Thinking Out Loud

Whelp, it’s spring again in the Central Valley. For many of us, anticipation quickly turns to apprehension when we realize we’re going to be spending the next several months as eye-itching, sniffling, stuffy sinus ridden balls of allergens.

Obviously we’re not the only ones to suffer from seasonal allergies but the Central Valley certainly has a massive population of allergy sufferers (more than many other areas around the country). So how do you treat or even try to prevent the onset of these insufferable symptoms? Many of us will take the go-to over the counter solutions or even get a yearly allergy shot (which I have yet to do but am seriously considering it—once I read up on potential side effects).

Most allergy medications attempt to treat the symptoms your body instigates to get rid of the allergen(s). But doesn’t it make more sense to store up your defenses before your body goes into attack mode?

Here is a list of a few natural remedies that I have started this season. So far I’m suffering BUT not as severely as last season. I’ll keep you posted.

*Any recommendations are HIGHLY welcomed in the comment section.

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  Common sense: Avoid driving with the windows down, try not to run a fan as much as it can pull pollen in and try avoiding as much time outdoors when pollen counts are the highest. When you can draw a sad frown face IN pollen on your front porch…that’s just straight crazy.

  
  


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  Neti pots/Sinus rinse kits: I actually use a sinus rinse kit that I bought from a pharmacy (which is basically the same thing as a Neti pot). A little warm water mixed with a saline solution to rinse out your sinuses and flush out sticky pollen grains that chill out in your sinus passages. *This has been one of the most effective remedies I’ve tried thus far.

  
  


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  Quercertin: This is a supplement that is a bioflavanoid which helps the body’s cells from producing as much histamine. Natural sources can be found in onions, citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes, broccoli, WINE (wink, wink) and a couple other sources. BUT as usual, people who suffer heavily need extra supplementation. *Always consult your doctor BEFORE you start a supplementation.

  
  


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  Stinging Nettle: I have just started trying drinking a stinging nettle tea that I purchased at a local natural foods store. Stinging nettle has been shown to actually help to inhibit your body from producing histamine. Be sure that if you handle raw nettle leaves you wear gloves as they can cause skin inflammation.

  
  


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  What have you all found to help alleviate seasonal symptoms? Whether you suffer from seasonal or on-going allergies…take comfort in knowing you’re NOT alone! I now call springtime in the valley “the big sneeze.”