Achoo!! Dealing with Spring Allergies

There are over 35 million people in the US who deal with spring time allergies. I happen to be one of them.  When I first started having symptoms I went to my doctor and she prescribed a trio of prescriptions. I don't like being on medication, if I can help it.  In the past I was under the impression i had to take all of these medications to stay healthy. Over the years, I've learned a few tricks & tips to help keep my allergies at bay so that  I don't have to take so many prescriptions. I'm at the point now that I am down to 1 kind of antihistamine drug, which I only have to take on really high pollen count days. To me, that is a huge improvement over my previous allergy regimen. These ideas may help reduce your symptoms, but they will not eliminate them completely.  Any remedies or alterations to the medications you use should be discussed with your doctor. Most doctors will be happy to help you figure out a natural way to deal with allergies. 

It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid spring allergies if you live in an area where plants grow. However, you can ease sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes by avoiding your main allergy triggers. Here are a few tips.

• Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is very high (pollen counts usually peak in the mornings between 5am- 10am). 
• if you're a runner or walker change your exercise time to avoid peak pollen times. Think about maybe giving swimming a try as another form of exercise.
  
• Keep your doors and windows closed whenever possible during the spring months to keep allergens out. An air purifier may also help. I hate to have the windows closed in the spring, but this tip is key for severe allergy sufferers.
  
• Clean the air filters in your home often. Also, clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can collect. 
• During high pollen season in the spring, spend time at low pollen areas such as the beach or ocean. 
  
• Wash your hair, clothes & glasses after going outside, because pollen can collect there.
• Do not hang your clothes or sheets to dry outdoors because pollen can easily deposit and accumulate. Wash sheets in a temperature greater than 130 degrees to reduce dust mites, which are insects invisible to the naked eye but the most common cause of allergy symptoms.
  
• Vacuum twice a week.

Some allergy sufferers turn to natural therapies for relief, although the research is mixed on their effectiveness:

• Use a netipot! I cannot stress what a positive impact this makes. when my allergies are really bad I use this once in the morning and once before going to bed.  Nasal irrigation with a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda helps clear out mucus and open sinus passages.  Want to know more about netipots? Check out my past blog from 1/10/10 entitled

  A Preventative Approach to Battling Winter Runny Noses. If you're on the verge of a sinus infection this can make the difference and help you avoid having one. My doctor was actually the person who recommended this great little remedy.
  

• ButterburExtract. The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus), which comes from a European shrub, shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. Its primarily used to treat migraine headaches & help asthma sufferers. Its usually taken in 50-75mg doses twice daily. Make sure to get this from a reputable pharmacy and do not try to grow this one yourself. Too much in your system (especially if its not processed correctly), can be toxic too your liver.  In one Swiss study, butterbur was just as effective as the antihistamine Allegra for reducing allergy symptoms.
• Quercetin. This flavonoid, which is found naturally in onions, apples, and black tea, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown in research to block histamines. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this supplement if you're taking any antibiotics as it may alter their effectiveness.
• Stinging nettle. The roots and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) have been used to treat everything from joint pain to prostate problems. There are several ways to take this. You can use 20 drops of the extract in some warm water. It can can be taken in capsule form, or the most common way is to drink it in a tea. How to make a stining nettel tea/ infusion

 Boil water in a tea kettle or in a non-alluminum pan. Stainless steel is best. Add the dried stinging nettle to the glass mason jar. When water starts boiling, pour over the dried stinging nettle to the top. Secure the lid tightly. Keep the mason jar on the countertop and let the stinging nettle steep fore 4 to 8 hours. I usually do it overnight. When the nettle is ready, it will be a dark green color. Strain the infusion well before use--you don't want to consume the leaves. There are several ways you can serve the stinging nettle infusion. You can pour it over ice and drink it cold, add it to fruit juice, or reheat it and sweeten with honey or drink unsweetened. There are no restrictions. My favorite ways are to pour it over ice or heat it up. I don't need to sweeten it because it is mild tasting.

Just because a spring allergy treatment says “natural” doesn’t mean that it is safe. Some herbal remedies can cause side effects or can react with medications you’re taking. Talk to your doctor before you start taking any herb or supplement.