Seasonal allergies are most commonly associated with springtime. But the flare-ups that occur in the summer can be just as bad—if not worse—due to the added discomfort caused by unpleasant climate conditions, such as heat and humidity.
Interesting new fact: Allergy symptoms may be lasting even longer due to extended pollen seasons brought on by climate change, according to a recent analysis.
That’s why it’s more important than ever for the 40 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies to use the most effective therapies—with the fewest side effects.
Good news: You don’t have to fill your medicine cabinet with powerful drugs that simply temporarily relieve your allergy symptoms and potentially lead to side effects ranging from headache and drowsiness to difficulty breathing. Instead, you can get relief from the natural remedies described in this article.
Most doctors treat allergies with a regimen that includes oral antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), to block the release of histamine so that runny noses and itchy eyes will be reduced… and/or inhaled steroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort) or flunisolide (Nasalide), to reduce inflammation, mucus production and nasal congestion.
Problem: Aside from the side effects these drugs can cause, many allergy sufferers experience a “rebound effect”—that is, when the drug wears off, the histamine that has been suppressed by the medication explodes, causing an even bigger allergic reaction.
Important: To transition from medication to the natural regimen described here, first take the natural remedy with the medication, then slowly wean yourself off the medication over a few weeks.
Try these three simple natural approaches… *
Mother Nature has tools that work with your body to stop allergy symptoms. The following naturally occurring substances have few side effects and often are just as effective as over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications.
My advice: Try quercetin, then add others in severe cases.
Inflammation in the nasal passages due to allergies prevents the sinuses from draining and can lead to sinus infection.
Self-defense: Nasal cleansing once daily during allergy season reduces the amount of pollen exposure and can prevent the allergic reaction in the first place.*
One option: Flush your nasal passages with a neti pot. A neti pot looks like a miniature teapot with an elongated spout (available at drugstores for $8 to $30). Add one tablespoon of aloe vera gel and a pinch of salt to the warm distilled water you place in the pot.
What to do: While standing over a sink, tilt your head horizontally, left ear to ceiling, and gently insert the spout into your left nostril. As you slowly pour the mixture into the nostril, it will circulate through the nasal passages and out the right nostril. Continue for 10 seconds, breathing through your mouth, then let the excess water drain. Repeat on the other nostril. Be sure to run your neti pot through the dishwasher or clean with soap and hot water to disinfect it after every use.
Alternative: If using a neti pot feels uncomfortable, try using a syringe bulb… or cup warm water (mixed with salt and aloe) in your hand and breathe it in slowly.
Even better: Use a nasal irrigator, which is more thorough and takes less effort than a neti pot. This instrument forcibly expels water—and uses the same aloe/salt/water mixture as you would in a neti pot.
Recommended: The Grossan Nasal Irrigator, developed by ENT doctor Murray Grossan, HydroMedOnline.com, $97… or SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Irrigation System, SinuPulse.com, $97.
Acupuncture and acupressure can relieve allergies by stimulating certain pressure points to encourage blood flow, reduce inflammation and release natural painkilling chemical compounds known as endorphins.
*Consult a doctor before trying this regimen if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
