7 Remedies To Reduce Seasonal Allergies
Sneezing, a runny nose, itching everywhere, watery and red eyes are some of the signs of spring allergies, or allergic rhinitis.
But what if you didn’t have to struggle so much each year?
As an herbalist, I take a different approach to your health.
I’d look at
Your diet, digestion - work on reducing inflammation here. This is where removing inflammatory foods like dairy can help you the most.
Gut health - how are you digesting your food?
Environment - where in your house are you being exposed to toxins that are causing inflammation in your body?
So what can you do about it?
In this post, I’ll share our favorite herbal remedies to reduce the daily use of Claritin, so you can feel relief faster.
The goal?
Reduce inflammation in your body, nasal passageways, and digestion to feel relief.
7 Remedies To Reduce The Allergic Response
#1 Freeze-Dried Stinging Nettles
Better than Claritin!
Stinging nettles are a prickly green herb you'll find outside on the outskirts of your yard in the summertime.
The little hairs that sting you are known as a natural antihistamine, helping to reduce allergies naturally.
Taking nettles as “freeze-dried” can be better than your daily stinging nettle tea, due to the hairs that are stored in the supplement form.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could make stinging nettle soup as well! I like this recipe, but would skip the cream!
“IMPORTANT: When you purchase nettles, it has to be the “freeze-dried” version because this is where the antihistamine is located - with the sting!”
#2 Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid). It is found in many plants and foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, berries, Ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort, American elder, and others.
Quercetin has been shown to reduce inflammation and inhibit histamine release, reducing allergic response. ³
Add quercetin foods or supplements to your diet to reduce inflammation.
#3 Curcumin
Curcumin was reported to have an anti-allergic property with an inhibitory effect on histamine release from the mast cells.
Naturally found in Turmeric.
Consuming Turmeric can reduce inflammation in your body and even reduce joint pain! I like this one.
“By “healing your gut”, you can reduce leaky gut syndrome and reduce your allergy-like symptoms. ”
#4 Digestive Enzyme
Digestive enzymes help break down protease, amylase, and lipase – aiding digestion and breaking down proteins, a common irritant.
In this post by Enzymedica, they explain how digestive enzymes can help reduce the allergic response.
#5 Probiotics
Probiotics can help heal the gut, which can be the source of many inflammatory diseases – including allergies.
Look for ones with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species for healthy immunity.
Pro tip: Try ONE single strain at a time.
#6 Butterbur
Butterbur is known to reduce migraines and seasonal allergies.
When purchasing Butterbur, choose one that is PA-free.
# 7 Grapefruit Seed Extract- Xlear
Nasal rinses have been used for years to clean out the pollen in your nasal passages.
Xlear uses grapefruit seed extract, a natural antibacterial, to treat and prevent infections.
More Tips for Reducing Allergies
Reduce gut inflammation by eliminating foods that cause inflammation.
Cow’s milk causes inflammation in the gut and nasal passages. Once you give up dairy (or take a digestive enzyme with your dairy), you’ll notice fewer allergic symptoms.
Clean your air filters in your home!
By cleaning the air vents and HVAC systems and installing a better air filter, you’ll notice a huge impact on your health.
If you can’t clean the HVAC system, install an air scrubber and/or a high-quality air filter, like Air Doctor, in your bedroom.
Heal your gut with the 4R approach. This reduces leaky gut syndrome and inflammation.
Reduce inflammation with your diet. The top nine foods to reduce inflammation include:
Green leafy vegetables
Organic purple fruits
Fiber
Probiotics
Turmeric
B vitamins: eggs, poultry, and lentils
Chlorella: sea vegetables
Culinary herbs to support detox: garlic and onion
Quercetin: Cherries, strawberries, and broccoli
Conclusion:
By addressing your home environment, removing mold, cleaning the air filters, and then addressing your gut health and inflammation. Seasonal allergies can be a thing of the past.
xo Tara
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