Achoo! Fight Seasonal Allergies Naturally
Spring is such a beautiful time of the year, but so many people end up with mixed feelings. All those beautiful spring trees and flowers bring not-so-welcome sneezes, itchiness, irritation and general miserableness. No fun! Here are five ways you can fight seasonal allergies naturally and find some relief.
Fighting the itching and sneezing
Allergies come and go. When you’re a kid, your immune system is still developing — it’s not yet mature, so you’re susceptible to seasonal sniffles and sneezes. Many people outgrow those allergies as they grow older. Then there are others who develop allergies — or develop new allergies — as an adult. In that case, your immune system is out of balance and under stress. When mold and pollen spores sneak into your nasal passages, your immune system goes nuts trying to battle the invaders. As your body tries to defend itself, chemicals called histamines flood your bloodstream, and that’s what causes your itchy eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms that make springtime not so fun for many people.
Natural methods of battling allergies are gaining in popularity — and these won’t leave you feeling groggy and weird like some allergy medicines can do. Give them a try.
Almond Oil
Almond oil and sesame oil have natural antimicrobial properties, so they can form a physical barrier between allergens and your sensitive nasal membranes. Don’t try this with petroleum oil or olive oil! They lack the antimicrobial properties that make almond and sesame oil beneficial and can actually cause further inflammation.
How to use it: Dip a Q-tip in either oil, and swab the inside of your nose first thing in the morning, and again later in the day if needed.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a phytochemical — a plant-based compound that belongs to a group of botanical pigments called flavonoids (flavenoids give many flowers, fruits, and veggies their colors). Quercetin, in particular, comes from the pith of citruses like grapefruit and oranges. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine — meaning it works to combat the histamines your body is producing while trying to fight the invasion of allergens. It can help alleviate itchy eyes and sneezing and is non-drowsy.
How to use it: Quercetin is an herbal supplement that comes in capsules. A typical dose is 2,000 mg, twice daily (morning and night).
Nettle Tea
This is another great natural antihistamine, and it could be easier to take (particularly for those who don’t like to swallow pills or capsules).
How to use it: Traditional Medicinals makes a nettle-leaf tea. Just brew and sip like any other tea. It has a fresh, grassy taste. Sweeten with a little stevia if you like.
NAC
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid L-Cysteine. This supplement can help combat itchy, ringing ears associated with allergies and colds. I love to take it if I have to fly with a cold. NAC helps fight post-nasal drip and mucus, and it’s anti-inflammatory. NAC can boost your body’s production of an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione, which can bolster the immune system and help fight allergy symptoms.
How to use it: Sold as an herbal supplement, NAC usually comes in capsules. A typical dose is two 600-mg capsules daily.
Bee Pollen
Used in Chinese medicine for centuries bee pollen can help fight seasonal allergies, particularly if the pollen was harvested in your geographic area. Bee pollen has antibacterial properties, so when the pollen comes from your region, it’s fighting the same plant spores that are causing your itchy eyes and sneezing.
How to use it: Bee pollen comes in granules. Crush about a 1/4 teaspoon of granules into a powder and sprinkle on salads or into a morning smoothie, three or four times a day.
Metabolism Histamine (formerly Metabolism Sneeze): Find it here
Incorporates bioflavonoids, micronutrients, proteolytic enzymes, and herbs into a comprehensive formula that provides multifaceted support for individuals with immune imbalances. Dihydroquercetin (FlavitPURE™), a key component in Metabolism Histamine, inhibits oxidation, is bioactive, and is highly absorbable. Metabolism Histaminesupports individuals with elevated histamine and irritation due to common environmental allergens.
Spring is such a beautiful time of the year, but so many people end up with mixed feelings. All those beautiful spring trees and flowers bring not-so-welcome sneezes, itchiness, irritation and general miserableness. No fun! Here are five ways you can fight seasonal allergies naturally and find some relief.
Fighting the itching and sneezing
Allergies come and go. When you’re a kid, your immune system is still developing — it’s not yet mature, so you’re susceptible to seasonal sniffles and sneezes. Many people outgrow those allergies as they grow older. Then there are others who develop allergies — or develop new allergies — as an adult. In that case, your immune system is out of balance and under stress. When mold and pollen spores sneak into your nasal passages, your immune system goes nuts trying to battle the invaders. As your body tries to defend itself, chemicals called histamines flood your bloodstream, and that’s what causes your itchy eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms that make springtime not so fun for many people.
Natural methods of battling allergies are gaining in popularity — and these won’t leave you feeling groggy and weird like some allergy medicines can do. Give them a try.
Almond Oil
Almond oil and sesame oil have natural antimicrobial properties, so they can form a physical barrier between allergens and your sensitive nasal membranes. Don’t try this with petroleum oil or olive oil! They lack the antimicrobial properties that make almond and sesame oil beneficial and can actually cause further inflammation.
How to use it: Dip a Q-tip in either oil, and swab the inside of your nose first thing in the morning, and again later in the day if needed.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a phytochemical — a plant-based compound that belongs to a group of botanical pigments called flavonoids (flavenoids give many flowers, fruits, and veggies their colors). Quercetin, in particular, comes from the pith of citruses like grapefruit and oranges. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine — meaning it works to combat the histamines your body is producing while trying to fight the invasion of allergens. It can help alleviate itchy eyes and sneezing and is non-drowsy.
How to use it: Quercetin is an herbal supplement that comes in capsules. A typical dose is 2,000 mg, twice daily (morning and night).
Nettle Tea
This is another great natural antihistamine, and it could be easier to take (particularly for those who don’t like to swallow pills or capsules).
How to use it: Traditional Medicinals makes a nettle-leaf tea. Just brew and sip like any other tea. It has a fresh, grassy taste. Sweeten with a little stevia if you like.
NAC
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid L-Cysteine. This supplement can help combat itchy, ringing ears associated with allergies and colds. I love to take it if I have to fly with a cold. NAC helps fight post-nasal drip and mucus, and it’s anti-inflammatory. NAC can boost your body’s production of an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione, which can bolster the immune system and help fight allergy symptoms.
How to use it: Sold as an herbal supplement, NAC usually comes in capsules. A typical dose is two 600-mg capsules daily.
Bee Pollen
Used in Chinese medicine for centuries bee pollen can help fight seasonal allergies, particularly if the pollen was harvested in your geographic area. Bee pollen has antibacterial properties, so when the pollen comes from your region, it’s fighting the same plant spores that are causing your itchy eyes and sneezing.
How to use it: Bee pollen comes in granules. Crush about a 1/4 teaspoon of granules into a powder and sprinkle on salads or into a morning smoothie, three or four times a day.
Metabolism Histamine (formerly Metabolism Sneeze): Find it here
Incorporates bioflavonoids, micronutrients, proteolytic enzymes, and herbs into a comprehensive formula that provides multifaceted support for individuals with immune imbalances. Dihydroquercetin (FlavitPURE™), a key component in Metabolism Histamine, inhibits oxidation, is bioactive, and is highly absorbable. Metabolism Histaminesupports individuals with elevated histamine and irritation due to common environmental allergens.
