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Itchy eyes. Coughing. Sneezing. Mucus and congestion. Ugh. Few things that are more annoying than seasonal allergies (otherwise known as hay fever). If they are something that you struggle with, you already know that winter is usually the only time when you’re able to get a break. Otherwise, trees (in the spring), grass (in the summer) and ragweed (in the fall) are all awaiting you at the turn of a new season. So go on and try out these healing herbal baths to relieve your allergies.
While you could take some meds or use a Neti pot to get some relief, you might want to start with altering your diet. Foods that you should avoid (because they trigger what is known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS)) include:
- melons like honeydew and cantaloupe;
- pitted fruits like cherries, apples and peaches;
- veggies like celery, carrots and zucchini
- spices like sunflower, cumin, parsley, mustard and dill.
Foods that decrease seasonal allergy symptoms include
- pineapple, because it has the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain in it (here’s an amazing recipe for a Pineapple smoothie)!
- turmeric (thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties),
- tuna, because it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids,
- citrus fruits, as they’re rich in Vitamin C (ever tried a salad with oranges? It’s DIVINE!
- local honey, the pollen that’s in it serves as a powerful natural antibiotic.
Another thing that you might want to try is taking a long hot soak in an herbal bath (doesn’t that sound absolutely divine?). As you’re about to see, there are certain herbs that are the ultimate soothing detox—from head to toe!
Bentonite Clay Detox Bath
- ½ cup of Bentonite clay
- ½ cup of Epsom salt
- Lavender oil
As far as health trends go, Bentonite clay like this one from Target is definitely all the rage. It’s volcanic clay that contains mostly negative ions. Once it gets wet, the clay has the ability to remove toxins and metals from the body (because once it comes into contact with these things, the clay is given a positive charge). The clay is able to do everything from clear up body acne to improve digestion and strengthen immunity. Epsom salt is awesome at reducing inflammation, lowering stress and promoting sleep. Lavender essential oil also reduces inflammation as it calms the system and makes mucous membranes smaller.
For this particular bath soak, first mix the clay with water. Make sure to not use a metal spoon (metal deactivates the clay’s ability). Let the clay sit in the water for about five minutes and then hop right on in!
Ginger and Orange Blossom Sinus Bath
- 1/2 cup of fresh grated ginger
- 10 drops of orange blossoms
- 2 steeped chamomile tea bags
- 3 tablespoons of cinnamon (relieves sinus pressure)
If sinus issues cause your nose to run which leads to nausea, the gingerol in ginger is a wonderful remedy for that. Ginger also reduces muscle pain and increases blood circulation so that your system can heal faster. Orange blossoms have a remarkable way of soothing sore throats (which are common with allergies) and relaxing you. Chamomile? It contains properties that reduce inflammation, promote relaxation and provides quick relief from cold-related symptoms. Cinnamon? It is uncanny when it comes to relieving sinus pressure.
Combine all of these things together in a bowl first and then pour them underneath your bathtub’s faucet while the water runs (as warm as you can take it). Soak for 15-20 minutes for maximum results.
Practicing self-care doesn’t have to be pricy, check out Dollar Tree and treat yourself to a nice herbal bath with a relaxing face mask from Dollar Tree!
Peppermint and Epsom Salt Bath
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup sea salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 peppermint tea bag
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
In our opinion, everyone needs their own collection of essential oils. When it comes to using them to treat sinus allergies, peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil top the list. Peppermint relieves congestion, eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-viral properties and tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic. What do the other ingredients of this soak do? Sea salt boosts immunity while reducing inflammation simultaneously, baking soda has antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds and olive oil is another type of food that is packed with antioxidants (did you know that?).
Combine everything first. Pour it into your bathwater second. And sit for around 30 minutes third. Heaven!
Sinus Decongestant Bath
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Be sure to check out FreshDirect if you don’t have these ingredients in your house!
It’s pretty common news that all citrus fruit is loaded with antioxidants; antioxidants are what we all need in our bodies in order to keep our immune systems strong. As far as apple cider vinegar goes, the potassium that’s in it will thin out any mucous and the acetic acid it contains will reduce any bacteria that’s causing your sinus flare-ups. The ginger, we’ve already discussed and, as far as turmeric powder goes, another thing that it has the ability to do is remove free radicals from your body which is always a bonus.
To learn more about turmeric, check out the awesome benefit here! And if you’re up for learning even more, check out the amazing benefits of ginger here!
All of these bath soaks for sinus allergies, we highly recommend. But if you’re short on time and you need to take a shower instead of a bath, pour one of the essential oils into your diffuser and let it run while you’re in the shower. It’s another way to reduce congestion and get some much-needed sinus relief. Guaranteed.
Ahhh…what are you waiting for?
Oh and if you’re up for a face mask to go with your lovely bath! Give our favorite on a try! It even has turmeric in it!
