[S]neezing, runny nose, wheezing,
and itchy, watery eyes…yeah, spring’s here. Seasonal allergies have the ability
to steal the joy of the season and with the mild winter that most of the
country experienced, they seem to have come early this year! We all know that
allergies are mostly aggravated by the pollen in the air that comes from a
variety of trees, grass, flowers and shrubs. Sadly, this often prevents those
who suffer from venturing outdoors.
But what if there was a
solution?
Common Prescriptions
Over-the-counter and/or
prescription antihistamines are the most common treatment given for seasonal
allergy sufferers, but they only block the symptoms — sometimes causing
horrible side effects — and they don’t really treat the underlying cause.
Learning to resolve the symptoms
of seasonal allergies with powerful and effective vintage folk remedies, herbs,
essential oils, and working to build a strong immune system are all natural
ways that allergy sufferers can find empowerment, relief, and not to mention…save
tons of money in the long run!
8 Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies Naturally
1. Local, raw honey. Yum! Who
does not like the idea of taking a spoonful of honey daily!?! Local, raw honey
has the greatest ability to reduce allergies or get rid of them all together.
If you know what it is that causes your allergies to flare up, your body can
build a tolerance to it if you consume local honey from that specific plant
source. Many local farmers markets usually have a vendor that sells local
honey. Ask them to name the plant source of the honey and purchase the one that
causes your symptoms. If they don’t have it…it’s totally fine, just buy the
honey that is produced as locally as possible. It will contain pollen from several
plants thereby providing a broad spectrum coverage. Note: Local, raw honey is
generally considered safe to administer to anyone over the age of one.
2. Raw, organic apple cider
vinegar. Taking a tablespoon of raw, organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) every
morning — before going outside – works by blocking our body’s histamine
reaction and it reduces inflammation. Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with a cup of
warm water and a spoonful of local, raw honey and you’re good to go! Note: If
you are able, I strongly suggest making up a batch of this Master Tonic and
taking your daily dose of ACV in this form. It’s an incredibly powerful boost
for the immune system! ACV can be found in most grocery stores along with the
other vinegars or in a health food store.
3. Build your immune system.
There are so many effective ways we can build our immune systems, and when it
comes to seasonal allergies here are a few that have helped a majority of
folks:
Drink plenty of pure water throughout
the day. I have heard that many allergy sufferers have experienced relief from
symptoms almost as soon as they drink 2 or more glasses of water.
Eliminate highly processed and
sugar-laden junk foods from the diet.
Eat simple meals, minimally
processed, and in as natural a state as possible.
Switch to raw dairy, as much as
possible. If raw dairy is not available to you, reduce your intake of
pasteurized dairy products.
Use probiotics. By eating yogurt,
drinking kombucha and taking good-quality probiotic supplements you are sure to
get the daily recommendation!
Be sure to consume lots of
organic beans, nuts, seeds, and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies. This
benefits your immune system as it will increase your intake of vitamins and
minerals such as magnesium, the B vitamins, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C.
Make your own Elderberry Syrup,
with local honey, and take it daily.
4. Support your respiratory system
with herbs. Herbs are an extremely effective, gentle, and natural way to treat
seasonal allergies. The number one herb — in my opinion — is the nettle. When
taken internally, the nettle leaf works to reduce inflammation and congestion.
It can be consumed as a tea or tincture and is considered safe to use daily
throughout the duration of your symptoms.
A simple tea made from nettle
leaves is very effective, and really all that is needed. However, you can
create your own herbal tea blend with herbs that work together to act as
natural antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and nourishing respiratory system
builders. Here’s a simple recipe that has been very effective in our home:
4 parts nettle leaf
2 parts peppermint leaf
2 part alfalfa leaf
1 part astragalus root
1 part elder flowers
1 part licorice root
1 part yarrow
To use: Combine all ingredients
in an airtight container and store. Infuse 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea in 8
ounces of water for 10 minutes and drink up to 3 cups daily. Note: Looking for
products mentioned in this recipe? For the herbs that I can’t grow myself,
Mountain Rose Herbs is my go-to for all my organic and fair trade herbal needs!
5. Essential oils. Essential oils
such as lavender, Melissa (lemon balm), peppermint, blue tansy (or roman
chamomile), lemon grass, and eucalyptus are great for relieving allergy
symptoms. Diffuse a few drops of essential oils in a humidifier or cold air
diffuser. You can also apply essential oils to the feet, wrist, face, and chest
by mixing 1 drop in a tablespoon of oil (i.e. olive, coconut, almond, or
jojoba). Note: You may also receive benefits from the essential oils by apply a
few drops to the new air filters of your home when replacing them.
6. Neti Pot. Using a Neti Pot is
a natural way to cleanse your nasal passages from pollens, pollution, dust, and
a variety of allergens. Note: Not appropriate for young children.
7. Don’t line dry your clothes. At least not outdoors. Line drying your clothes
outdoors during times of high pollen count will allow the pollen to collect on
your clothing. It may be best to keep your line drying efforts indoors for the
spring.
8. Homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies have also proven to be very beneficial in the treatment of seasonal allergies. However, because everyone's issues are so diverse, it's best to see a qualified practitioner for an exact recommendation. Just know that it is a good option.
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