The dreaded allergy season is almost upon us, although for some allergies are not just one season. Are you a sufferer or know someone who is? For people with common hay fever and allergies, these pollutants can bring on symptoms ranging from a minor annoyance, to continuous, annoying postnasal drip to a full-scale, coughing sneezing-itchy-eyed allergy attack. I would consider my allergies to be moderate, but I have a friend who has to take not just one, but multiple OTC remedies just to do yard work, and he still suffers greatly. Researchers think nasal allergies affect about 50 million people in the United States and is quickly growing [1]. These numbers are daunting, what can we do about it?

I recommend trying some of the things below before dosing yourself OTC remedies that tend to cause a lot of drowsiness. Not everything will work for everyone, but my family has had much success in avoiding taking anything OTC by doing the following (I included links to the products for your convenience):

Homeopathic remedies– Like desensitization therapies, homeopathy users consume low doses of a natural substance. The difference is that the substance in homeopathy is related to the symptoms as opposed to the allergen source. I have one for myself and one for my children. The one I take is called Allergy Relief by Homeostasis Labs. At the first sign of itchy eyes or nose, I chew 2 tablets and I am good for four hours. My allergies are considered moderate. (I combine this with other things which I will discuss below) I have two different go-to’s for my kids. The first is Kid’s Relief Allergy. It works quickly for them with their sneezing and runny nose. The second is D-Hist Jr. by Ortho Molecular products, a very reputable supplement company. This supplement contains (Vitamin C, quercetin dihydrate, stinging nettles, bromelain and N-acetyl-cysteine). THis tackles my boys stronger allergen responses, I have taken it before as well with great success

Quercetin– Quercetin is a naturally-derived bioflavonoid that helps stabilize cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a natural antioxidant that helps clean up molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage, which can lead to health woes and premature aging [2]. Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, and wine are naturally high in quercetin, but allergy sufferers will most likely need to use supplements to build up enough of this compound to prevent attacks. The recommended dosage is about 1,000 milligrams a day, taken between meals. It’s best to start treatment six weeks before allergy season. Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so please consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement — especially if you are pregnant or nursing. Read more about this bioflavonoid and its contraindications here. (Very important to know before consuming this day-to-day, be sure it is safe for you)

Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica– This powerful herb is highly anti-inflammatory. If you are handling this plant fresh do be sure to use gloves and long shirt as protection as there is a reason for its name, avoid the sting. Research has shown that consuming nettles in freeze-dried capsules effectively reduces histamine levels in the body, thus reducing inflammation of affected tissues [3]. Even drinking this in a tea can be very effective.

I keep a box of these lozenges in my purse when pollen season begins to help with the scratchy itchy throat and post nasal drip. FInd them here. They are gluten-free and contain (Stinging nettle leaf, European elderflower, plantain leaf, eyebright, honey, and a bit of menthol.

Saline Nasal Rinses– A mainstay in our home,  I use the neti pot every day as part of a routine, not just during allergy season. My kids have a version they use too. It is critical to remove the pollen from your sinus cavity. (It is great during cold and flu season too) Regular rinses (2-3 times a day during peak times) can flush away allergens, reduce nasal symptoms and help prevent infection. If this is too drying for you, stick to once a day. You also can use a neti pot before bed to ‘help’ prevent snoring caused by allergies and promote optimal overnight breathing (Not guaranteed to nix the snore). Neti Pot /Rinse and Sinu Cleanse Kid’s Mist kit.

You can utilize hydrosols in the neti pot, rosemary is by far the most popular recommendation, but unless I am truly fighting an impending infection, I stick to pink Himalayan sea salt. Please NO essential oils in your neti pot.

Essential OIls-You didn’t think I would end this article without talking about essential oils! I have a number of favorites here, like the formulation below. Make sure your blend contains an oil that has strong anti-inflammatory properties to help open the nasal passageways, one that provides anti-histamine properties, and possibly one to provide you with a decongestant, expectorant or mucolytic properties, depending on what your symptoms are. Here is one of my favorites:

As the meme states, aromatherapy is rarely a one size fits all modality. Make sure that you have no contraindications for this blend, and if you don’t, give it a try in an inhaler when needed.

Always keep in mind that when outdoors the pollen will stick to you, your hair and your clothes. Be sure to wash your hair and clothes before sitting on a chair/couch or before lying in your bed.

Hopefully, some of these things will help you enjoy the springtime….step out and enjoy the warmer weather my friends!

References

[1] Allergy Facts and Figures. Retrieved from http://www.aafa.org/page/allergy-facts.aspx

[2] What are Free Radicals? Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/54901-free-radicals.html

[3] Colley, L. (2016) Healing Allergy Inflammation with Stinging Nettle. Retrieved from http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/healing-allergy-inflammation-with-stinging-nettle

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