Natural Support for Seasonal Allergies

It’s that time of the year again, time to prep for allergy season! Did you know that you can proactively incorporate natural medicine to avoid the need for conventional allergy medicine?

These natural remedies work best when taken early in advance in order to give your body time to build immunity and tolerance to allergens. In time, this can potentially reduce the severity of seasonal allergy symptoms. I'd recommend starting at least 3-4 weeks before the suspected allergy season.

Natural Preventative Support:

Local Honey

Consuming raw, unfiltered honey sourced from local beekeepers exposes your body to small amounts of local pollen allergens. Over time, this exposure can help desensitize your immune system and reduce allergic reactions. Enjoy a spoonful of local honey daily, drizzled over yogurt, oatmeal, or toast, to reap the allergy-fighting benefits.

Local Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich substance collected by honeybees and packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. It is a natural remedy for allergies, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Incorporate bee pollen into your diet by eating a spoonful daily, sprinkling it over smoothie bowls, yogurt, or salads.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs that acts as a natural antihistamine. It helps stabilize mast cells and inhibit the release of histamine, reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion. Incorporate quercetin-rich foods like apples, onions, berries, and leafy greens into your diet, or consider taking a quercetin supplement for additional allergy relief.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and helps reduce allergy symptoms. It helps neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for those suffering with allergies. Incorporate vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and kiwi into your diet, or consider taking a vitamin C supplement to support your immune system during allergy season.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine is a a compound that is derived from the amino acid L-cysteine that takes part in the production of glutathione, our master antioxidant. Its ability to break down mucus and reduce inflammation makes it a promising supplement for managing symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. By thinning mucus secretions and modulating immune responses, NAC may alleviate congestion and ease discomfort caused by allergic reactions during seasonal shifts.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging nettle is an herb that has been used for centuries to alleviate allergy symptoms. It contains compounds that inhibit histamine release and reduce inflammation, making it an effective natural remedy for seasonal allergies. It is named "nature's multivitamin" as the leaf is full of vitamins and minerals. Drink nettle tea or take stinging nettle supplements to help relieve allergy symptoms and support respiratory health.

In-the-moment Support:

Neti pot or nasal spray

Netti pots or nasal sprays can help alleviate allergy symptoms by flushing out allergens, mucus, and irritants from the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and reducing inflammation. When using a neti pot at home, make sure to use sterile water with saline. Saline and xylitol nasal sprays can be helpful to have on hand.

Herbal Steam Inhalations

Kitchen medicine is the best. Incorporating steam inhalations with kitchen herbs will help support the respiratory tract, reduce inflammation, and alleviate allergy symptoms. Use fresh herbs or some that you have in the spice rack, like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

Homeopathy

Depending on the individual's symptoms and presentation, choosing a homeopathic remedy tailored to their keynotes can provide symptomatic relief while increasing vitality. Remedies like Allium cepa, Arsenicum album, Histaminum, Euphrasia, and Nature muriaticum can be helpful. Make sure to work with a practitioner trained in homeopathy to help choose the right remedy.

Don't let seasonal allergies hold you back from enjoying the beauty of nature! Embrace the healing power of nature with the natural remedies listed above. Incorporate these remedies into your daily routine, and embrace the changing seasons with strength.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating any new supplement or change to your routine.