With the cost of treating allergies exceeding 7.9 billion dollars, many are looking to more natural treatments than the drugs that leave us feeling strung out or fatigued. Of the many symptoms of allergies, trouble breathing as among the worse. Whether it’s a result of sinus pressure and congestion or even a runny nose, or from congested lungs and a dry, scratchy throat, allergy sufferers are looking for ways to win the war against seasonal allergens. Here are 7 ways to breathe easier during allergy season.

Stinging Nettle. This sounds like a nasty little plant, but it’s quite friendly when it comes to better breathing. Stinging nettle is said to be one of the best remedies for allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal passages, usually associated with watery nasal discharge and itchy nose and eyes and caused by dust, pollen and pet dander. Take 300 mg of stinging nettle capsules two to four times daily, preventatively three weeks before allergy season and as needed throughout the season.  

Zinc is Red Bull for the immune system. 10 – 15 mg a day with a meal will help stabilize your immune system and make you less likely to react or react severely to allergens.

Quercetin (kwer si tin) is something you may already be getting if you eat apples, onions, green leafy veggies, beans and citrus fruits, or if you enjoy a glass of black and green tea, and red wine. This natural antihistamine works like over-the-counter antihistamines but without the synthetic side effects. Quercetin is most effective when it’s taken preventatively beginning one month before your allergy season. Start with 600 mg twice daily.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in fish oils are great adversaries to hay fever, sinus infections and asthma. Have 1,000 mg a day with a meal.

Lemon balm is an essential oil that can help soothe and clear sinuses when inhaled properly. Boil a few cups of water, add 5 – 10 drops of oil of lemon balm and transfer to a sturdy bowl. Put a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe deeply. Stay far enough away from the bowl to be safe.

Garlic will not only help you breathe better through your nose, but it will help clear up that nagging cough as well. It is said that chewing a raw clove of garlic will open nasal passages immediately.

Spicy foods , if your stomach can handle them, are very effective because they make your nose run and washes out the allergens. This may seem too simple, but many claim this is a sure-fire way to breathe easy for hours. You don’t need a meal; just take a bite of a hot pepper or a small amount of cayenne pepper sauce.

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