Help !! What to do if you don't have your herbal remedies on hand.

Spring’s pollens. Summer’s smog. Autumn’s falling leaves. Winter’s house dust. For millions of Americans, each change of season brings its own brand of allergens and irritants. For people with common hay fever and allergies, itchy skin, these pollutants can bring on symptoms ranging from a continuous, annoying postnasal drip to a full-scale, coughing-sneezing-itchy-eyed allergy attack. For other allergy sufferers, such as those with allergic asthma or an allergy to bee stings, attacks can be fatal.

If you forgot to get your herbal remedies by the time allergy season comes around, don't panic, the following tips are designed to help reduce the symptoms until you do.

Avoid the culprit:

Sometimes, the best way to reduce the discomfort of an allergy is to avoid exposure to the allergen as much as possible . Take all practical measures . For example, if you are allergic to cats, avoid visiting the homes of friends who own them. If you must be around a cat, make the visit as short as possible and avoid touching or picking up the animal .

Rinse your eyes:

If your eyes are itchy and irritated and you have no access to allergy remedies, rinsing your eyes with cool, clean water may help soothe them

Try a warm washcloth:

If sinus passages feel congested and painful, a washcloth soaked in warm water may make things flow a little easier Place the washcloth over the nose and upper-cheek area and relax for a few minutes

Beware of the air:

Air pollution may augment allergies and may actually induce people to have allergies, staying outside as little as possible on smoggy days will help .
Keep the windows shut: During pollen season, this can be a terrific advantage for those with pollen allergies. Closed windows will keep pollen out of the house or apartment.

Dust with a damp cloth:

Dusting at least once a week is important-but if done improperly, it may aggravate respiratory allergies.Avoid the use of feather dusters, which tend to spread dust around, and opt instead to contain the dust with a damp cloth. Dusting sprays may give off odors that can worsen allergies

Don’t dust at all:

If dusting aggravates your allergies, don’t do it. Instead, ask a spouse or family member to do the dirty work, or hire a housekeeper, if possible

Dehumidify:

Dust mites (microscopic insects that are usually the allergy culprits in dust) grow very well in humid areas. Invest in a dehumidifier or use the air conditioner, which works equally well. A dehumidifier can also help prevent mold, another allergen, from growing. When cooking or showering, take advantage of the exhaust fan­another way to help keep humidity to a minimum.

Cut through the smoke:

Pay attention to what you are throwing in the fireplace
Many people with respiratory allergies find that wood smoke poses a particular problem
Leave the lawn mowing to someone else: During pollen season, a grass-allergic person is better off letting someone else -mow the lawn

Wash your pet:

A little-known trick for cat or dog owners who are allergic to fur: Bathe your pet frequently. “There is strong evidence that simply bathing the animal in warm water substantially reduces the amount of allergen on the animal’s fur. Animals secrete substances from their sweat glands and their saliva-it is water soluble and you can rinse it off. If you’re a cat owner and can’t imagine bathing your beloved feline for fear of being scratched near to death, take heart: there have been surveys wa conducted where it was discovered that one out of ten cats will purr when bathed. If they are started as kittens, chances are higher that bath time will be a harmonious experience A bath in warm water, with no soap, once every other week is recommended.

In addition to bathing your pet, try to wash your hands soon after you’ve had direct contact with your furry friend.

Make sure your final rinse really rinses:
Chemicals in detergents and other laundry products can cause itchy skin in many people . There really are no mild detergents It’s important that the final rinse cycle on your machine thoroughly rinses the detergent from your clothes.

Call ahead: When planning a vacation or business trip, call ahead to find a room that will be easier on your allergies. Ask for a room that’s not on the lower level, because a room on the lower level may have been flooded in the past and may still be a haven for mold growth. Shop around for a hotel or motel that doesn’t allow pets, so you won’t be subject to the leftover dander of the last traveler’s dog or cat. If possible, bring your own vinyl- or plastic-encased pillow.