8 Frugal Ways to Manage Your Allergies

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Does hay fever have you sneezing all allergy season? Smooch a loved one, Shape suggests.

The website says a study found that allergy sufferers had fewer symptoms after they indulged in a lip lock. Kissing apparently eases stress-induced inflammation.

In fact, there’s a variety of homemade or frugal ways to reduce the symptoms of allergies. Many natural and home remedies can be used to either replace or complement expensive pills and shots. Suggestions such as antihistamine green tea and vitamin C offer many other health benefits as well.

Here are seven more:

Food protection (also protects against vampires)

Another idea from Shape probably should be timed properly with our first suggestion above — eating more garlic and onions. Spice up your food with these items, which are high in quercetin, an antioxidant thought to prevent the cells from releasing histamine. Supplements can be used as well, and you can save on the breath mints.

Rinse and repeat

Saline solution can be used to remove irritants that become lodged in the nostrils. Salt water rinses are available for about $5 at pharmacies and grocery stores.

Discovery Fit & Health offers a recipe for preparing your own solution: Mix a teaspoon of salt in a pint of warm, distilled water and then add a pinch of baking soda. Once or twice a day, bend over a sink and sniff a bit of solution into one nostril at a time, allowing it to drain back out through the nose or mouth. A neti pot or squeeze bottle may be used.

Shower power

Hot showers help to open up sinus passages and to remove any pollen or other irritants from your body. Bathing in the evening is suggested.

Take a tip from a koala

Eucalyptus oil’s invigorating aroma can help open nasal passages, in addition to the oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, says Health magazine Try adding a few drops of the oil to the floor of the shower before you step in. Just don’t swallow the oil or apply it directly to your skin because it’s toxic in concentrated amounts.

Full steam ahead

Steaming your face will sooth irritated sinuses and helps get rid of mucus. A facial steamer can be used, or simply pour several cups of boiling water into a large bowl. Drape a towel over your head and breathe gently for about 10 minutes. As an added bonus, the steam also will moisturize your face and help detoxify your skin.

It burns so good

Wasabi can be used to clear your sinuses and tear ducts. You don’t need to pull a “Jackass” move and snort the green paste, but simply put a bit on your food. The sushi staple contains isothiocyanate, which promotes mucus flow. Another option — although harder to swallow — is to purchase grated horseradish, and take 1/4 teaspoon to alleviate allergy symptoms, says Discovery. Chili peppers and Dijon mustard are known to have the same effect.

Relax a bit more

Rodale News suggests getting a massage to quell allergy symptoms, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Lowering stress levels can help keep your sneezing and wheezing at bay. Meditation, yoga and visiting with friends are other options for relaxation.

What frugal remedies do you use when allergies flare up? Let us know on our Facebook page.

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