Red itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing and sneezing……Is this happening to
you and/or your loved ones? Allergies do not just show up with foods and
the onset of Spring will bring airborne allergens called Spring Allergies.
We are now enjoying our (later than usual) spring and the last thing we
want is to be held back by spring allergies!
Our family suffers from spring allergies that range from moderate to
intense reactions. There are a number of tried and tested remedies to take
on the allergy-causing particles in the air from the grass, plants and trees
that surround us. We have all heard of these remedies ranging from
antihistamines to decongestants. It’s just not fun when you have to
continually explain that the sneezing and runny nose is not a cold or a flu
and declare “don’t worry, it’s just my allergies”.
The symptoms can be especially difficult for children who want to be
outdoors playing, going to the park and participating in outdoor
sports/teams.
Alternately, here are some natural remedies listed below that may help to
battle spring allergens. Thanks to webmd.com for their input.
Top Ten Tips – Natural* Remedies for Spring Allergies:
1. Butterbur is an herb (comes from a European shrub) that has shown
potential for relief from seasonal allergies.
The butterbur extract called Ze399 has been shown to reduce symptoms as
effectively as over-the-counter and prescription drugs such as Allegra and
Zyrtec.
2. Quercetin is a flavonoid found naturally in onions, apples and black tea. It
has anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to block
histiminEs. Perhaps more of these in your diet during the spring season
might provide that extra boost to ward off stuffiness and sneezing.
3. Stinging nettle comes from the roots and leaves of the stinging nettle plant
(Urtica diocia) in newer and has been used by some in a freeze-dried
stinging nettle leaves form to treat allergy symptoms. There has not been
much research to date on this potential remedy.
4. Nasal irrigation is a simple process that uses a combination of warm
water, a quarter- teaspoon of salt and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda
may assist in clearing out mucus and opening the nasal passages. You can
use this method by way of a squeeze bottle or a neti-pot (a device that looks
like a small teapot).
5. Acupuncture has it’s fans who support it as allergy remedy, yet studies on
the subject have been mixed. Researchers advocate a large clinical trial for
a better understanding of the merits of acupuncture to fight spring
allergies.
6. Immunotherapy for allergies, also commonly known as “allergy shots”
involves exposure of the allergen in small amounts to the immune system.
Continuing with larger amounts of the allergen over time, will serve to
teach the body to not see the allergen as as foreign invader and develop a
tolerance to it.
7. Keeping Yourself Clean is a preventive and for some an effective way to
deal with the spring season allergens. Start with increasing your showers
and most importantly having your shower at the end of the day, when
allergens may be present on the body and hair. Cleaning clothes more
frequently will also help to keep allergens at bay.
8. Keeping your Surroundings Clean can be accomplished by keeping
windows and doors closed, more frequent vacuuming and dustinG
of shelves and bookcases where pollen can collect.
9. Avoid outdoors during high pollen levels is best to minimize your allergy
reactions. If possible, stay indoors when it is high, especially in the
mornings when pollen counts peak.
10. Air Purifier /air conditioning are also good defenses to minimize air-
borne allergy particles.
While the above is not guaranteed to eliminate spring allergy symptoms, it
is a natural way to minimize the debilitating effects of spring time allergies.
Our family benefits from practicing the “clean routine” both personally and
with our surroundings. We can benefit from natural solutions and use over-
the-counter remedies, as needed. The spring is a wonderful time of renewal
and growth. The natural remedies offered can help to make this time a
healthy and active one for all ages!
* Any use of natural remedies that include herbs and plants should be
confirmed with a medical doctor to ensure there is no interference with
prescribed medications.
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