Cure Allergies Naturally !!

I sailed through my childhood and early twenties blissfully unaware of the realities of allergies. Actually I was quite unsympathetic to allergy sufferers, obviously quite ignorant, I thought they were just being wimpy. As karma would have it I was struck with severe allergies in my thirties. So severe that I would have attacks that left me unable to function simply because I was sneezing every 3-5 seconds for hours at a time. Needless to say I was humbled and my arrogance was tempered by circumstances. Lesson learned!

Below are my top go to solutions for allergies.

Nettle Tea- nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine that can be very effective in treating allergies as it naturally blocks the body's ability to produce histamine. To make sure you get enough of the medicinal oils, pour boiling water over the tea bag and cover the cup for 15 minutes to let the oils seep in before drinking.

Quercitin- "There is even some evidence that quercetin may control the release of histamine and other chemicals that help initiate the allergic response," says Dillard, clinical advisor to Columbia University's Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and assistant clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

This potent antioxidant flavonoid comes from buckwheat, citrus or eucalyptus. According to Earl L. Mindell and Virginia Hopkins, authors of "Prescription Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives," quercetin is very effective in preventing allergy symptoms.In a 2009 study published in the "International Journal of Allergy and Immunology," quercetin effectively reduced allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, nasal and ear congestion and runny eyes(4).

Butterbur- In one study, published recently in the British Medical Journal, a group of Swiss researchers showed how just one tablet of butterbur extract (Ze 339) four times daily was as effective as a popular antihistamine drug in controlling symptoms of hay fever -- without the traditional symptom of drowsiness that sometimes occurs. In a second study, presented at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), a group of British researchers put their stamp of approval on butterbur's effectiveness in quelling symptoms of grass allergy(1)

Saline Nasal Rinse- This is one remedy that both Eastern and Western docs (like your allergist) will likely agree on. Basically all you're doing is flushing out your sinuses with a saltwater solution, which can help wash away allergens and irritants. To do it, grab a Neti Pot or a large squeeze bottle, like the one made by NeilMed, and fill it with a premixed packet of saline solution (available at drugstores) or make your own solution. To mix it yourself, combine 1 quart of distilled or boiled (then cooled) water; 2 to 3 tsp non-iodized salt (kosher, pickling, canning or sea salt); and 1 tsp baking soda. Put about 8 oz at a time in the Neti Pot or squeeze bottle and tilt your head forward over the sink while you pour/squeeze the solution in one nostril and let it drain out the other(2).

Probiotics - Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to a stimuli. New research links the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies (3).
Allergies don't have to control your life the key is to catch them before they take hold - a healthy diet supplemented with probiotics should keep them at bay. If none of these treatments work for you it's likely that your allergies are due to an unhealthy gut