Isn’t spring beautiful? Birds are chirping, people have an extra bounce to their step and there's a lightness in the air as everything comes to life. Though, while all the blooms and life are beautiful, this can lead to misery for folks who suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms.

Before we dive into natural solutions, let’s explore our immune system and what an allergy is. Our immune system is always on the lookout for us. 👀 It’s constantly surveying and assessing what’s coming into the body and deciding whether or not the protein it’s being exposed to is a threat. In the case of allergies, the immune system can react to the protein in a specific type of pollen and develop antibodies to what the body sees as a “foreign invader.”

What are antibodies? They’re your body’s Most Wanted criminal list. Exposure to these criminals cause your mast cells to release histamine. This triggers swelling of mucus membranes and the flow of mucus, which flushes unwanted substances out of the body and ensures delicate tissues in your respiratory tract, digestive tract, urinary tract, don’t dry out!

You’re probably aware of the power of antihistamines, decongestants and other over the counter allergy meds. They’re great at counteracting the effect of histamine being produced. Unfortunately, they have a lot of side effects and they can degrade the gut lining over time creating more downstream issues.
This is where the power of nature comes in to save the day! 🌿 🦸‍♀️

Here are some ways to treat seasonal allergies naturally:

1. Avoid foods you’re sensitive or allergic to. This limits the burden on your immune system. We need a strong and appropriately tolerant immune system – one that fights infections and not over react to benign things like pollen

2. Avoid mucus forming foods such as dairy, sugars, gluten, caffeinated beverages and foods you’re sensitive to. This also limits the burden on your immune system

3. Apple cider vinegar helps to boost the immune system, helps to break up mucus and supports lymphatic drainage. Three times per day, mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with 1 tablespoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a half-tablespoon of local raw honey and drink.

4. Stinging nettle has been shown to have effective ‘antihistamine’ action because it makes histamine receptors less sensitive. It’s an herb that can be eaten or made into an infusion in water. It's high in calcium, iron, polyphenols, antioxidants, and betacarotene (and protein and fiber when eaten whole). The infusion is great for allergies, arthritis, muscle pain, and more! This is the Nettle Tea I purchase. Mountain Rose Herbs provides a high quality loose leaf tea

5. Quercetin is a natural anti-histamine without the side effects of many medications! Quercetin actually calms the immune system to reduce or prevent histamine release. It also has the ability to heal leaky gut, which is especially helpful for folks who have allergies/sensitivities because of the immune insults that having a leaky gut allow. Be cautious using quercetin, however, if you’re already taking blood thinners (e.g. Coumadin, Plavix, or daily aspirin) or on antibiotics.

6. Bromelain is an extract found in pineapple, in addition to high levels of vitamins B and C it is a potent anti-inflammatory, calms the immune system and increases the effectiveness of quercetin. Combining Quercetin, Bromelain and Stinging Nettle is powerful!

7. Butterbur has traditionally been used to treat bronchitis, excess mucus and asthma. However, in a recent study of hay fever sufferers, it was found to be as effective as some allergic rhinitis medications, such as Zyrtec. However, young children, pregnant or breast-feeding women should not take butterbur supplements.

8. Probiotics. 50 billion IU (2–6 capsules) per day starting slowly. Probiotics modify the intestinal flora in the gut and help boost the immune system, plus they show promise in the treatment and prevention of allergies.

9. Shower before going to bed. Pollen and dust left on your skin and in your hair overnight can make your symptoms worse. And make sure to wash your bedding regularly!

10. Get lots of sleep, manage stress and heal your gut!

I’ve suffered from seasonal allergies since I was 13 and started by using the conventional methods like Zyrtec, AllegraD, and allergy shots. These methods didn’t help much and as I began my natural health journey in my 30’s, I included all of the above options. My allergy symptoms drastically improved! These are some of the tactics I’ve found work for me: I’ve removed the foods I’m sensitive to and focus on living clean of toxins, getting lots of sleep and showering before bed. 1 month prior to allergy season I begin taking D-Hist and Vitamin C. Ongoing supplements include UltraFlora Probiotics, Vitamin D and I often use Xclear to flush out my nasal passageways. A saline flush with a neti pot works great too.

Treating allergy symptoms takes patience and a combination of tactics. Start by removing foods you are sensitive to, engage in a lifestyle that boosts your immune system and experiment with different supplements. If you’d like a 15% discount on professional grade supplements such as the ones I mentioned, feel free to order off of my online dispensary or send me an email to be added.

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This blog post is for informational and educational purposes. It’s not meant to treat any health condition or to be prescriptive for anyone.

Always be sure to work with your healer or healthcare practitioner. I highly recommend trying all new recommendations and/or supplements slowly to make sure your body tolerates them