Seven Ways to Beat Allergies Naturally
Aaa-choo! ‘Tis the season for Kleenex, eye drops and decongestants. Allergy season is upon us. Its symphony can be heard in the refrains of sniffles, sneezes and nose blowing. If you suffer from the wide array of seasonal allergy symptoms such as fatigue; sinus congestion; itchy eyes, nose or throat; or watery eyes, don’t let a high pollen count get you down this summer. Here are seven natural ways to beat allergies from my latest book, “Allergy-Proof.”
Drink More Water
Drink at least eight to 10 cups of pure water daily to support the natural cleansing systems in your body. Research even shows that staying well hydrated helps 38 percent of women relieve allergy symptoms. (For references, see my book “Allergy-Proof.”) And, I’m sure the same is true for men. So, drink up.
Drink Green Tea
Green tea is packed with a powerful antioxidant phytonutrient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that blocks histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Both of these naturally produced chemicals are linked with uncomfortable allergy-symptoms. Because EGCG blocks their production, allergy symptoms are reduced. Don’t like the taste of green tea, add matcha powder to your dairy-free fruit smoothies. (Dairy products are mucus-forming and can aggravate allergies.) Matcha is simply powdered green tea. Drink two to three cups of green tea daily for the best results.
Take Quercetin to Quell Allergy Symptoms
Quercetin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine phytonutrient. Quercetin has an excellent ability to reduce allergy symptoms and to improve lung function. Apples and onions are excellent sources of quercetin. Some studies show that people who eat a lot of apples have improved lung function and reduced risk of lung conditions. Other good sources include: berries, cabbage, cauliflower, nuts, and black, green or white tea.
Choose Nettles for Allergies
Native Americans used stinging nettle for thousands of years to treat many health conditions, including allergies. Now, science has proven what these wise people knew from experience: that nettles are an effective allergy treatment. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which cause heart problems or drowsiness, stinging nettle does neither. Nettles are conveniently available in the dried form for making tea, liquid tinctures to take as drops, or in capsule form.
Pick Pineapple Enzyme for Allergy Relief
Extracted from pineapple, when taken on an empty stomach, the enzyme bromelain treats sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory disorders; acts as an anti-inflammatory; and reduces lung swelling. I usually suggest one or two capsules containing 5000 mcu each on an empty stomach, three times daily.
Select Homeopathic Allium Cepa
If you have allergy symptoms that are worse indoors, at night or in warm rooms, along with red and burning eyes, and a clear, burning nasal discharge, the homeopathic remedy Allium Cepa may be best for you. Start with a 6X or 30X remedy if you can find it. Let three pellets dissolve under the tongue every 15 minutes for the first hour or two. Then take three pellets, three times daily.
Flush Your Nasal Passages
Using a neti pot, which is a small ceramic dish shaped a bit like a gravy boat, you can flush your sinuses with a salt-water solution. Most health food stores sell neti pots and saline packets ready to mix with water. You can either follow the package directions or you can purchase sea salt and mix it with pure warm water. Start with one-quarter teaspoon of sea salt to one cup of water. Simply lean over a sink and tilt your head to the side to pour the water into one nostril and allow it to run out the other nostril. It may take some practice, but it is an excellent way to cleanse and eliminate mucous and microbes. Over time, you can increase to one-half a teaspoon of sea salt per cup of water and cool down the temperature of water you use.
Adapted with permission from “Allergy-Proof: Over 60 All-Natural, Drug-Free Ways to Beat Allergies” from Michelle Schoffro Cook, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Photo credit: Carolina Biological Supply Company
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10 Comments
I SWEAR by my neti pot during allergy season!! It took me a little while to get over the “weirdness” of it, but now that I am, I do it every day of Spring.
After I switched from my meat, dairy and processed food centered diet to a whole food vegan diet I don’t seem to suffer from allergy symptoms any more and I no longer need to take asthma medication.
Has anyone else had similar success with their crazy sexy diet?
Mark, I agree! I haven’t had a cold in a long time after taking out meat and dairy. I hope I didn’t just jinx myself!! I am breathing great, no sneezes and no watery eyes! I do use a neti pot to combat the dryness I’ll get at night (probably from or air condition). I hope everyone finds relief from their allergies. Great tips!!
Mark, I agree! I haven’t had a cold in a long time after taking out meat and dairy. I hope I didn’t just jinx myself!! I am breathing great, no sneezes and no watery eyes! I do use a neti pot to combat the dryness I’ll get at night (probably from our air condition). I hope everyone finds relief from their allergies. Great tips!!
Odd question, but do you have any tips for dogs? My dog has severe seasonal
Allergies. We have tried shots, Chinese herbs, acupuncture, nettle
Capsules. Nothing has helped. Any thoughts? Thanx
I am so happy to read this. My allergies have been especially bad the last few days. I have sinuses that the Neuro surgeon said were more disturbing than an aneurysm I have. I am wondering if a neti pot might irritate messy sinuses? It sometimes seems to make them worse.
Yes! I had this horrible hacking mucus cough that must have gone on for three years. I thought it had to with dust in our old house during our renovation. My asthma was so bad, that I was having a hard time making it up the stairs. I kept saying, “boy I really have to get to the doctor about this cough.” and even my neighbor kept asking if I was sick, and everywhere I went people asked me if I had a cold…all the time. I cut dairy out and I kid you not that one month later I was like a different person. It took me a couple weeks to realize and then I asked my boyfriend “Have I been coughing lately?” and he’s like “No, actually I haven’t heard you cough in a while now.” It was incredible. I could breathe. All the mucus broke up in my lungs and my asthma is pretty much gone. I still have seasonal allergies. I still cough around pet dander, etc. but I’m not anywhere nearly as bad as I was. I haven’t tried a neti pot yet. I do get this nasal sinus nausea type headache with these high pollen levels. I really should try that. Green tea was wonderful when I could drink that. I can’t anymore because of my interstitial cystitis. Unfortunately, it makes me a lot worse. I’m wondering if white tea might be less acidic. I’d like to give a try, but worry it will make me flare up.
Change your dogs food. Origen is a very high quality food. You will have to ease you dog into it as it’s much richer than conventional pet foods. It is more expensive but your dog will not need to eat as much, will poop less, smell better and behave better. If you dog gets runny poop on it, decrease the amount you’re feeding him and feed him in two meals. I would recommend staying away from he vet recommended hills science diet and purina vet diets. They are crap, and prob do no better for you dog than cheap grocery store brands.
I buy Origen for my cat, and it costs about $60 and lasts 6+ months, so really is less than $10 a month. If it’s still too expensive or rich, try acana. It may take a couple weeks, but it should help. Also look into doing a homemade diet. A thorough cleaning of tour house with non-harsh cleaners (vinegar and baking soda works well) can also help. Flea collars and vacinations are also knownto have advesrse effects. Cleaning the dogs beddin in a hypoallergic cleaner might help. And a dermatologist maybe able to determine if it’s cause by mange at all. Hope that helps!
Another natural way is by using NMT. That cured my allergies. It has been such a pleasure to not suffer anymore. I don’t receive any financial compensation, just a satisfied customer.
http://chimac.net/2009/11/15/sick-in-chicago-have-you-tried-nmt/
Great tips! I didn’t know about most of them, so I’m looking forward to give them a try. My allergies are pretty bad these days, so thanks! ;)
June 22, 2011