Combatting Allergies – Naturally
When summer comes around each year, most people relish in the daydreams of swimsuits and suntan lotion and outdoor activities. But, for those with allergies, the daydreams of glistening sand and waters turn to those of drippy, itchy, red, sneezy noses and puffy eyes.
It is estimated that over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and while most people choose to treat theirs with a mixture of medicines and sprays, the results are mixed. While some medicines do well to treat one symptom, they often leave much desired for treating the rest. In addition, many pharmaceutical concoctions often come with unwanted side affects like nausea, drowsiness, stuffy noses, etc. -- Not to mention the complications that can arise when you add pregnancy or breastfeeding to the mix (most allergy medicines are known to dry up milk supply and can be damaging to babies in the womb).
With these challenges, it can be tempting to lock yourself inside to wait out the season - with or without tissue crammed into your nasal cavity in an attempt to keep the allergens and drippiness at bay.
Fortunately, there are safer treatment options that will leave you feeling ready to conquer the lush days of summer - and whether you choose to keep the tissue as a style statement is up to you...
Prevention
While you may not completely be able to prevent your allergies, you can definitely do some things to prevent from having them burst into full swing.
- Avoid using window fans to cool rooms. If you must use window fans, try adhering an air filter (like one by 3M) to the fan, which will catch and retain some particles and allergens. Also, be sure to close up any gaps left open between the fan and the window by stuffing towels or paper in the extra open space.
- Drive with your windows up as much as possible.
- Avoid spending a lot of time outside when pollen counts are at their highest.
- When pollen counts are high, opt to use your clothes dryer or hang clothing inside to dry. Line drying could mean sleeping on and wearing the things that make you sneeze.
Treatment
Neti Pot - A pot shaped vessel that rinses out your sinuses with salt water and has been used in India for thousands of years to treat allergies, sinus problems, etc. Basically, you fill the neti pot with salt water (most come with pre-measured packets of salt that you just add to water) and lean your head forward at an angle to flush your sinuses out. While this treatment has been used both effectively and for a great span of time, many Americans have trouble with the idea of purposely putting water up their nose. However, those who venture to try it will find the process much less traumatic than they first imagined (and absolutely nothing like accidentally getting pool water up your nose).
What's more is that because this treatment uses nothing more than gravity, salt, and water to work - there are no worrisome side effects and can be used as many times a day as needed. Neti Pots can be found at stores like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target as well as many other fine merchants and are typically priced somewhere between $10 and $15.
Quercetin - A natural plant-derived compound called a bioflavonoid, quercetin helps stabilize mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a natural antioxidant that helps mop up molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage, which can lead to cancer. 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.
Horse Radish, Chili Peppers, and Hot Mustard - Try adding any of these natural decongestants to your food.
Stinging Nettle - A natural antihistamine, which can be found in capsules or as a tea. About 300 mg daily is the suggested intake to bring relief, which may only last 2-3 hours at a time. Stinging Nettle works much like the antihistamines at the drugstore do - but without the unwanted side effects of dry mouth and drowsiness.
Raw, Local Honey - The idea is that by eating raw, local honey, you will expose yourself to small amounts of local pollen - which can build your immunity to it. Start by eating about a teaspoon a day on toast or by itself, and slowly increasing your intake. Please note, however, that you MUST buy local honey which can be found at many health food stores and farmers markets (and some groceries).
Vitamin C - Vitamin C has natural antihistamine properties and can be taken in supplement form or found in everyday foods such as oranges and bell peppers.
Garlic and Onions - Whether eaten alone or in a meal, these super foods help slow inflammation.
Hyland's Hayfever Homeopathic Tablets - Many homeopathic remedies will work, but this is one of the best all-around premixed formulas we've found.
While finding a natural treatment that works for you may seem daunting at first, keep in mind that these remedies can be combined, and many of them can be taken as many times a day as needed. And, unlike conventional allergy medicines, they won't leave you feeling drowsy or sick. So, do yourself a favor and try them out...
