Seasonal allergies can create unpleasant symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. If you don’t like taking pills and other pharmaceutical remedies, there are a number or natural treatments that you can create with a simple list of ingredients. Here are a few tried and true homemade remedies to try this season.
Decongestant Steam
An aromatic steam can really help a runny or stuffed up nose. You can make a decongestant steam by mixing 3 tablespoons of fresh peppermint and 3 tablespoons of fresh eucalyptus in a medium sized bowl. Pour boiling water over the herbs, lean over the bowl with a towel draped over your head, and inhale the steam for five to ten minutes.
Decongestant Salve
If you like the effect of Vicks Rub, you can duplicate it at home with just a few ingredients. To start, mix 1 cup of olive oil with 1 ounce of peppermint oil and 1 ounce of eucalyptus oil in a double boiler over low heat. When the oils are warm, add in 1 ounce of grated beeswax. Stir until the beeswax is melted. Allow the mixture to cool before rubbing a small amount under your nose, on your chest, and on the bottoms of your feet. Excess salve can be stored in a clean jar in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks.
Sinus Spray
Most store-bought nasal sprays consist of salt and water. You can easily duplicate this recipe at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of table salt with 1 cup of warm (not hot) distilled water. You can get the spray in your nose with an ear bulb syringe, a small teapot, or a neti pot. Whatever method you use, be sure to breathe through your mouth as you are flushing your nasal passages so that the water doesn’t drain down your throat.
Nasal Inhalant
Sometimes a quick sniff of something sharp smelling is all you need to unclog your nasal passages. You can make a transportable inhalant by placing 1/2 teaspoon of rock salt in a clean glass jar (with a lid.) Put 4 drops of peppermint oil and 4 drops of eucalyptus oil on the salt. Place the lid on the jar and give it a gentle shake to mix the ingredients. When your nose feels stuffed up, unscrew the lid and sniff the contents of the jar.
Oatmeal Bath
If your seasonal allergies give you itchy skin, you can get quick relief with an oatmeal bath. Grind 1 cup of oatmeal (instant oatmeal, quick oats or slow cooking oats) in a food processor or coffee grinder. Sprinkle the ground oatmeal into a bathtub of warm running water. Stir the water with your hand before getting in to ensure even distribution. Soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. When you get out, pat yourself dry with a towel.
Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for InsuranceQuotes.org.