The weather has been crazy in the Northeast this year. A heat wave in March sent all the plants and trees into premature flowering, and then April’s cold weather seemed to prolong the blooms. It made for a spectacular display, but also an onslaught of pollen which has left people sneezing, coughing, and running through Kleenex at unprecedented rates!
If you or someone you love is suffering, here are some holistic health options that may ease your stuffy head and allow you to enjoy this most beautiful time of the year.
Start with the basics; decrease stress, get plenty of rest and drink LOTS of water. Water flushes out toxins, supports your immune system and helps soothe inflamed membranes. Water + natural salt = saline, the basis of tears, which drain down the back of your nasal passages and help clear away pollen and other irritating substances. Using a Neti Pot or other nasal irrigator with pure water mixed with non-iodized sea salt helps clean, clear and soothe your respiratory tract and decrease congestion and post-nasal drip. The trick to doing this comfortably is using the right amount of salt for most devices, 1/4 tsp. works. Taste the saline mixture, it should taste like tears, like the ocean, if you don’t use enough salt, it will feel like you got water up your nose, and you won’t be happy!
Many people find that eliminating dairy products dramatically eases their allergic symptoms, and cutting down on or eliminating sugar and refined foods is also very beneficial. Chiropractic, cranial work, energy work, acupuncture and acupressure are all wonderful modalities for supporting your system and decreasing allergic symptoms.
There are a number of homeopathic remedies available for seasonal allergies, with many different formulas. Try different formulas to find what works best for you. All homepathics work best when you take small doses very frequently. They have the distinct advantage, as do all natural therapies, of not causing any of the side effects that over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications can cause.
Vitamin C and Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B 5) act as natural antihistamines and support your immune system. I especially like drinking the powdered Vitamin C product Emergen-C as it soothes your throat as you flood your system with Vitamin C and water. Quercetin is a remarkable substance that prevents the release of histamine from your cells. It is often mixed with Bromelain, which increases it’s effectiveness or with Nettles to counteract allergies and usually needs to be taken every 4-6 hours if your symptoms are severe.
For more options, call me for an in-person or phone consultation. Here’s to an enjoyable, healthy spring!
Yours in breathing freely, Carol
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