It’s that time of the year where students are suffering from allergies, but medications are just too expensive for a college budget.

Students are becoming more overwhelmed as the semester comes to a close, making a quick and inexpensive allergy treatment necessary. Luckily, there are some home remedies that won’t break your bank.

Congestion:

A congested nose is one of the most common allergy symptoms, and it comes with a few simple solutions. Create your own saline solution to soothe any inflammation. To create this, mix a teaspoon of salt in warm distilled water while adding a dash of baking soda. Sniff the solution in each nostril and let it drain. Repeat this process twice a day.

One way to help you get rid of your congestion is to take a hot shower to wash off excess pollen from your skin. The steam will also temporarily open up your sinuses, allowing you to breathe better. During a hot shower, place a few drops of eucalyptus oil into the steam and allow the vapor to spread in the air, instead of inhaling it directly, which isn’t good for you.

Eucalyptus oil can be used as an anti-inflammatory as well as being antibacterial. When you inhale the air scented by the oil, it will work as an anti-inflammatory to clear any congestion, making it easier for you to breathe.

Foods:

Spicy foods are a great temporary way to decongest the sinuses. They stimulate the senses by activating tear ducts and opening up nasal passages.

Try wasabi with your sushi or Dijon mustard on a sandwich. These common items are the perfect way to give your meal a kick while improving your health.

When you’re having trouble with allergies, a cup of tea could be just what you need. In particular, teas such as peppermint and green tea have been known to help. The menthol in peppermint tea helps to break up mucus and clear the nose and throat, while green tea contains antioxidants that suppress allergic reactions. However stay away from chamomile tea because it can cause reactions to those allergic to certain types of pollens.

Avoid Allergens:

If you want to avoid the hassle of allergies altogether, a pricier alternative is to invest in a dehumidifier. These help remove excess moisture from the air, which can cause mold and allergens to build up in your room.

If remedies aren’t working for you, it might be something in your room that is causing your symptoms. Instead of pollen being the cause of your allergies, it could be anything from cigarette smoke to perfumes. Try to avoid highly fragrant things in order to keep yourself from not sneezing.

Adjustments:

If you’re unable to avoid the causes of allergies, there are ways to get your body used to having them around. This can be done by eating a little bit of honey every day.

Honey contains a number of pollen spores that result in allergy symptoms. Honey is used as a natural vaccination, giving a tiny piece of the allergen so your body knows how to fight it off.

With the bitter cold winter finally over, everyone is anxious for spring. Don’t let allergies get in the way of enjoying the beautiful weather. Take precautions to prevent allergies before they get to you, and if they do remember there are solutions to dealing with them.