Alternative Allergy-Fighting Rescue Remedies

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Ahhh, it feels good to welcome spring.

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and the weather is juuust right. It feels all good in your world until.... the sneezing, coughing, itchy allergies come busting up your cool vibes. 

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What do you typically do when your allergies flare up? If you're like most people who're tired and fed up with having a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes; you run to the nearest drug store make a beeline to the cold/flu aisle ask the clerk for the strongest, fast-acting allergy relieving meds. You might even buy the drug store brand,  thinking eh... what's the difference. After check out, you pop the pill(s) and wait for it to kick in... slowly but surely your allergies wear off, but uuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhh.... now... you're... feeeeeeeling.... sluggggish. 

Oh no! All you wanted was for your allergies to subside now you can't even operate a vehicle, or be productive for at least a few hours. What to do now?

Well if you want to avoid the above scenario, then let nature be your remedy to sinus and allergy relief.

But, first here's a quick recap about how allergies get all fussy in the first place. When an allergen invades your body, it attacks your immune system, causing it to produce antibodies that attach to cells that produce chemicals like histamine. Once histamine has been triggered, it sets off a full-blown allergic response and your body sends you several signs that the immune system and antibodies have been compromised.

Now back to the natural ways in which you can help curb flare ups and ditch the drowsy feeling, from OTC meds. Here are some useful remedies:

Vitamin C -- try liquid vitamin C as this helps boost the immune system and may provide more immediate relief considering this liquid vitamin is absorbed through the blood much more quickly than a pill (which gets filtered through the digestive tract and usually eliminated as waste). 
I purchase liquid vitamin C from my local health food store, but if you don't have any nearby here's a link to the brand I use and love... KAL's vitamin C is flavored and gives the boost your looking for.

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Stinging Nettle -- 
in Western herbalism this is one of the most talked about herbs that treat allergies. Homegrown right here on American soil. As it turns out, stinging nettle leaves has natural antihistamine properties, helping to reduce allergic responses like sneezing, itching and is safe for children. The best way to get these allergy fighting benefits is to take it in capsule form, freeze dried extract or using the leaves to make a tea infusion.



Steam -- boil a pot of water and add your favorite aromatic essential oil (peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree). Place your head just above the pot if you're dealing with a really serious bout and in need of immediate relief, otherwise allow the aroma to fill the room and breathe in deeply.

Quercetin -- this substance is commonly found in fruits and veggies like onions, tea, apples, tomatoes, citrus fruits and even red wine. It can be taken as a natural supplement, as it works as a natural histamine blocker, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and bioflavonoid (a group of vital vitamins that the body does not produce). With this combination, it's one of the best natural allergy fighters with a long-lasting effect. 

Butterbar -- its one of the most underrated herbs, but those who know about butterbur rave about it. Its allergy fighting compounds are comparable to that of leading drug-store brands minus the loopy feeling side-effect. Works pretty much instantaneously, declogging and opening up respiratory tracts.

Bee Products -- the solution may be right in your kitchen cupboard: local honey or bee pollen. Honestly, either of these would work, but you decide which one is best for you. Local honey and pollen works like a vaccine exposing an individual to small doses of local pollen that would usually trigger an allergic response. By taking small doses of honey or bee pollen daily, you build your body's defenses to similar invaders like local pollen. Side note, bees are becoming endangered species. So, to bee kind to bees, plant a flower every time you purchase a bee product.

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Just some helpful tips, if you reeally wanna stop flare ups, it may be best to stop eating (or drastically cut back the amount) the foods that cause them. Foods like dairy and other mucous producing foods such as: cookies, breads, cake, chips, white potatoes and refined: rice, flour, pasta. Eat more fresh produce, and you may notice improvements within a few days. 

Pay close attention to your body and make adjustments as you feel you need them. For best results, consult a qualified health professional.