Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes? You or someone you know is probably suffering from these type of allergy symptoms right now – as do 30% to 40% of the population.
We’re in the full swing of spring and with it comes a cloud of yellow! Trees and bushes are blooming, and the pollen is shedding from red buds to dogwoods to lilacs.
Many people take over-the-counter allergy medications, which tend to have side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, nosebleeds or even increased blood pressure. Some take a week to start working and others may stop working over time. Instead of dreading allergy season, do you know that you have the ability to naturally treat and prevent your allergy symptoms?
Here are five natural ways to treat your allergies:
- Nettle leaf Infusion – an easy homemade remedy! You’ll need ½ cup of dried nettle leaves (does not sting once dried) and 1 quart of filtered water. The stinging nettle’s anti-allergenic properties block the effects of histamine. Pour both into a jar and let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight. I like to add some 'flavor' like 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus, peppermint or lemon balm. Pour infusion through a strainer, then drink it over the course of the day and all your congestion will disappear. Don’t be surprised if you start to feel quite parched because it is also astringent and diuretic.
- Vitamin C – my favorite vitamin! Vitamin C is a natural anti-histamine, a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation. During allergy season, I recommend taking vitamin C with food 500 mg to 1,000 mg twice a day. It’s best to divide the dosage as this ensures optimal absorption. However, more than 2,000 mg can have adverse effects (more is not always better)! Vitamin C helps not only with allergies but also with infections, form collagen and connective tissue (think anti-aging!), supports eye health, and has shown to even lower the risk of cancer!
- Homeopathic treatment with bioAllers, which I have found to be the most effective when compared to other brands. You can get the nasal spray, liquid drops or tablets plus they offer relief for different types of allergens (e.g. mold, dust, pollen, pets, etc.)
- Sinus Rinse with NeilMed - I like the ease of this squeeze bottle that pushes a saline solution into one of your nostrils and exits the other while breathing through your mouth. If you do this correctly, there’s no uncomfortable liquid (snot!) running down your throat! This method clears your nasal passages from allergens (pollen) and can clear out any congestion.
- Acupuncture – the healing therapy! If you want to get rid of allergies instead of just treating the symptoms, then you should consider acupuncture. With a course of treatments, acupuncture can strengthen your immune system and treat the root cause of your allergy. Acupuncture can also treat your symptoms like sneezing, coughing or itchy eyes/skin. However, if you start treatments before allergy season starts then you have a much better chance of preventing them altogether!
Call Harmony Point Acupuncture (740) 677-9872 to get rid of your allergy symptoms for good!
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