Treating Children’s Seasonal Allergies Naturally

Spring has arrived and that means flowers, trees and grass are starting to flourish once again. Seasonal allergies affect many adults and children alike, but there are ways to prevent and ease the symptoms and help your child cope with seasonal allergies.

The most common symptoms of allergies are stuffy or runny noses, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, itchy or sore throats and coughing during the night or in the mornings. These symptoms can hinder an active child causing them to be fatigued and irritable. Children can take anti-histamines or nasal sprays under the direction of your physician, but if you prefer a natural alternative here is a home made nasal saline solution you can try.

This saline solution can be used with a neti pot. If you don’t have a neti pot, an eye dropper will work too. Mix 1/3 teaspoon of sea salt in one cup lukewarm water. Put it into a neti pot, tilt your head to one side (do this over the sink) and pour it into one nostril. The solution should go into your nasal cavities and drip out of your other nostril. Repeat with your other nostril. When you’re done, gently blow your nose. This will flush your nasal cavities of any inhaled pollen or other allergens. It will also moisten your nose if it’s dry. The best thing is you can do this several times a day to get the best results.

If you’re using an eye dropper, close one nostril with your finger; tilt your head back or to the side and shoot up the saline solution and sniff at the same time. Gently blow your nose and repeat with the other nostril.

Other helpful ways to minimize seasonal allergies:

• Don’t open windows when the pollen count is high
• Avoid going outdoors especially in the mornings when pollen count is high
• Spring clean indoor fans, windows, bookshelves, desks and closets in your child’s room
• Have or help your child wash their hair every day if they have been outdoors
• Avoid hanging your child’s clothes or bed linens outside to dry
• Use peppermint oil in a diffuser which can make breathing easier for nasal congestion

It’s important to know what triggers your child’s allergies so you can remove it. It takes time to find out what they are so keep a journal and or have your child if she/he is old enough to write down as much information when they have an allergy attack.

Treating seasonal allergies naturally doesn’t always produce instant results so consult with your physician or homeopath to discuss the best solutions for your children.

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