Natural Relief for Seasonal Allergies

More than 35 million Americans face the sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery, red eyes that accompany seasonal allergies triggered when trees, grasses, flowers and other plants begin to release their pollens into the air.

These symptoms can range from moderately irritating to life threatening as the mucous lining of the respiratory system become irritated, then inflamed.  Symptoms can escalate into sinus infections and asthma attacks.  Even when not life threatening, symptoms can be temporarily debilitating.

Although there is no guaranteed natural prevention or cure, as with all chronic ailments, diet and exercise are the keys to keeping allergies in check and reducing the severity of symptoms.

Foods that help with chronic allergic conditions are foods rich in antioxidants
Beta Carotene helps keep mucous membranes healthy.  Foods rich in beta carotene include apricots, asparagus, beef liver, broccoli, sweet potato, yellow corn, squash.

Vitamin C foods are recommended for their antihistamine effect.  Broccoli, oranges, papaya, peppers (any kind or color) strawberries, sweet potato and tomato are all high in Vitamin C

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps boost the immune system.  Foods high in Vitamin E are almonds, peanut butter, safflower oil, salmon sunflower seeds and walnuts.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids reduce inflammation and produce sinus health.  They are found in cold water fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and anchovy.  They are also found in olive oil

Bananas are said to have chemicals that relieve allergy symptoms (unless you’re allergic to bananas).  Eat one banana a day.

Water cress is high in a multitude of vitamins.  Eat it in salads, sandwiches etc.

An herbal remedy for allergies is usually one that has the ability to relieve congestion, loosen mucous, and sooth inflammation.  Of course, don’t overlook the importance of the ones that strengthen your immune system.

Eucalyptus is strongly anti bacterial, antiseptic and stimulant with expectorant and antibiotic properties.  It helps loosen chest congestion and quiets a cough.

Red Clover is used to ease allergy related asthma symptoms.  It is a blood and lymph cleanser, and  has antispasmodic and expectorant qualities.

Alfalfa is thought to relieve the symptoms of allergies and in addition is a great nutrient to help support the nervous system and help inflamed mucous membranes return to normal.  Some people have reported allergic reactions to alfalfa, so if your symptoms worsen stop taking it.

Apple Cider Vinegar is effective in killing 89% of all known bacteria.  It is rich in many vitamins and minerals.  It reduces the amount of mucous produced and soothes sore throats. 

Rose Hips are high in Vitamin C and help enhance the immune system and fight off illness.

Astragalus is highly antiviral and stimulates the immune system by increasing the presence of T-cells in the body.  It not only helps ward off illness it increases the body’s ability to remove toxins.

Irish Moss is red algae that grows in the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America.  It lessens the symptoms of cold and flu and when consumed in the winter is considered to prevent upper respiratory ailments of all kinds.

Stinging Nettle is a natural antihistamine.  Studies show that taking about 300 milligrams daily of stinging nettle will offer relief for most people, although the effects may only last a few hours.  Some herbalists suggest that taking nettle over a long period of time (two years or more) will eliminate allergies.

Mullein leaf is a great way to reduce the itchy, watery eyes and runny/ stuffy nose symptoms of allergies.

Nasal Saline Irrigations

Normal saline solution is an effective way to wash pollens out of your nose and sooth irritated mucous membranes.

You can use a bulb syringe, netti pot, nasal spray bottle or simply pour a little saline solution in your palm, close off one nostril and sniff the solution from your palm.  Blow your nose and repeat with the other nostril.  Repeat every 2 to 4 hours as needed.

Sterile saline solution can be purchased in single use doses, but it’s expensive.  It’s less expensive and easy to make your own

1 cup warm distilled water
1/4 to ½ teaspoon sea salt (or table salt)
pinch of baking soda (optional)

Dissolve the salt (and baking soda if using) in the water and put it into a jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid.   Bacteria can grow in this solution so if the solution isn’t all used up in 24 hours pour the remainder out, wash the container and make a fresh batch.

Other helpful hints

Reduce stress.  Stress causes the body to produce cortisol which causes irritation and inflammation in the blood vessels and mucous membranes.  To reduce stress, have a massage, or exercise, or drink a cup of chamomile or other nervine herb tea.  Exercise not only builds the entire body and all it’s systems, it also reduces stress.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
Eat a healthy diet.

Yes, there we are, right back to that healthy lifestyle again!  Exercise and eating healthy foods benefits your entire body and, over a period of time you may see a reduction of allergy symptoms from that alone.  Some people have reported their allergies completely disappeared with prolonged adherence to a healthier lifestyle.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be yuck!  Or bland.  For some tips on healthy eating check out these sites
MUFA Diet
MUFA Recipes
More Healthy Recipes

Yes, I admit it, these sites are all weight loss diets, but if you’re at your optimum weight you’ll neither loose or gain weight, you’ll simply reap the benefits of eating healthier.

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