12 Natural ways to control the pesky symptoms of seasonal allergies

Come spring (or fall), my children and I are a mess because of allergies. Sneezing, hoarseness, headaches and runny noses, or being drugged up with antihistamines become our normal–until I discovered some natural things that help A LOT. If you or your loved ones suffer from seasonal allergies, I suggest you give them a try. 

Read more ¿Qué más?: 6 Weird things you never knew you could be allergic to (PHOTOS)

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Local honey

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It helps the immune system get stronger by ingesting some of the pollen released by local flowers.

Avoid dairy

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If you are allergic to the protein in cow's milk, drinking milk can increase mucus, exacerbating your allergy symptoms. If in doubt, I say avoid.

Eliminate textiles from bedrooms

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Wall to wall carpets, area rugs, thick window treatments and wool blankets tend to accumulate dust mites, which are terrible for allergy sufferers. Reduce them as much as you can, particularly in the bedroom.

Vacum matresses

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I´m not kidding. You should get the vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment and attack your mattress with a vengeance once a month. It also helps to use an allergen cover.

Wash pillows

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Use warm water when washing and nuke as hot as your dryer lets you.

Eat pineapple and papaya

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Both fruits have anti-inflammatory properties and high water content. Both are excellent when fighting allergies.

Avoid pets

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I wish I could tell you that Fido and Whiskers are an allergy sufferer's best friend, but I would be lying. There are, though, hypo-allergenic breeds like poodles and poodle mixes.

Clean filters

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If the filters are dirty, the air that you breathe is dirty as well. Some filters can be washed, others need to be replaced. Make this a priority and you will feel better.

Increase the use of natural fibers

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The less chemicals you are exposed to, the more you minimize irritation to your body. That's why it's best to stick to natural fibers like cotton.

Pine and eucalyptus

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There is enough documentation that says that, pine and eucalyptus leaves are effective in helping us breathe better.

Reduce gluten

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For some people gluten produces inflammation, for others it kicks their immune system in overdrive. Avoid foods with gluten for a month to know if it has some effect on you.

Butterbur

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Even the National Institutes of Health agrees that this herbal supplement is a powerful antihistamine, without the drowsiness and other side effects of its chemical counterparts.