Natural Allergy Remedies

Although allergies and asthma are different conditions, they trigger similar reactions in the body and some of the same chemicals are involved. An allergy is an inflammatory reaction, whereas asthma is a chronic lung inflammation that causes difficult breathing. Allergens in the air can trigger both allergies and asthma attacks.

As the immune system reacts to fight off the allergens, the airway inflames, becomes narrow, and breathing becomes more difficult.Of course this is often accompanied by irritated eyes, scratchy throat, and sneezing.

Air cleaners with HEPA filters are extremely effective in improving indoor air quality. HEPA air filters clean the air of allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen, dust, and smoke. They're also able to trap some molds, spores, and viruses; however, they cannot kill bacteria.

Some newer air filters have begun to use ultra-violet light. UV light kills fungi, mold, bacteria, and viruses. These air cleaners can eliminate up to 99.97 percent of particles in the air.

Not all allergies are related to sinus and lungs. There are many food allergies and environmental toxins that can cause allergic reactions. In particular, food allergies can be difficult to get a handle on. Allergies to wheat and gluten mean learning to avoid those foods completely. Imagine being the child that can't eat cake at the birthday party.

Some allergies can even be deadly. There are cases of children being so allergic to peanuts that a tiny amount can lead to anaphylaxis -- a massive life threatening allergic reaction that means a trip to the emergency room.

It is believed that Ayurveda is the world's oldest form of medicine, tracing its origins in India back at least 3,500 years. Ayurvedic health practices have grown very popular primarily because they take the whole body into consideration.

Ayurveda aims to treat the root cause of an illness and not just the symptoms. You're probably familiar with the neti pot because so many people have been helped by using it for sinus problems, but there are many herbs and treatments that can treat allergies.

Note: Any substance, whatever its origin, is a possible allergen.