Allergies come about when your body decides to make an enemy out of everyday substances such as pollen from a tree, fur from a pet, or dust on your dressing table. Your body creates antibodies every time you breathe in any of the above substances. This is an alarm system, which notifies the body’s immune system to attack the foreign invaders.

Your body must release histamines and other chemicals in order to neutralize the allergens. This causes the classic allergy symptoms such as red and itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus headaches, sneezing, and scratchy throat.

When we take antihistamine medications for allergies, we are only treating the symptoms and not the cause. Not to mention the many side effects that comes with these medications such as drowsiness, and the possibility of heart arrhythmias with the newer nondrowsy allergy medications. In most cases, alternative home remedies for allergies work just as good or better than the over-the-counter stuff.

Natural Allergy Remedies

- Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that can be a powerful inhibitor of histamine release. Try to take 250 milligrams two times daily, which is enough to reduce or control most allergies. However, this treatment will take time; it could take three to four weeks before it becomes effective.

- If you do decide to take Quercetin, then you should also take bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory enzyme from the pineapple. It aids in the absorption of Quercetin. Aim for 250 mg twice daily along with Quercetin.

When to call a doctor for allergies

If you notice any of the following symptoms, and never experienced them before when you were experiencing an allergy attack, it is time to see a doctor.

- Welts that come up in response to exposure to an allergen, also known as hives. These welts may be a sign of anaphylactic shock, and allergic reaction deadly enough to kill you. Bee stings and fire ants stings are more commonly associated with anaphylactic shock, but can rear its ugly head because of other allegens too. “Seek medical attention immediately”.

- If you begin wheezing, which is a whistling sound when you breathe.

- Congestion of the chest to the point where breathing becomes difficult (asthma)

- If you develop an allergy attack that is not remedied by over the counter medicines within a week.

Herbal Remedies For Allergies

- Stinging Nettle is a powerful herb used to treat allergies with great success. According to a doctor, 70% of his patients do not need no other supplement after he gives them stinging nettle. Start taking nettle two weeks before allergy season begins.

- German Camomile – Helps allergic reactions, such as asthma, and allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

Herbs For Allergies

- Elecampane – This plant has antispasmodic and antiallergic properties, thus it is especially recommended for asthmatic bronchitis and bronchi asthma caused by allergies, as well as in other allergic reactions.