How to Get Relief from Seasonal Allergies

If you have seasonal allergies, you know the symptoms well. Watery eyes, itchy ears, sinus and nasal congestion and irritation. These symptoms occur because your body is over-reacting to environmental substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander. To find natural relief, you will need to help your immune system tolerate these substances, so it can reserve it's resources for fighting off viruses and bacteria.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Probiotics: Naturopathic doctors believe the health of your immune system depends on the health of your digestive system. The best natural relief of seasonal allergies is to strengthen your digestive system. Your digestive system relies heavily on “good” bacteria. Many American’s consume a diet which feeds “bad” bacteria. To get your digestive system in top performance try probiotics. Probiotics are available at health food stores. They contain the “good” bacteria your body needs. Never purchase a probiotic that isn't refrigerated. Yogurt can also help replace good bacteria if you would prefer a food source. Also, cut back on refined grains and sugars.

2. Nettle: Nettle is a plant native to the US. It grows wild near rivers and contains a naturally occurring antihistamine. If you purchase nettle from a health food store, it is best to buy the freeze-dried nettle. If you are able to find nettle growing wild in your area, you can prepare nettle tea from the leaves. See the resource section below.

3. Ginkgo Biloba: Rich in "ginkogolides," this supplement can naturally limit seasonal allergy symptoms. Ginkgo is also well known for its memory-boosting abilities, an extra benefit!

4. Quercetin: Quercetin is pigment that gives many fresh fruits and vegetables their color. Generally speaking, more colorful produce has more quercetin. Leafy greens, deep red grapes and yellow pineapples are all rich in quercetin. Quercetin inhibits the release of histamine, therefore reducing seasonal allergies. Do not take Quercetin capsules if you are already taking nettle capsules! Nettle capsules contain concentrated quercetin.

5. Raw Honey: A traditional remedy for allergies is raw honey from your local area. The theory behind local honey is that bees produce it using local pollen. Small doses of the pollen, through honey, naturally reduce your body’s allergy symptoms.

6. Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acid is helpful for many ailments. This is because most American’s are deficient in Omega-3. These fatty acids counter inflammatory responses in your body. Salmon and flaxseed are excellent sources of Omega-3. This is also available in a capsule from the health food store.

Tips & Warnings

• Raw honey should not be used for treating allergy symptoms in young children.

Resources

• Use Nettle to Treat Allergies

[mom2manyboyz]

on 2/16/2009 I sure need relief from seasonal allergies. Thanks!

[heatherschulte]

on 2/12/2009 Seasonal allergies sure are a pain. I'll give these a shot.

[kkemp]

on 1/21/2009 Great info!