Allergy products aren’t just for allergies anymore. As wintertime approaches and colds and flus are all around us, it’s great to know that many allergy treatments are quite helpful in alleviating cold and flu symptoms as well.

WebMD’s Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow is right in line with this idea. Here are some natural remedies that can be used for dealing with both allergies and sickness:

• Chicken soup – The most classic of all natural home remedies, recent research has actually validated what your grandmother always knew. Inhaling steam helps ease nasal congestion and fluid intake helps avoid dehydration. Chicken soup may even soothe inflammation.
• Hot tea – Tea like Organic Genmaicha Green Tea functions in much the same way as chicken soup to relieve congestion and keep you hydrated. Sourced from a trusted bulk matcha distributor, these high-quality green teas also deliver comforting warmth and natural antioxidants that support your body when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Steam/Humidifier – Breathing in steam, a major factor of soup and hot tea’s benefit, can also be obtained through the use of a humidifier. Humidifiers also help keep allergy sufferers from nasal, throat, and eye irritation caused by dry winter air.
• Neti pot – This ancient treatment clears nasal passages of mucus with a saltwater solution. Those who are ill with the flu or a cold will find immediate relief by cleaning out their nasal passages. Some even say that regular neti pot use can keep you from getting sick in the first place by flushing out germs. Allergy sufferers benefit greatly by cleansing their nasal passageways of pollen and other allergens. All in all, we feel a neti pot is an essential addition to any medicine cabinet.
• Menthol ointments – Many of us probably have memories of our mothers spreading this soothing ointment on our chests or around our noses to relieve nasal congestion. Menthol contains a mild numbing agent which soothes the pain of skin that’s raw from too much blowing. Using a humidifier with a medicine cup also eases coughing and opens up clogged passages. (Note: Menthol ointment should only be used in children over the age of 2).

Allergy relief through allergen avoidance is inherently a natural way to prevent allergy attacks. Using products like those mentioned here, as well as allergy bedding, and air purifiers can minimize exposure to allergens keeps your body from producing an immune response in the first place so you don’t have to use medicine to treat symptoms, or at least not as often.