Spice it Up for Allergy Relief

Allergy Home Remedies

When it comes to allergy home remedies, spices are getting high marks for their beneficial properties. Better yet, they're usually things you have right at home, so you may not even need to go anyway or spend any extra money for them. And they often come without some of the side effects that can be caused by traditional medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays, so they're easy for some patients to tolerate.

Select Spicy Tastes

 If the idea of using spices to treat your nasal symptoms sounds tempting but you aren't sure how this could help you to feel better, consider the fact that hot spices, such as oregano (the oil form is said to work well in many situations), horseradish, Cajun spices and garlic have a real kick to them.  This can be quite effective at opening up your blocked nasal passages so you can breathe to your full potential. They can also prevent the formation of that extra mucus, which can make you feel so miserable when it builds up in your chest and your nose. 

How Spices Make a Difference

In addition to the heat, though, spices also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, according to some practitioners who use alternative therapies. This means that they kill fungus or molds, which could be at the root of your allergy. In fact, when you're allergic to fungus or mold, this can cause your nose and sinus to become ultra sensitive, making you more prone to an immune system response to other allergy triggers you come into contact with as well.

Research Findings

 Chinese researchers looking at the benefits of certain spices, including carrots, celery, coriander, fennel and parsley, have also confirmed the effect that some have on the immune system's functioning. Their findings were included in the journal Food Chemistry in February of 2008.

A Word of Caution

If you want to try this approach to treat your allergies yourself, there's a word of caution, though. Before consuming anything new, it's important to know that some people with food allergies may find that certain spices can cause a reaction, instead of preventing one. Therefore, talk to your doctor first and proceed slowly when adding any new tastes in order to make sure it'll be well tolerated first. If so, and if you find yourself feeling better, though, then by all means heat up your treatment by adding some new, spicy foods to your daily menus.

Sources:

Food Chemistry

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T6R-4P5NX89-2&_user=10&_coverDate=02%2F01%2F2008&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1206728326&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=5827dbce954d7dfed50b45a44bcd2093

InLightTimes

http://www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/04/help-alergies.htm

The Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oil-of-oregano/AN01195