Seasonal allergies are simply the worst. Dust, mold, and pollen are the most common culprits, each ramping up at different times of the year. I’m one of the cursed ones who suffers from seasonal allergies—especially during the spring and fall.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve started noticing a watery eye (yes, just one), runny nose, and random sneeze attacks. No bueno. However, I will say that once I moved from Illinois to Southern California, my allergies became significantly better so I don’t live off allergy meds like I used to.
In case you’re curious why you’re over there dying while someone else is breathing in the sweet smell of pollen-covered flowers with no side effects: Allergies occur when your immune system is hypersensitive to a certain substance in the environment. This causes an abnormal reaction from your confused body.
Everyone reacts differently to allergens, so it’s every man for himself when it comes to figuring out an effective treatment. When my seasonal allergies are bad, I do reach for the Claritin, but I’m all about avoiding extra medication if I can, which leads me to the list I’ve put together today.
Chances are you’ve heard of one or more of these tips for treating allergies naturally. Whether they’re proven or not, people swear by them. I’m in the mindset of, well…it can’t hurt so why not try it? Take a look through the list below for some ideas of how to keep your allergy symptoms from ruining your life.
1. Eat local honey. By consuming about 1 tablespoon of raw, local honey (made from nearby flowers) daily, it’s said that you can build up an immunity to pollen, helping reduce the harshness of allergy season. Pro tip: make Trail Mix Granola Bars for an easy way to work honey into snack time.
2. Eat broccoli, onions, and citrus. These foods (along with other cruciferous veggies and green tea) contain quercetin, a flavanoid antioxidant found in plant foods that has shown to control histamine release and minimize allergy symptoms. (My Asian Peanut Noodles recipe has broccoli as well as an herb mentioned in #3 below if you need some inspiration!)
3. Drink herbal tea. Certain herbs like stinging nettle, rooibois, ginger, and peppermint can help treat (and even prevent, in some cases) symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.
4. Change your clothes when you get home. Everywhere you go, you pick up traces of allergens in your surroundings. To prevent this from spreading in your home, change your clothes and take off your shoes when you get home.
5. Don’t open your windows. I’m not about to do this because I’m all about that fresh breeze, but if you really need some allergy relief, prevent the direct transfer of outdoor allergens into your home by avoiding the air flow through open windows.
6. Use a nasal rinse system like Neti Pot. Rinsing your nasal passages can reduce allergy symptoms as it clears the sinuses of congestion.
7. Drink more water and hot beverages. Being well-hydrated and drinking hot liquids (like broth and tea) help thin mucus so you’re less stuffed up. (Make sure to visit my How to Drink a Gallon of Water Every Day post if you need some help staying hydrated!)
8. Use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters in your vaccuum, air conditioner, and heating. By doing so, you’re helping reduce the allergens that circulate your home. You may also want to use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
9. Wear sunglasses. In addition to protecting your eyes from the harsh UV rays, sunglasses can help shield your eyes from pollen and other allergens floating around in the air. Bonus points if you wear a big floppy hat as well.
10. Take advantage of the outdoors after it rains. Rain helps wash away pollen for a few hours, so the air is particularly clear. However, once the environment dries again, mold and pollen start to thrive.
You can actually check pollen and mold counts in your region by visiting the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology at aaaai.org.
I’m going to leave you with this GIF that never ceases to make me laugh and feel uncomfortable:
Oh, Neti Pot users…I don’t know how you do it.
Are there any allergy remedies you swear by?
