Natural Remedies for a Sneeze-Free Spring
Well, it’s that time of year again; the snow has melted, community clean up is happening around town and pollen counts are on the rise. For those of you who suffer from seasonal environmental allergies, this can be a tough time of year. Fear not, relief is here!
The peak of pollen season
Tree pollens including alder, birch and the poplar family (cottonwood, aspen, willow, poplar) start to show up in late April to early May in the Anchorage area, with birch pollen counts tending to peak in May. Tree pollens are followed by grasses and then weeds as the spring and summer progress. Mold counts pick up by later summer. You can find out current pollen counts for Anchorage by checking this handy website.
Preparing your system for allergy season
So, what can you do when your eyes start to itch, your nose starts running and you can’t stop sneezing?
First, try to get ahead of the game and start boosting your system before allergy season hits:
● Eat plenty of bioflavonoid- and quercetin-rich foods such as dark berries, citrus (eat the white pithy bits too!), onions, apples, tomatoes, kale, red cabbage, black beans and kidney beans.
● Eat omega 3-rich foods to reduce inflammation. These include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, chia and flax seeds, and walnuts.
● Support your gut microbiome by eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir or miso. You can also take a probiotic.
● Add a teaspoon of local honey to your tea, oatmeal or smoothie. This may help your body to build tolerance to local pollens.
● Begin acupuncture to balance your system. (We have a great team of talented acupuncturists right here at Natural Health Center!)
Supplements to support your system
Here are a few supplements to consider starting under guidance to help you get through allergy season:
Quercetin
This bioflavonoid is found in many foods (see above) and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also helps to reduce histamine, thereby minimizing allergy symptoms. It is usually found in a capsule form.
Nettles
Many of us have encountered this prickly plant on hikes without realizing it is a natural histamine blocker. Nettles can be taken as a tea, tincture or capsules.
Butterbur
This herb is useful not only for migraines but also for seasonal allergies. It has been shown to be as effective as Zyrtec without the side effect of fatigue. Be sure to choose a product free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
More measures to consider
Here are some other measures you can take, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic. Once allergy season begins, try to reduce your exposure to triggers as much as possible:
● Use a neti-pot to rinse your nasal passages once to twice daily. Use 1/4-1/2 tsp. of salt per cup of warm water (use distilled, filtered or boiled water). Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose and helps to tonify those mucus membranes. Bonus: use of a neti-pot can be part of an effective asthma management plan.
● Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
● Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens. Or wear a mask for outside chores.
● Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
● Wipe down pets after they have been playing outside as they will bring pollens inside.
● Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.
● Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
● Keep indoor air clean by using a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter in your bedroom.
● Vacuum regularly, ideally with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
Supporting our bodies through allergy season
As you can see, there are loads of ways we can support our bodies during allergy season. Now go snack on some blueberries and enjoy a sneeze-free spring!
If you are looking for some additional support, get in touch with us at Natural Health Center. We are an integrative medicine clinic where you can access the best care natural medicine has to offer, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, natural family medicine, medical massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, and an apothecary with a wide array of natural products. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.
About Dr. Lenger, Anchorage Naturopath
Dr. Birgit Lenger is a naturopathic physician in general family practice and welcomes patients of all backgrounds. As a naturopath, she enjoys caring for people in all stages of life, from infancy and adolescence through advanced age. She helps patients and families overcome obstacles to health, thrive and achieve lasting wellness. Learn more about Dr. Lenger or schedule your appointment.