Spring brings the promise of blooming flowers and warmer weather, but for many individuals, it also signals the onset of seasonal allergies. Commonly known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, these allergies are triggered by airborne pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. The symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, fever, and itchy eyes. These seasonal reactions can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Let’s explore various preventive and alleviation strategies one can use to better navigate this spring season.
Consider starting early with some of these preventative measures to help reduce the severity one may experience during pollen season. For starters, stay informed about daily pollen counts in your area. Use various websites, apps, and local weather reports to provide real-time pollen information. This will help you plan your outdoor activities on days with lower pollen levels. Obviously, limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times and be aware that pollen concentrations are typically higher in the early morning
and late afternoon. Plan outdoor activities for midday when pollen levels are lower, reducing your exposure to allergens. Strive to create a pollen-free zone by keeping windows closed during peak pollen seasons and use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor pollen levels. With that being said, regularly cleaning and replacing air filters in your home’s heating and cooling systems during
pollen season is as well, a good idea.
Next, 1. Consider chiropractic care for naturally boosting your defenses and tolerance during this spring season because there’s no substitute for a strong immune system.
2. Nasal irrigation with saline solution, a “neti pot”, is useful if extreme exposure to pollen has occurred. Strive to make this a regular practice if congested. This helps remove irritants and allergens, reducing congestion and alleviating nasal symptoms. Other things to consider are foods that contain natural remedies that some people find relief through. Natural remedies like: Quercetin is a flavonoid found in certain fruits, vegetables, and grains. It’s known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that it may help stabilize mast cells, which release histamine,a key player in allergic reactions. Butterburis an extract from the butterbur plant which have been studied for their potential to reduce allergy symptoms. Butterbur may work as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant, which may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation associated with allergies. It’s found in fruits and vegetables. Local Honey (my favorite) may help as well. Some have found that consuming local honey, which contains small amounts of local pollen, may help the body adapt to the allergens in the environment. (The effectiveness of these remedies may vary). Also, consider adding an aggressive probiotic regimen because, there is emerging research suggesting that probiotics may play a role in modulating the immune system and reducing allergic reactions.
Along with the previous recommendations, we suggest implementing powerful herbal supplements that incorporate plant-based ingredients with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. As example, MediHerb, which is associated with Standard Process, is a company known for producing high-quality herbal extractsand formulations to provide natural support. Specifically, AllergCo through MediHerb helps with seasonal allergies like pollen and provides respiratory support as well. This product is a well-balanced combination of quality herbal extracts such as Albizia (Albizia lebbeck) bark; the root of Chinese or ‘Baical’ Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis); and Black Cumin seed (Nigella sativa).
Albizia has long been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to maintain healthy airway passages to support normal breathing as well as normal healthy skin function. In traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese or ‘Baical’ Skullcap is used to support the body’s organs of elimination, helping relieve seasonal stress- es affecting the skin, eyes, throat, ears and nose. Black Cumin seed has been included in this formulation for its antioxidant activity,to help reduce damage to body cells from common environmental free radicals. Therefore, AllergCo is formulated to help the body respond more normally to seasonal stresses where healthy breathing passages and respiratory function are needed along with immune and skin functions. People who are dealing with single or multiple seasonal stresses may enjoy the support from taking AllergCo.
Also, through Standard Process, is Allerplex with vitamin A. This product helps supports the body’s ability to handle environmental challenges, supports healthy lung and respiratory functions, as well as with vitamin A, plays a role in supporting liver function. Additionally, Allerplex is a combination product with other supportive ingredients for seasonal allergies. I recommend looking up both Allerplex and AllergCo on the standard process website for more information.
And on that note, let’s be clear before starting randomly on any supplementation, do your research of the product and speak with a health care professional that has knowledge about nutritional support to ensure that the product is suitable for your specific health needs and does not interact with any existing medications or conditions. Lastly, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional. Contact us for help. We are here for you. Resources: mercola.com, standardprocess.com, mediherb.com, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, types of pollen-allergy. - Dr. Irma Leon Palmer