Allergies and allergic reactions in the form of hives, rashes, sneezing, running or blocked nostrils, cough etc., are very common and are only likely to increase as pollution gets increasingly more rampant. The conventional medical approach towards the treatment of allergies in kids is the administration of antihistamines in the form of pills or sprays. These provide fairly rapid allergy relief in children and adults. Very severe reactions with respiratory distress may require salbutamol inhalers or other steroidal drugs. While anti-allergy medication is quite effective, its long-term use, especially in those with chronic allergies, may give rise to several side effects.

One simple way to reduce allergic coughs and rhinitis is to gargle using tolerably hot water. The addition of salt may also help to eliminate bacteria in the region of the throat and also reduce the post nasal drip that is a common allergic reaction.

Some people recommend gargling with hot water to which turmeric powder has been added, as the curcumin present in turmeric is a proven antibacterial agent.

Some people recommend the consumption of a small quantity of apple cider vinegar mixed with water to develop long-term resistance to allergies.

Some practitioners of yoga also endorse the use of a neti pot, a pot with a spout using which you can pass a saline rinse through your nostrils. However, it is important that the technique of neti is learned from a competent teacher.

A natural bioflavonoid called quercetin is also recommended by some avid natural medicine therapists. It is found naturally in vegetables like broccoli and citrus fruits, but supplementation may be helpful in inhibiting the body’s production of histamines that are associated with symptoms of allergy.

For children seeking relief from allergies, hot soup with pepper powder can also soothe the throat and reduce the tendency for allergic coughs.

Food-related allergies may be alleviated to some extent with natural probiotics.