Allergies take place when an otherwise harmless material, on entering the body, leads to the immune system reacting in a sensitive manner.

In the event of an allergic attack, certain cells known as mast cells, release several chemicals in the body. Histamine is a common example. These cause various side effects, such as swelling, itching , or irritation. Allergies are a menace, to say the least, and may be triggered by a range of substances, from fur to dust and pollen.

Here are a few natural allergy treatments to help you deal with allergies.

Apple Cider Vinegar
This helps relieve symptoms of allergy.

Citrus Fruits
You can juice citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons, or have them as part of nourishing smoothies. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which helps enhance immunity, and hence help prevent seasonal allergies. When allergies tend to affect you, these fruits become doubly useful as they help boost your immunity. For instance, you can mix the juice of half a lemon, two oranges and add one tablespoon of honey to it.

Local And Organic Honey
Organic and local honey can boost your immunity against potential allergies. This is because it enhances your immunity to pollen found locally. Have a teaspoon of honey sourced locally, once daily or more than once a day. You can also start having this a month prior to the beginning of the allergy season.

Water With Red Onion
Onions are rich in quercetin. Studies have shown that this chemical compound helps reduce the level of histamine in the body and thus helps combat allergies. These are a natural form of antihistamines. Quercetin also helps reduce inflammation and helps ease breathing. Add a sliced red onion to water and let it rest for around 10 hours. You can have this twice daily. The solution lasts in the fridge for four days. You can also add honey to it when drinking it.

Foods that Contain Quercetin
Generally, you should have foods which contain quercetin, which is an antihistamine and hence helps against allergies. Apples also contain quercetin and helps deal with allergy. Walnuts also help reduce symptoms of allergy as they are rich in magnesium, which helps fight any coughing that may take place. Also, they are high in vitamin E, which helps enhance immunity and thus helps regulate the way your body reacts to allergens. You can chop half or one cup of walnuts and one apple and mix the two. Have this as a quick snack or added to your cereal to make a great alternative for natural allergy treatment. Also eat other foods containing quercetin, such as broccoli. You can also have a supplement of quercetin. People often start taking this a few weeks before the start of the allergy season, so that it acts as a preventive measure.

Probiotics
Studies show than a healthy gut has been linked to a lesser instances of allergies. Gut health is dependent greatly on the presence of certain bacteria in it. You can have fermented foods such as kefir; include probiotics in your diet too.

Eucalyptus Oil
This can be used in several ways. You can inhale it from time to time, and use a diffuser. You can also add it to your detergent when doing the laundry. Also, you can mix it with coconut oil and apply it on the chest. It also helps reduce congestion and clear the nose.

Nettle
Besides having properties that help address urinary tract issues and pain in the joints, nettles have also been known to lower the level of histamine; this way, they help combat allergic reactions. You can have nettle tea or take supplements that contain nettle to make an effective natural allergy treatment.

Butterbur
The butterbur herb has been known to reduce pollen allergies and may be used as an effective natural allergy treatment.

Saline Solution
One of the major steps to combat allergy is to take preventive measures even before they strike you. One way to do this is to spray saline water into the nose. This helps reduce congestion in the nose, eases breathing and clears pollen from the nasal passages. You can start a few weeks prior to the start of the allergy season. This is not a substitute for medicines but may help lessen your need for them.

You can purchase saline spray at the pharmacy, or make a solution at home. For this, add half a teaspoon of salt to half a teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of water.