Suffering from allergies can be one of the most frustrating experiences in your life. You go to regular allergist appointments for updates, see an ear, nose, and throat specialist, take daily allergy medication, and maybe even get weekly allergy shots. However, in spite of all this, you still suffer from the sniffles, the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other annoying allergy symptoms. While conventional medical treatments can only take you so far, there are several home allergy remedies and treatments that you can use to help alleviate your symptoms. By using these complementary treatments, you will enhance your chances of having symptom-free days and an overall sense of relief from some of your worst allergy symptoms. All you need to do is explore your options. 

Nasal Irrigation Techniques

Your worst nasal allergy symptoms are generally caused by tiny microscopic particles becoming lodged in your nasal passages. This can be in the form of dust molecules, pollens, pet dander (skin cells), or any number of potential allergens. 

While your standard allergy pills can help minimize your reactions to these allergens, they do not remove the offending allergens from your nasal passages. However, nasal irrigation techniques can and do work to remove these allergens.

All you need is either a neti pot or a standard squeeze bottle with a small enough tip to insert into your nostril. Fill the pot or bottle with a mixture of salt and warm water. You can make this concoction yourself or buy a pre-mixed saline solution if you wish. 

Then, you simply pour the solution slowing into your nostril with your head tilted back. As the solution runs into your nasal passages, tilt your head to the opposite side of the nostril you poured the solution into and lean forward. Allow the solution to drain out of the opposite nostril and then repeat going the other way. This will remove the debris from your nasal passages. 

Drink Peppermint Tea

Allergies in the winter are especially troublesome. Indoor allergies are all but impossible to escape during the long winter months. Spending prolonged periods of time outdoors is not an option. However, one easy remedy to help relieve your indoor allergy symptoms is to drink a nice, hot cup of peppermint tea. 

Peppermint has natural decongestant properties, soothes throat irritation and pain, and helps to open up constricted bronchial tubes. In hot tea form, these decongestant properties are magnified and the relief of nasal and bronchial allergy symptoms is immediate. 

Consider Removing Carpets

Carpeted flooring is notoriously problematic for allergy sufferers. Pollens and other allergens are easily trapped and collected by the carpet fibers, and even with proper carpet cleaning can remain intact wreaking havoc on your indoor allergies. Additionally, dust mites often take up residence in carpets. These mites are the cause of many indoor allergy symptoms. 

On the contrary, it is much easier to keep dust mites at bay if you have hardwood or tile flooring in your home. The cleaning process is much easier and dust mites do not have as many nooks and crannies to hide in. So, if your indoor allergies are unbearable in spite of all of your other efforts, remove those carpets and replace them with hard flooring. 

By using these home remedies along with your conventional medical allergy treatments, you will be able to best manage and alleviate your allergy symptoms. All you have to do is give these methods a try and you will find yourself feeling better before you know it.  Talk to your local allergy experts, such as Mark Montgomery MD FACS, for more information.