Seasonal Allergies- What Can You Do For Relief?
Sometimes we aren’t sure why they’re called seasonal allergies, because they never seem to end! From tree pollen to grasses, ragweed, and then eventually moldy leaves in the fall, allergies can become absolutely debilitating without finding a proper remedy. Fortunately, relief exists.
Clean Up Your Diet
One place to start is by cleaning up your diet. A healthy diet rich with vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, and free-range animal products will provide you with anti-inflammatory benefits. Enhancing your beneficial bacteria by eating fermented foods (think kimchi, fermented veggies, kraut, etc) will also make you less reactive to allergens. Not sure where to start? Check out our line of fermented foods from Real Pickles, located in our refrigerator case.
Next, Consider Herbal Remedies For Relief
Nettle – has been shown to have excellent anti-inflammatory abilities. Components of stinging nettle can actually inhibit multiple inflammatory events. This is important because it is those inflammatory events that actually cause seasonal allergy symptoms. Nettle, along with other herbal supplements can be easily turned into Mineral Rich Infusions (visit our front desk for a handout.)
Butterbur – known to significantly improve allergy symptoms. This is a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their allergy symptoms while avoiding the sedative effects of antihistamines.
Garlic – A potent anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer that contains histamine-lowering quercetin. When it comes to fighting allergies naturally, quercitin is at the top of the list of natural compounds that have been proven to improve symptoms. That’s because when you’re experiencing spring allergies, your histamine levels increase as the body tries to combat the allergens. Studies have shown that garlic doesn’t only improve immune function, but its quercetin also acts as a natural antihistamine.
Rosemary – This popular herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One study also reveals that rosmarinic acid is a free radical scavenger that can suppress the inflammatory responses of certain white blood cells, as well as allergic antibodies. In other words: Rosmarinic acid should help improve seasonal allergy symptoms.
Turmeric – Known as a common spice used in Indian, Thai and other ethnic cuisines, turmeric actually has an endless list of health benefits. Turmeric’s most powerful active compound is curcumin, which can significantly reduce and inhibit allergic responses.
Be sure to visit us at the front desk to pick up our handouts – “Perparing for Allergy Season Naturally” and Instructions For Making Mineral Rich Infusions.” We are open daily from 8am – 7pm.
*Did you know that reducing stress for adrenal and immune health can also help with allergies? Yoga/Meditation as well as breath work can go a long way! Check out our Fall Yoga Schedule Here.
