With allergy season in full swing, you may see your productivity drop. The constant sniffling, sneezing, snoring, “itchy, watery” eyes and a host of other malaise that come during this season in the spring, summer or early fall can affect how you feel and function. The allergies, which can develop at any age, need to be addressed not dismissed.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you're not alone. E. B. White has the distinction of being one of the few writers to really express the misery of seasonal allergies. In an essay titled “The Summer Catarrh” (1938), he recounts Daniel Webster’s struggles with hay fever, proclaiming, “there is a fraternity among those who have been tried beyond endurance.”

White exaggerates for effect, of course. But, millions of people around the world experience unpleasant reactions to the warmer weather. The good news, though, is there are more options for relief from this certainly annoying affliction than some of us realize.

Options for Seasonal Allergies Relief

Instead of relying strictly on medication that isn't always effective to beat seasonal allergies, Mother Nature provides remedies of her own.

Here’s how you can get your seasonal allergies under control:

Start with Lifestyle Changes

To reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies, start at home. When you arrive home after having been outdoors for any length of time, take a shower and change into clean clothes. While you have been away, even if you were at work, allergens have been collecting in your pores and in the fibers of your clothes. Bathing and changing into fresh clothes will help get rid of those contaminants, reducing the severity of your symptoms.

Additionally, try to limit your time outdoors. This can be especially difficult if you enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities like cycling or hiking. Instead, look for ways to get your exercise indoors. You can join a fitness center or buy speed ropes to use at home. While getting daily exercise is important, you can help yourself feel better by engaging in more indoor activities.

Even if you've limited your exposure to allergens and followed your doctor's advice, you may still be experiencing severe symptoms. In that case, a more natural treatment may be necessary to provide you with better relief.

Natural Home Remedies

Here are just a few suggestions that you can try safely at home:

Apple Cider Vinegar

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There are many ways that apple cider vinegar helps the body. Referring specifically to seasonal allergies, this product is effective because it reduces the production of mucous in the sinuses. It also works by detoxing the lymphatic system. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into one glass of water and drink up to three times daily.

Honey

It's important to buy honey that has been made in your area. The theory behind this treatment is that the locally made honey will help your body acclimate to the allergens in the area, reducing the severity to which you're affected. While there's little scientific research in support of this remedy, many allergy sufferers swear by it. Eat a teaspoon of raw and unprocessed honey at least once per day, beginning a few weeks before the start of allergy season.

Garlic

This is one of nature's strongest antibiotics and, eaten regularly, can actually strengthen your immune system. This helps to fight off illnesses and inflammation, as well as protecting the body against allergies. Eat two raw garlic cloves daily for best results.

Lemons and Limes

Because these citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, they're excellent for fighting off infection and illness. They also protect the body by reinforcing the immune system, which helps in reducing allergic reactions. Lemons can be mixed with water to drink throughout the day, or the juices from lemons and limes can be mixed with olive oil to create a healthy salad dressing.

Bone Broth

If your mom always boasted about the healing power of her chicken soup, she wasn't completely wrong. Bone broth contains amino acids and host of other nutrients that help to strengthen the immune system. Make a bone broth from either beef or chicken stock and drink daily.

Remember…

If you experience stronger than normal allergic symptoms, the condition could pose a more serious risk to your health. If left untreated, it could create a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. For that reason, it's important to seek medical attention if your symptoms are more severe than usual. In cases where your symptoms are mild to moderate, you might prefer to try some natural home remedies, but it's still wise to consult your doctor. The doctor may offer you advice or insight to help you achieve better results.