How To Deal With Spring Allergies Naturally
When I first moved to Asheville, I immediately learned of the Asheville allergy curse.
“Do you have allergies?” I was asked. I always answered, “nope, that’s one of the lucky things I don’t deal with at this point in my life.”
“Well, give it three years,” I heard in response from nearly everyone. “After the three-year mark, they’ll hit you.”
Here I am, 12 years later, and I still (knock on all the biggest wood possible) don’t deal with seasonal allergies.
What I don’t mention to most people is that it was supposedly allergies that kicked off my whole health crisis at age 22. My throat was constantly scratchy and covered in phlegm.
After hearing “just take Claritin” from a doctor, I decided I was going to figure out the deeper root cause.
This was actually my initial dip into holistic health. Yep, that was the what kicked it all off!
What I learned is that allergies aren’t just allergies. They are a cup that has overflowed with toxins. And what we need to do is bring down the toxic load so that the immune system doesn’t “over-respond.”
A few things to consider:
- Food allergies often underlie environmental allergies.
- Leaky gut is part of the issue.
- The liver has to detoxify everything that comes into your body, including what you put on your skin. The more it is overflowing with the “big stuff” – harmful chemicals, alcohol, drugs (over-the-counter, prescription, and street), cigarettes, sugar, and even caffeine, the harder it is going to be for it to keep up with allergens it also needs to process. I often see functionally elevated liver enzymes in clients with spring allergies.
- Speaking of sugar, blood sugar regulation can be hugely helpful with allergies.
- Consider candida (this was the root of my allergies at age 22), bacteria, and other pathogens are possible causes of allergies.
- Climate change also seems to be impacting allergies.
Working With Allergies
There are multiple ways to deal with spring allergies naturally. Here are some of them:
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and meat can help support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and seal up leaky gut.
- Drinking plenty of non-caffeinated fluids: Staying hydrated can help thin mucus secretions and reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms.
- Taking ceratin supplements: Certain natural supplements like butterbur, quercetin, and stinging nettle may help reduce allergy symptoms. See more below.
- Using saline nasal sprays: Saline nasal sprays can help flush out allergens and reduce inflammation in your nasal passages.
- Avoiding allergens: Try to avoid being outside during the peak pollen hours, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid using fans that can blow pollen into your home. Also, consider wearing a mask when going outside.
- Practicing good hygiene: Washing your hands frequently, showering after spending time outdoors, and washing your clothes and bedding frequently can help reduce your exposure to allergens.
Herbs That Can Help
- Butterbur: Butterbur is an herb that has been studied for its potential to reduce allergy symptoms. It may work by inhibiting the production of histamine and leukotrienes, which are inflammatory compounds that can cause allergy symptoms. One study showed effects of butterbur are similar to those of Zyrtec in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Stinging nettle: Stinging nettle has been used for centuries to treat allergies and may work by reducing inflammation in the body. It is available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and supplements.
- Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been studied for its potential to reduce allergy symptoms. It may work by stabilizing mast cells, which are immune cells that release histamine in response to allergens.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce allergy symptoms. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Elderberry: Elderberry is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to support the immune system. It may help reduce allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation in the body.
See below for comprehensive formulas that include some of these herbs.
Essential Oils To The Rescue
Each of the following essential oils can help relieve allergy symptoms when used in a diffuser or applied topically (after diluting):
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Basil
- Lemon Oil
- Tea Tree
Combinations of the oils can create synergistic effects. Please note: be careful utilizing essential oils around pets.
Homeopathic Remedies:
- Allium cepa: Made from red onion, this remedy is used to relieve symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
- Sabadilla: Made from the seeds of a Mexican lily, this remedy is used for symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
- Euphrasia: Made from the eyebright plant, this remedy is used for symptoms like watery eyes, itching, and sensitivity to light.
- Natrum muriaticum: Made from salt, this remedy is used for symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
- Arsenicum album: Made from arsenic, this remedy is used for symptoms like burning eyes and nose, and a dry cough.
Some Of My – And My Colleagues – Favorite Supplemental Formulas
Each of these formulas can be found in my Fullscript store. Sign-up and get 10% off:
- Quercetin + Nettles from Designs for Health
- Quercetin Phytosome by Thorne (lower histamine option compared to other quercetins)
- Colloidal Silver Nose Spray from Trace Minerals Research
- HistaEze by Designs for Health – synergistic formula
- Histamine Block Plus by Seeking Health – comprehensive formula for extreme histamine reactions
- Histaminum Hydrochloricum Homeopathic formula
- Allergy Eye Relief from Similasan USA
This can also be a good time of the year to utilize a comprehensive liver cleanse. My favorite is Standard Process’ Purification Program. You can learn more here, and if you’d like to order, email me.
I also like PaleoCleanse Plus™ 14 Day Detox Program from Designs for Health, which can be found on Fullscript.
Physical Detox Support
Finally, supporting your drainage pathways is going to help when you are dealing with allergies. Here are my favorites:
- Castor Oil Packs
- Infrared Sauna Blanket (Get 15% off at checkout with code “WHOLE15”)
- Epsom Salt Baths
- Coffee Enemas
Utilizing both targeted and comprehensive approaches are what is going to help heal your allergies on a deeper level, one that means they won’t come back – or are at least greatly reduced – next year.