Allergies can really take the fun out of being human. As an allergy sufferer, I’ve been prodded and pricked by a specialist and lost all sense of womanhood from using a Neti pot or shooting saline up my nose. You become a specimen in the search of finding relief from headaches, fatigue, and all the symptoms of a cold. Breathing normally is your life’s mission.
This spring the fight against allergies took on greater meaning, becoming an us vs. them, good vs. evil play to not be defeated by the detritus of spring’s blooming fanfare. Adopting different natural remedies has proven successful with fewer allergy attacks.
Natural Ways to Treat Allergies
- Local honey and propolis: When you add local honey to your diet over a period of time it can help minimize allergic reactions by introducing traces of flower pollen to the system. Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s used to ward off colds.
- Diet: Eat anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods to boost the immune system. This includes garlic, which is a natural antibiotic, citrus fruits for Vitamin C, antioxidant rich foods like green leafy vegetables, green tea and almonds.
- Quercetin: High in antioxidants to help fight free radical damage, Quercetin is considered to be a natural antihistamine. Onions, garlic and red wine include Quercetin.
- Vitamins C, D and mineral Zinc: Vitamins C, D and the Zinc mineral are known immune boosters. Foods high in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) include kiwis, bell peppers, kale, guava, acerola cherries, broccoli and citrus. Vitamin D, known as the sun vitamin, is included in salmon, cod liver oil and shiitake mushrooms. Zinc is found in meat, shellfish–notably oysters–tofu, seeds, beans and nuts.
- Herbs: Stinging Nettles, elderberry, turmeric, peppermint, cayenne and Ginkgo Biloba have immunity-rich compounds to aid in allergic inflammation caused by sinuses.
- Acupuncture: An acupuncturist works on the body’s pressure points to help minimize reactions spurred by dust, dander and allergens without using drugs.
- Clean House: Reduce clutter and any items in the home that can trap allergy-potent substances like dust and dander.
- Drink Therapeutic Beverages: Ginger, rosehip and green teas block histamines due to their bioflavonoid properties. Vitamin, antioxidant packed juices cleanse and hydrate the system. Apple cider vinegar is a cure-all that reduces inflammation.
Resources:
Splatter mug: Crow Canyon Home
Black Elderberry Liquid: Country Farms