Mesquite Tree Allergies

Mesquite trees are found throughout the southwestern United States.

Pollen allergies can be caused by trees, grass or weeds. Tiny powdery grains released from flowering plants are carried by the wind when these plants are pollinating. Pollen allows plants to reproduce, but when it is in the air, it can cause irritation of eyes, throat, nose, larynx, trachea and bronchial airways. In the spring, pollinating mesquite trees may cause mild to severe allergic reactions.

Pollen from Mesquite Trees

Mesquites are nitrogen-fixing trees, enhancing soil fertility.

This particular type of tree is the most common small tree in the desert area of the Southwest, from western Texas, to southwestern Utah, southeastern California, Arizona and Mexico. Pollen can travel long distances through the air and levels can be more or less severe throughout the day in the same city or area. Allergic symptoms include hay fever, eye allergies and asthma. Levels of pollen may be highest in early to mid-morning.

Many Uses for Mesquite Trees

Mesquite trees grow below 5,500 feet on the plains and along desert streams and provide many uses. Mesquite pods are among the earliest known foods of prehistoric man. Native Americans used the bark to make baskets, fabrics and medicine. The wood can be used for fence posts and tool handles or charcoal scenting for cooking. Mesquite trees are also good firewood and are commonly known as nitrogen-fixing trees, enhancing soil fertility.

New Growth May Trigger Allergic Reactions

Mesquites make excellent summer shade trees, losing their leaves and becoming dormant in winter months. Because of the shade provided in summer months, hybrid mesquite trees are commonly used in landscaping in residential neighborhoods. While mesquite trees provide many uses to society, it is one of the top pollen-producing trees in the western United States. Seasonal allergies may be triggered when these trees are experiencing new growth between February and June each year.

Variety of Allergy Relief

Allergy sufferers may require medications typically used for mold and other allergies, such as antihistamines and bronchia dilators. Other symptom relievers include injections, through which the patient is given gradually increasing dosages of the allergens until they develop a tolerance to that allergen. A newer method of treatment, called energy-based allergy elimination, is purported to permanently eliminate allergies to pollen and other allergens that cause hay fever symptoms.

Vitimins and Herbs May Minimize Allergy Symptoms

Natural allergy treatment methods are becoming popular because they strengthen the immune system, minimize allergy symptoms and provide relief for the annoying symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing, runny nose and eye irritation. Some nutrients work as natural antihistamines and decongestants to keep breathing passages clear. Still other herbs and dietary supplements relieve the inflammation often caused by allergies. Vitamin C is often recommended as a natural allergy remedy and a highly effective antioxidant.

References

• Desert USA: The Mesquite, Something that Belongs
• About Pollen Allergy

Resources

• Desert USA: Mesquite Prosopis pubescens