Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies: Your Guide to a Sneeze-Free Spring!
Warmer weather at last! This time of year is truly magical, with new life appearing everywhere—baby animals, flowers blossoming, and trees looking lush! However, for many, it also signals the start of seasonal allergies. Grass pollen, tree pollen, and flower pollen circulate through the notoriously breezy days of November and December, causing havoc for allergy sufferers.
If you’re looking for natural alternatives to combat itchy, watery eyes and endless sneezing this allergy season, read on!
Prime Your Immune System
Prepping your immune system before allergy season starts is ideal, but even if symptoms have begun, it’s not too late! This involves making dietary changes and possibly including some herbal medicine, and key supplements to support the immune system to respond appropriately without becoming overactive or underactive to circulating pollen.
Nutrition Tips For Allergy Relief
🍎 Boost Quercetin-Rich Foods Including: Apples, onions, berries, brocolli, brussel sprouts, citrus fruits and cherries. Quercetin has anti-allergic properties and keeps mast cells and basophils from releasing histamine (1).
🍍 Enjoy Pineapple and Grapefruit - Studies indicate that the enzyme bromelain derived from pineapple and grapefruits can help decrease nasal inflammation, relieve congestion, and improve breathing (2).
🍯 Add Anti-Inflammatory Foods Including: Ginger, onion, vinegar and raw honey! These goods help to reduce sinus swelling and congestion and allow for better mucus drainage.
🥛 Experiment with Dairy Alternatives - If you find cows’ dairy may aggravate mucus production, trial sheep, goat or buffaloes dairy as well as milk replacements such as unsweetened almond milk, non-GMO soy or organic oat milk.
🍌 Consider Avoiding Certain Foods - Some individual’s find it helpful to avoid foods such as dairy, baked goods and bananas as it can increase mucus production.
Herbal Medicine for Respiratory Support
Here are a few favourites of Caitlyn’s, our Qualified Naturopath:
🌿 Thyme & Sage: Excellent respiratory aids, soothing irritated mucous membranes in the nose, throat, and chest.
🌼 Elderflower & Linden Blossom: Support a healthy immune response to environmental triggers.
Book a consultation with Caitlyn here, for a personalised approach to Herbal Medicine and your health.
Key Supplements For Less Sneezing
Proper dosage of supplements for allergies is crucial, so consulting our qualified Naturopath for guidance is recommended:
Quercetin - Potent antioxidant and keeps mast cells and basophils from releasing histamine.
Vitamin C - Prevents secretion of histamine by white blood cells.
Reishi Mushroom - Regulates the immune system + contains 119 different types of triterpenoid compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine activity! (3)
Probiotics - Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. longum are specific strains of probiotics have been shown to positively influence nose and eye seasonal allergies (4).
Natural Nasal Sprays - Proven to be effective alternatives to pharmaceutical nasal decongestants. Look for homeopathic or herbal sprays specifically designed to soothe and clear the airways at your local health store.
Need More Support?
For tailored advice or an acute hay fever consultation, book a session with our Naturopath today! Let’s make this allergy season a little easier together. Click here.