.
5. Change Your Clothes As Soon As You Enter The House
You can’t possibly spend the entire spring season indoors. You have to go outside some time or the other and when you do, some pollen will settle on your clothes and shoes.
Changing your clothes as soon as you get indoors will limit their spread around the hours. Throw your clothes in a closed laundry basket until wash day so the pollen particles can’t escape.
If you can, leave your shoes outdoors. Alternatively, keep a brush or cloth outside the door and brush or dust your shoes off before you walk through the door.
6. Wash your face and hands as soon as you come indoors
When you step outdoors, pollen can settle on exposed areas of your skin just as it settles on your clothes. Washing your face and hands will get rid of the allergens from your skin, further reducing the risk of pollen allergy symptoms.
A quick shower is even better. It will wash off any lingering traces of pollen from your skin and hair. This will allow you to get on with the rest of your day without sniffling and sneezing because of the pollen.
If you’re tempted to soak in a bathtub, it’s a good idea to shower first and then get in the tub. The shower will wash off any pollen particles from your skin. Otherwise, they will just float on the water and trigger your allergies.
7. Use Essential Oils For Allergy Symptoms
Lemon– Inhaling the aroma of lemon oil is known to open the sinuses and ease chest congestion.
Peppermint– Peppermint helps respiration by calming the sensitive tissues in your lungs and breathing passages.
Eucalyptus– Eucalyptus contains menthol, an ingredient that is used in several cold and sinus medicines. Inhaling the cool menthol aroma helps to clear the sinuses.
Rosalina – Rosalina oil is one of the best kid-safe choices for respiratory congestion, a common symptom of pollen allergies.
Blue Tansy – This rare essential oil is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it the perfect go-to when those pesky allergy seasons roll through
Frankincense– Its anti-inflammatory properties make frankincense very effective for reducing pollen allergy symptoms.
Clear Again Essential Oil Blend– Clear Again Synergy was created to help alleviate respiratory symptoms, especially during times of high seasonal pollen.
Breathe Ease Essential Oil Blend – This menthol-rich essential oil from Rocky Mountain Oils contains a unique combination of respiratory-boosting essential oils that help promote your body’s ability to break up mucus or phlegm caused by pollen allergies. Its soothing menthol aroma can calm your respiratory system and make it easier to get full, deep breaths.
How to use essential oils to reduce pollen allergy symptoms
For outdoor use, add 1-2 drops to 100 ml water in a personal inhaler and carry it with you.
For indoor use, use your preferred essential oil or blend aromatically by adding 1-2 drops per 100 ml of water in your diffuser.
To use topically, dilute your chosen essential oil to 2 – 4% in a carrier oil and apply. Check out this dilution chart.
You may also be interested in “Best Essential Oils For Allergies And How To Use Them”
8. Use A Neti Pot Regularly
Doing a nasal rinse using a neti pot will clear pollen particles from the nasal passage, preventing those irritating symptoms.
A neti pot is a simple device that has a container and a spout. You fill the container with a saline mixture, place the spout into your nose and tilt the container. The saline irrigates your nasal cavity as it enters one nasal cavity and goes out the other. During its passage, it washes away any allergens that may be lodged in the cilia or mucous membrane.
Read: How To Use A Neti Pot To Reduce Pollen Allergies
9. Change Your Diet to Manage Allergy Symptoms
Tweaking your diet is another easy way to reduce pollen allergy symptoms naturally. We are not talking about what you should take away as much as what you can add to your diet to help.
These are some foods you should add to your daily diet to help suppress allergy symptoms.
• Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, especially apples, tomatoes, and grapes
• Locally-sourced raw honey – some studies show that consuming local honey can help protect you from the allergic effects of endemic plants.
• Fruits rich in Vitamin C, including kiwi, oranges, and melon
• Consume sufficient Omega-3 Fatty acids – these antioxidants have a profound effect on reducing pollen allergies
• Drink plenty of water – it helps replenish the bodily fluids that you lose from sniffling and also thins down the mucus in your nasal passages, easing the congestion
10. Do Regular Steam Inhalations
Inhaling steam eases a stuffy nose and helps you breathe easier. This is because the heat from the steam loosens the mucous, making it easier to get rid of. This also gets rid of the allergen particles adhering to the mucous.
To do steam inhalation, pour steaming water (not boiling) in a bowl. Hold your head over the bowl, place a towel over your head to trap the steam, and inhale.
Be careful not to fill the bowl too much and make sure to place the bowl on a flat, steady surface. The water will be hot. You don’t want the bowl toppling over.
Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil will make the steam inhalation doubly effective.
Alternately, sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running and let the steam engulf you.
11. Clean Your Pets Before Bringing Them Indoors
Nobody gives much thought to pets and pollen. After a romp around outdoors, pollen and other irritants are sure to get lodged in their fur and their paws. Your pets can bring huge amounts of allergens indoors.
Keep a fur brush at the door. Before letting your pets come back indoors, brush their fur thoroughly to get rid of persistent pollen particles.
12. Dry Your Laundry Indoors
Avoid hanging your clothes outside during peak pollen season. It’s really easy for clothes to collect a large amount of pollen and other allergens while hanging out to dry. These irritants will end up in your home and trigger allergic responses.
Hanging your clothes to dry in an area that’s well-ventilated but protected from exposure to allergen particles is a surprisingly effective way to reduce pollen allergy symptoms.
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Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
