Written June, 2021
We just moved to Tennessee and the pollen, and the bugs, are out of this world! I’ve never experienced seasonal allergies until moving here, and now I understand. It is such an uncomfortable state to be in! I’m not one to run to an over the counter medication with all of their side effects, so, of course, I looked to my pantry and fridge, and have been finding much relief from my natural remedies. Before we dig into those, let’s talk about what allergies are and what causes them.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal or year round, allergies occur when an external substance, known as an allergen, comes into the body. For some reason, often a genetic component, the body doesn’t like the proteins in that allergen, and it creates a “memory” against the allergen to remind itself that this substance is harmful. The next time there is exposure to that particular allergen, the proteins bind to what are known as mast cells in our respiratory tract, which trigger a series of reactions in our body, producing the uncomfortable symptoms of allergies.
How Do I Know if I Have Seasonal Allergies?
Symptoms include nasal congestion and a runny nose, postnasal drip, sneezing, itching and red eyes, itchy throat or ear canals, tearing, ear pressure and fatigue. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate, and most often go away with time. However, if you are experiencing signs of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, please get immediate medical help.
Lifestyle Habits to Minimize Allergies
For relief of allergy symptoms, limit exposure if you can, especially in your bedroom. For example, if you are allergic to pets, keep your bedroom pet free. If it is an environmental allergen, keep your windows closed, and limit your outdoor exposure when those allergens are in season. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced, low-inflammatory diet to support your immune system. Aim for a diet high in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc (think of all of those brightly colored fruits and vegetables), high in vitamin D (think trout, tuna and salmon), and low in processed and fatty foods. Vitamin D is also created in our skin when exposed to the sun, so be sure to soak up some sunshine if allergies and weather allow, and take a daily supplement, especially if you live in an area where sunshine is few and far between.
Probiotics and prebiotics (what will eventually help the body make its own probiotics) also have a positive effect on reducing allergen response. I take a probiotic called Life9 from Young Living, and highly recommend their probiotic/prebiotic powder mix for children called MightyPro. Prebiotics are also found in fermented foods and drinks like sauerkraut, pickles and kombucha, so be sure to try and incorporate these into your diet as well.
Keep your home clean and free from dust. You may also want to consider ways to purify the air in your house with air-purifying plants, such as snake plants and Golden Pothos or diffusing purifying essential oils in your home like lemon, lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree, also known as melaleuca.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Herbs can be particularly helpful in battling the symptoms of allergies. Reishi mushrooms and astragalus root contain polysaccharides that help increase cellular functioning and have anti-inflammatory properties. Goldenrod and horehound thin and remove excess mucus. Stinging nettle decreases allergy-related inflammation and histamine response, with clinical studies showing fewer symptoms after one week of daily nettle ingestion, though some people report instant relief. Butterbur has been studied extensively and has been shown to out perform medications, such as Zyrtec, in controlled studies. Take this occasionally for symptomatic relief or daily for chronic allergies. Due to a liver toxin found in the roots of butterbur, please don’t try to create your own butterbur remedy at home.
Turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are found in most people’s pantries. Adding fresh or ground turmeric and ginger to your daily diet can greatly improve allergy symptoms. Garlic, also a common household staple, has incredible health benefits including being anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and protective against yeast and allergies. Eat or juice 1-2 cloves of raw garlic daily for the most benefits. Please brush your teeth afterward, or you won’t make any friends ; ) Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is effective in breaking up mucus and improving lymphatic drainage. Place a teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water, or take it as a shot, daily to improve symptoms. A tablespoon of raw, local honey daily can also improve allergy symptoms by improving the immune system and protecting against infections and allergies.
If you want a powerful and delicious natural remedy, try my strawberry tea! Grab a tablespoon of strawberry loose leaf tea, 1/4 tsp of ginger, and 1/4 tsp of turmeric and place in a French Press. Pour 3 cups of hot water over the top of your tea and spices and let brew for at least 10 minutes. Be sure to give the French press a little swirling before pouring, so all of the spices don’t stay at the bottom. Pour over a cup full of ice and add raw local honey to taste. This one is even kid approved in my house, so hopefully you have the same luck! I hope you are feeling better quick!
*The information on this page is not meant to replace medical advice or the quality of healthcare given from seeing a physician or nurse practitioner.
References:
Axe, J. (2021). Top 9 natural allergy relief home remedies. Retrieved from: https://draxe.com/health/8-natural-allergy-relief-remedies/ Grimshaw, K. (2020). Influence of nutrition in allergic disease. Retrieved from: https://hospitalpharmacyeurope.com/views/influence-of-nutrition-in-allergic-disease/ Groves, M. (2017). 8 herbs for seasonal allergy relief. Retrieved from: https://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/allergy-relief/ Sheikh, J. (2018). Allergic rhinitis pathophysiology. Retrieved from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/134825-overview#a5
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