It feels like a cold, the symptoms are the same – runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes etc. But you are actually down with dust allergy. Caused by tiny dust mites, dust allergy can really make you feel awful!
Dust allergies are particularly difficult to deal with as they can be triggered by a host of agents and are difficult to control once the body reacts to an allergen. The symptoms of dust allergy include violent sneezing, rashes breaking out on your arms, legs and torso, inflammation of the nasal duct, redness of the eyes and an itch all over the body, including the eyes. While medication is available to control allergies, it can cause undesirable side effects and should not be taken unless prescribed by a doctor. Listed below are ten home remedies for dust allergy, to help control an allergic reaction when your eyes and nose are assaulted by pollen, dust, dirt and other allergens.
Ensure you wear a scarf with your nose and mouth covered when you are outdoors during the pollen season. Cover your nose when you are dusting furniture at home, cleaning your closet or accessing areas of your home that have not been cleaned for sometime, like the attic or underside of furniture. These home remedies should help you cope with allergy symptoms.
Dust Allergy Home Remedies
1. Nasal Wash or Saline Solution:
One of the best home remedies for dust allergies is a nasal wash. This helps to soothe the upper respiratory tract by washing away dust particles, allergens and irritants that are lodged in the nasal passage and irritate the nose. Make a nasal wash at home with a saline solution. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and add a pinch of baking soda. Sniff a bit of the solution into one nostril at a time and allow the wash to drain back through your mouth or nose. Repeat by sniffing the wash through the other nostril. Doing this about four or five times helps to reduce nasal irritation and gives you relief from dust allergy.
2. Body Wash:
Wash your face, arms and hands as soon as you get indoors to get rid of pollen, dirt and other allergens that could trigger an allergy. If you have spent an entire day outdoors, it is advisable to take a bath and wash your hair as well, as pollens sticking to your hair can trickle down and tickle the nose. If you are having an allergy attack, wash your eyes and nostrils immediately to ease the sneezing and inflammation. Take cup water in your folded palm and blink rapidly about three or four times to wash your eyes. Use the same technique to clean your nostrils of irritants.
3. Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint tea is an excellent home remedy for dust allergy helping those suffering from an allergic attack. Peppermint is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, and the essential oil in it is a decongestant that gives you relief from an allergy or cold. To make peppermint tea, place handful of dried peppermint leaves in a glass filled two thirds to the brim with water. Bring the water to boil with the leaves in it. Allow the mixture to steep for about ten minutes, strain, cool and drink the tea.
4. Steam:
Inhale steam to give you relief from an allergic attack. Breathing steam helps to clear the nasal passage, soothe the irritated lining of the nose and ease the sinuses. Boil about 250 ml of water in a large bowl. When you see steam rising, drape a towel over your head and gently inhale the steam for about ten minutes. Hold your position for as long as you can before surfacing to breathe in fresh air. Once the water has cooled sufficiently and is lukewarm, dip a clean wash cloth in it and hold it to your sinuses for relief from an allergic reaction.
5. Wasabi:
Although not a conventional home remedy, Wasabi is an effective agent to treat an allergic attack as it contains allyl isothiocyanate, a compound that stimulates the flow of mucus. Wasabi is a part of the horseradish family, known for its health benefits like boosting the immune system. Simply dip a spoon in Wasabi and lick it off to control violent sneezing. You can also grate horseradish and swallow about a quarter teaspoon to treat allergy symptoms.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular home remedy for dust allergy. It reduces the production of mucus and cleanses the body’s lymphatic system to control an allergic reaction. It also offers health benefits like aiding in digestion and boosting body metabolism. Mix a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink the solution thrice a day. This tonic helps to cure allergy symptoms as well as prevent further attacks.
7. Local Honey:
Drink a teaspoon of honey to ease allergic reaction symptoms. Honey is one of the most powerful natural remedies for curing common colds and allergy attacks. Your sneezing should cease within a few minutes of consuming honey. Dip a clean cotton ball in a drop of honey and gently dab on rashes and blisters on your hands, legs and elsewhere on the body, triggered by the allergic reaction. Honey prevents any rashes from leaving a mark on your skin and helps to reduce swelling due to inflammation.
8. Green Tea:
Green tea is a rather well known natural cure for allergies. Soak a tea bag of green tea in a cup of boiling water and drink the brew to relieve sneezing, inflammation of the nasal tract and pain in the sinuses. Once the teabag has been drained, gently rub the bag along your skin where the rashes are most prominent. This helps to reduce swelling, redness and itching caused by a skin allergy. Drink green tea at least twice a day in the season you are most vulnerable to allergies, to prevent an attack.
9. Quercetin In Fresh Fruits:
Quercetin is a flavonoid that is used in most allergy medication to control an attack. The flavonoid is naturally found in fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, apples, red grapes, onions, grapefruit, and broccoli. Take a quick bite of an apple or a tomato to help control the allergic reaction. The immune system releases histamines when it reacts to an allergen, leading to rashes, inflammation, sneezing, itching and swelling. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine agent that reduces inflammation and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
10. Ghee:
If you are suffering from violent sneezing as the result of an allergic attack, sucking about a quarter teaspoon of ghee will help to reduce the intensity of sneezing. Ghee warms the nasal passage and helps to reduce sneezing. Dip a clean cotton ball in ghee and gently dab it on rashes and blemishes that have broken out on your skin. Ghee reduces the itch and swelling to quell the allergic reaction of the body.
The dust allergy remedies listed above should help to reduce the intensity of an allergic attack and control its symptoms. So, the next time you have an encounter with the nasty dust mite, don’t panic, help is at hand!
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