Runny
nose, itchy eyes, and the infuriating sensation of not being able to
sneeze? Pollen count is on the rise as the weather warms up which means
one thing-allergies. When it comes to home remedies for allergies you
hear a lot about local raw honey preventing them. It is supposed to work
because the gradual intake of local pollen will help build up your
immunity before the symptoms start, thereby providing relief when the
season actually hits. And while it does work for some people, let’s not
forget that there are plenty of remedies you can try at home to help
relieve the common symptoms of seasonal allergies. As a Minnesotan I
intend to soak up every last bit of warm weather, especially after our
brutal winter, and I’ll be utilizing a number of remedies to help fight
any allergies dragging me down.
1. Nettle-Peppermint Tea
Nettle has such a negative image, but it’s one of the most incredible
herbs you will use once you add it to your repertoire. From relieving
arthritis (link),
lowering blood pressure, and (of course) helping seasonal allergies, it
performs a wide variety of functions thanks to its (find property
names.) The peppermint contains a type of flavonoid called
luteolin-7-O-rutinoside which can help inhibit the activity and
secretion of anti-inflammatory enzymes, such as histamines, and greatly
reduce the dreadful discomfort that comes along them.
You will need…
-1 teaspoon of dried peppermint OR ¼ cup chopped fresh peppermint-1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaf OR ¼ cup chopped fresh nettle leaf
-Honey and lemon to taste (optional)
-8 ounces of fresh water
Directions
It doesn’t get much simpler than this recipe! Place the nettle and
peppermint in a mug and cover with boiling water. Steep them for 10-15
minutes, strain; add honey to taste, and drink 2 times daily as needed
for allergy relief.
2. Bee Pollen
If local honey isn’t doing the trick for you, try bee pollen. The
same concept lies behind how it works-starting in small amounts and
gradually increasing the dosage daily will help build up your immunity
to the pollen in your area. This is a play off what is known in medicine
as “the hygiene hypothesis”, in which childhood exposure to germs and
bacteria are vital to developing an immune system that can handle those
same things down the line. Here you expose yourself to allergens before
allergy season so your system doesn’t take a huge blow when the air
fills with pollen. There are two vital parts to this remedy-first, make
sure you are not anaphylactic or severely allergic to bees, or so
allergic to pollen that you experience anaphylaxis. Second, get local
pollen. This will not work unless the pollen is local, as you need to
build up a tolerance to the plants in your area. You also need to make
sure that your pollen is coming from a good source, and free from
insecticides. There are 3 forms (granules, capsules, and powder) but I
prefer granules. Bee pollen is crunchy, musty, and very floral-enjoy it
plain or sprinkle some over yogurt or oatmeal in the morning!
You will need…
-LOCAL bee pollen granules
Directions
Start taking pollen 5 months before your allergies flare (so February
if they start in May, for example.) Start with 1 or 2 granules under
the tongue and let them dissolve or chew them. The next day increase the
dosage by 1 granule. Continue this until you feel confident that you
will not have a reaction (I recommend doing this for about 2 weeks.) If
you experience no adverse reaction, you can take up to 1 tablespoon
daily throughout allergy season.
3. Refreshing Citrus Drink
Since many allergies peak in the spring and summer, they happen to
coincide with warm, sunny days that you want to enjoy by frolicking in
the great outdoors. As healing as tea is, sometimes you just need that
tart, cool, refreshing drink at your side. This citrus filled drink
contains plenty of vitamin C, which can provide relief from seasonal
allergies, thanks to its incredible ability to nourish the immune
system. Since the immune system is struggling to function right when you
experience allergies, the benefits of this are obvious!
You will need…
-1/2 lemon-2 oranges
-1 tablespoon of local, raw, organic honey
Directions
Squeeze the juice from the lemon and oranges and chill for several
hours. Stir in the honey, add some ice cubes, and drink daily.
4. Red Onion Water
Onions contain a water soluble chemical compound called quercetin,
which has been demonstrated in preliminary studies to reduce the amount
of histamine produced by the body, therefore reducing symptoms of
allergies. It is, essentially, nature’s version of an anti-histamine.
Quercetin itself has also been shown to inhibit inflammation, as well as
act as a bronchodilator, opening up airways and helping you breathe
easier.
You will need…
-1 red onion-4 cups of water
-Organic, raw, honey to taste
Directions
Thinly slice the onion and add it to the water. Allow it to infuse
for 8-12 hours before drinking 1-2 times daily. It will keep in the
fridge for up to 4 days. Stir some honey into individual glasses when
you drink it if you like (I personally recommend it.)
5. Apple- Walnut Trail Mix
This mix will help you hit the trail in no time, without the sneezing
and itching. Walnuts are a daily snack that you can enjoy to help ease
allergy symptoms. High in magnesium, they help tamp down any wheezing or
coughing that’s taking place, while their vitamin E content can boost
immunity and protects your body from reacting to allergens. Apples, like
onions, contain quercetin, and naturally reduce the production of
histamine. Several studies have confirmed that an apple a day really
does keep allergies at bay.
You will need…
-1/2-1 cup of walnuts-1 apple
Directions
Chop the walnuts and cut the apple into medium-small chunks. Place
both in a bag and toss until thoroughly mixed. Feel free to substitute
pecans or walnuts if you prefer. You can also add in some other little
tasty ingredients if you like (I like adding dried cherries and
sunflower seeds.)
Tips
-Be aware that line drying your clothes can contribute to allergies
as all of the pollen sailing around sticks to it (and consequently,
sticks to you.)-If you simply must open your window, don’t fling it open all the way. Allergens will fly into the house and settle on everything.
-At the end of the day, briefly rinse off with cool water. Doing so will rinse any pollen stuck in your hair or on your skin off, and also ensures you don’t transfer a bunch to your bedding!
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