Are you sneezing a lot? Is your nose running? Do you have the sniffles? Is your throat feeling a bit sore? Are your eyes red-itchy-watery? These are all signs that the season is changing, and our bodies sure have a distinct way of letting us know!
What causes seasonal allergies?
The changing seasons trigger many changes in the environment. Many plants release ‘spores or pollen’ into the atmosphere, there can also be animal allergens like pet dander or bee venom or simply dust or smog in the air. Seasonal allergies occur because our body’s immune system reacts to these foreign substances, which we call allergens. In response to these allergens, our body’s immune system produces antibodies because it perceives it as a threat and believes that the allergen is harmful to our body. We see our body’s ‘fight’ as seasonal allergies. So, our itchy, inflamed noses, eyes, sinuses, skin, or digestive systems are just our body’s response to the allergens present in our environment.
How severe an allergy is dependent on individual factors such as a person’s genetic makeup and/or lifestyle habits. For some, it can just be a minor irritation and for some, it can be potentially life-threatening if not tended to immediately. Since this is our body’s safety or autoimmune response, most allergies cannot be cured, however, there is good news, there are many treatments that can help relieve our allergy symptoms.
Natural remedies for seasonal allergies
Although there are many anti-allergy medicines available at the pharmacy to help you manage your allergic symptoms, here are a few natural home drinks for you to try.
8 Natural Drinks to help you manage your seasonal allergies:
1. Mint (Pudina) Tea
Mint is a natural decongestant; it helps decrease the secretion of anti-inflammatory enzymes like histamines that are the cause of immune reactions against allergens.
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Boil the water with the dry or fresh mint for about five minutes, and allow the mixture to steep.
Strain if desired and drink.
2. Holy basil Tea (Tulsi Tea)
Tulsi is known for boosting immunity and has powerful anti-infective and oxidative properties.
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3. Ginger Tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help with infections and boost the immune system.
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4. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric is a superfood with its anti-inflammatory and natural immune-boosting qualities.
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5. Turmeric Milk
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6. Besan Milk (Besan ka sheera)
Besan or Chickpea flour is high in vitamins and mineral content and is a great drink to help in the winter months, especially for sore throat, cough, and cold
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7. Ginger shots
A ginger shot is a shot-sized (typically 1-2oz), super-concentrated health drink (best had shot-style – in one or two gulps). Its effectiveness comes from the anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties of its fresh ingredient – ginger. To make it even more potent, you can add additional ingredients like honey, lemon, turmeric, and/or cayenne.
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8. Jamu Juice
This anti-inflammatory tonic from Indonesia boasts tons of health and beauty benefits.
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What is your favorite go-to drink to fight allergies and boost your immune system?
What an amazing blog. Loved the recipes. Thankyou so much
Very helpful post