There are natural ways you can find relief this allergy season. Read more to find more about managing your symptoms naturally!
Dietary Changes
The foods you eat during allergy season can have an impact on your allergic response. Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may need to avoid them only during certain seasons or all together.
Foods to Avoid
Dairy, while helpful for some, can cause increased mucus and swelling in the body. If you suspect you are bothered by dairy, you can try eliminating all dairy for 2 weeks from your diet to check for relief from the symptoms. Otherwise you may want to cut down on dairy consumption while experiencing allergy symptoms. Fresh fruits and vegetables can also trigger something called Oral Allergy Syndrome. This syndrome is the result of cross-reaction from certain types of pollen. For example, if you are allergic to ragweed, cantaloupe may trigger numbness and swelling in the mouth. You can find a handy chart here to help you track which foods to avoid.
Foods that Help
Berries and onions contain a compound called quercetin. This compound can help to lower the histamine response and has anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple contains a compound called bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme that is responsible for providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Fish and certain types of seeds are high in Omega 3 oils. These oils are also anti-inflammatory and protect the delicate nasal passages. Local, raw honey contains pollen and propolis which can help to build immunity in the body to local allergen sources. You can also find quercetin, bromelain and Omega 3 oil supplements at your local health food store.
Herbs
Nettles has been used for centuries to combat the symptoms of seasonal allergies. This herb can help to reduce allergy responses such as sneezing and itchiness. Eyebright is an herb that can be used to help relieve itchy eyes. These herbs can be used in tincture, tea or compress forms.
Physical Changes
As simple as they sound, actions like vacuuming and dusting with more regularity, not wearing shoes in the house and washing your face/showering before bed can help keep the pollen out of your living spaces and greatly increase the air quality inside your home. You may also want to try daily saline rinses to clear nasal passages of debris and/or mucus.
Yoga
You can use yoga to help find relief for your allergy symptoms. Inversions such as standing forward bends, bridge pose and downward-facing dog are simple poses to help drain the nasal passages. You want to avoid staying in these poses longer than a few minutes as to not cause swelling from pressure. Fish pose can help open the chest area for increased lung capacity and balance hormones. Nadi shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, can help clear blocked nasal passages.
Living Well 