Seasonal allergies can turn a beautiful spring day into a sneezing nightmare if you don't take care of your health. Also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, these allergies are triggered by common allergens like pollen, dust, and mold. The symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes, can be quite bothersome. However, managing these allergies effectively can greatly improve your quality of life during allergy season.
Neti pots: Home remedy for seasonal allergies
If you want to clear your nose and feel better without using strong medicines, neti pots can help. These small pots have been used for a long time in Ayurvedic medicine, says Ayurvedic expert Manasi Verma.
Here's how they work and some tips for using them safely:
How neti pots work:
Fill the Pot: Make a saltwater solution using clean, boiled, or distilled water (not tap water) and salt.
Position yourself: Lean over a sink with your head tilted to the side.
Insert spout: Put the spout gently into one nostril.
Let gravity help: Let the saltwater flow through your sinuses and out of the other nostril.
Repeat: Do the same for the other nostril.
Benefits of neti pots
Relieves congestion: Helps with stuffy noses, especially at night.
Clears sinuses: Makes your sinuses clearer and reduces the need for strong nasal sprays.
Lessens irritation: The saltwater soothes dry and sore nasal passages.
Safety: Always use clean water to avoid infections.
Choose the right pot: Ceramic pots with a solid handle are good for cleanliness.
Do it right: Tilt your head without pointing your chin down to help the water flow.
Use the right salt: Use fine, non-iodized salt for a gentle solution.
Managing seasonal allergies
Apart from neti pots, here are some ways to manage seasonal allergies and avoid allergens:
Stay indoors on dry, windy days: Pollen levels are typically higher on dry, windy days because the wind carries pollen grains through the air. Staying indoors during these times can significantly reduce your exposure.
Skip gardening: It could stir up allergens like pollen and mold spores. If you have severe allergies, it's best to avoid these activities or wear a mask if you must do them.
Shower and change clothes: Pollen can easily stick to your skin, hair, and clothes when you're outdoors. Taking a shower and changing into fresh clothes after being outside helps remove pollen, preventing it from spreading inside your home.
Avoid hanging clothes outside: Pollen can cling to clothes when they're hung outside to dry. Use a dryer instead.
Check pollen levels: Pollen levels can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Checking local forecasts or using pollen tracking apps can help you know when pollen levels are particularly high.
Avoid early morning walks, jogging: Pollen counts are usually highest in the early morning hours, especially on warm, dry days. If possible, plan outdoor activities for later in the day when pollen levels tend to be lower.
Keep doors and windows closed: On days when pollen levels are high, keeping doors and windows closed helps prevent pollen from entering your home and circulating indoors.
Use air conditioning: It would help filter out pollen from indoor air. Make sure your AC has a clean filter.
Use dehumidifiers: Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50 percent helps prevent mold and dust mites, common allergens. Use a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity.
Portable air purifiers: Especially in bedrooms, using portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can provide cleaner air for sleeping and resting, reducing allergens in the air you breathe.
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