NATURALLY TREAT SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Learn how to naturally treat seasonal allergies at home so that you can feel your very best heading into the springtime allergy season.

The springtime is filled with the joys of warmer weather, increased sunlight, and blooming flower. For those who deal with seasonal allergies, springtime can be filled with runny or congested noses, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and lots of mucus. Learning how to reduce your allergen exposure and stop your allergic response is going to be the key to helping you conqueror your season allergies, so you can enjoy the springtime once again.

AVOIDANCE

The number one most effective tool for seasonal allergies is avoidance. Even though it seems obvious, most people don’t think to do it. Now, if you are allergic to trees, plants, grasses, etc, that might be rather difficult. I am not suggesting you stay indoors all spring season, but instead I am hoping to give you the tools to help reduce exposure to the pollen and other allergies that might further trigger your allergies.

One of the best ways to avoid breathing in pollen during the springtime is to wear a mask. Since we all are required to wear a mask in public places, this shouldn’t be as big of a hinderance as it once was. Consider also wearing one if you are mowing the lawn, or going for a walk or run in the middle of springtime. This reduces breathing in the pollen filled air. I also suggest heading home, removing your clothing, and taking a shower. This is extremely important to remove all of the pollen from your skin. Make sure that you put on clean clothing and wash your pollen exposed clothing to reduce re-exposure.

Another way to reduce exposure to allergens is to keep an air purifier in your house. This drastically reduces airborne allergens, and reduces coughing and sneezing in the home. Some options include Air Doctor, IQ Air, or Blue Air. I also suggest avoiding opening your windows throughout the day, since this can increase pollen exposure into your home.

Lastly, it is important to clean your home often. Pollen, dust, and dander accumulate on shelves and surfaces around your home. This can easily worsen your allergies. Also, don’t forget to wash your sheets weekly, as allergens like to accumulate in your bedding as well.

STOP ALLERGIC RESPONSE

The next important step to naturally treat seasonal allergies is to stop the allergic response before it begins. The most common way people do this is to take anti-histamines. This can be effective at reducing the allegeric response, but they often stop working and come with the negative side effect of feeling drowsy. Some other great options include quercetin, bromelain, nettles, and vitamin C

Quercetin

Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid, which is a potent antioxidant that supports that body. It is also a mast cell stabilizer, which means it helps release histamine in the body. It is quick acting and is typically dosed at 500 mg- 1000 mg twice a day.

Bromelain

Bromelain, is another great choice for allergies. Many people take it daily with meals to help them digest foods, also known as a digestive enzyme. When taking in between meals, it acts as an anti-inflammatory, and works great for those with seasonal allergies. It also contains mucolytic properties, which means it thins mucus. For people who get stuffy noses with a build up of mucus, this could be a great option for you. Take 500 mg (2400 GDU) 1-2 times a day in between meals.

Nettles

Nettles, also know as stinging nettles, is an herb. It is high in vitamins & minerals, and is extremely effective at reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergies. The negative is that is takes a while to become effective, so it needs to be started 4-6 weeks prior to the start of springtime allergies. Take as a tea, aiming for 2 tablespoon per 2 cups of water daily, or 500 mg – 1000 mg of dried herb capsules daily.

Vitamin C

Lastly, Vitamin C is a great addition to the treatments listed above. It is best used in conjunction with other tools, and is not extremely effective at managing seasonal allergies on its own. It helps reduce the severity of allergic symptoms, decreasing the response to the allergens themselves. Typical dose is about 1000-1500 mg daily.

SEASONAL ALLERGIES: THE WHOLE BODY

The most important thing to remember about your body is that it works together as a whole. When different systems of your body are out of balance, it impacts your entire body. Treating your whole health, from your gut, to your sleep, will have an impact on your seasonal allergies. If these treatments don’t seem to be effective for you, I suggest reaching out to a naturopathic doctor. They will help determine if there are any underlying obstacles to your healing, and treat your whole body, not just your seasonal allergies.