Why Using Home Remedies To Treat Allergies Doesn't Work

Myths About Home Allergy Remedies:

Essential oils:

Essential oils, especially if not used in the correct way, can actually worsen your allergy symptoms if you have particularly sensitive nasal passages. Allergies are caused when your immune system overreacts to a certain allergen, you can be sensitive to essential oils and not know it. Because essential oils are considered pure oil, they’re very strong and meant to be diluted. Using pure oil incorrectly can lead to irritation and burning especially to the skin and can sometimes induce asthma attacks due to inhaling something so strong. 

Honey:

Bees collect pollen to make honey, but the pollen that bees collect is rarely the pollen that is making your seasonal allergies act up. Most people react to pollen from trees or grass. 

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There are key differences between allergen immunotherapy and eating local honey. With immunotherapy we know that you're getting small doses of the exact allergen that you're allergic to on a regular basis. By eating honey, you can't trace what types of pollen from flowers and plants you're eating and if you're even allergic to those. 

Even if it's local honey, it most likely doesn't contain the pollen that induces hay fever symptoms. There is evidence that honey can be used as a cough suppressant so it may help allergy symptoms, but not cure your allergies. <Link to TikTok video with Dr. Overstreet>

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple Cider Vinegar has recently been a trending “superfood” since 2019, even though it was used in the 1700s. While it has amazing culinary and household uses, it doesn't affect your allergy symptoms at all. While there is no harm to drinking this concoction of vinegar and honey, chugging this down will not provide any difference in your allergy symptoms.While there are claims that it can boost your immune system and reduce your blood pressure, there is no scientific data to back up the claim that apple cider vinegar can treat allergies. 

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Continued exposure:

One in three people who have allergies will react more strongly to a trigger over time and will require more treatment. The best way to avoid allergy symptoms is to avoid exposure to your trigger. 

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For example, continued exposure to a pet if you have a pet allergy might result in worse allergic reactions. This taking the bull by the horns method really doesn’t solve the problem due to the lack of consistency and amount of exposure to the specific allergen. This can be especially tricky if you are only guessing about what you’re allergic to. The best way to decrease allergy symptoms is to take an allergy test to learn what you’re actually allergic to and avoid exposure to the allergens. 

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Over the counter medications, like antihistamines or nasal sprays:

While you might find temporary relief with over the counter medicine, they're only masking your allergy symptoms. Prolonged use of over the counter medications, like antihistamines, have also been linked to dementia, weight gain and even memory loss, as they’re not meant to be taken everyday for years and years. Many people find that an over the counter allergy medication that used to be effective, no longer works for their symptoms. This can be due to many factors including environmental change, age, and even stress. The only way to actually treat your allergies for good is to receive treatment from a doctor, as they can prescribe stronger medication, but also long-term treatments for a permanent solution. 

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Remedies that do work:

These remedies will build your tolerance naturally and they’re completely customized to your allergen profile, making them more effective than any other home remedies. Another reason why is that being clinically treated with immunotherapy means that you're getting exact doses of your specific allergens that are steadily increasing over time. For example, with honey there are too many inconsistencies, varying on what types of pollen is actually present and how much pollen is present. This isn't enough for your immune system to build up a tolerance.

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• Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): With allergy shots, a small, steadily increasing, dose of the allergen is injected into the body, building up a tolerance over time. Typically, injections are administered by a provider in the office, weekly or bi-weekly. This is a great way to build a routine and stay on track with your allergy treatment. 

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• Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy): These work in the same way as allergy shots, but can be taken on the go! With allergy drops there are no injections and no weekly doctor's visits, instead, 3 drops are placed under the tongue a day and that’s it! Allergy drops are made for those on the go, who want something easy, quick and convenient! 

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• ExACT Immunoplasty: ExACT is our new treatment here at Aspire! ExACT is just 3 appointments, 3 shots, over the course of 8 weeks to complete allergy relief! This treatment is clinically proven to be just as effective as 3 years worth of allergy shots! If you’re looking for complete allergy relief and quick, this is the treatment for you! 

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Instead of looking for ways to decrease your allergy symptoms, find a solution that cures your allergies forever! At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, we offer a variety of allergy treatments that will put you on the road to relief. Stop just masking your symptoms until the next allergy season and find complete relief that lasts! We have open availability, so book an appointment online!