Are you in Allergy Hell?
My husband is never sick. I mean never. But as soon as spring rears its ugly (yet lovely) head, the sneezing, runny nose, and foggy brain kicks in. Like clock work, his eyes become bloodshot and watery and the Claritin flows like milk and honey. Somehow though, his symptoms never seem to fully dissipate.
Knoxville is the capital for Spring Allergies in the nation. So I was more than a little worried when we decided to move to Knoxville a few years ago.
The remedies for seasonal allergies do not have to be extreme. Most traditional remedies are as easy or easier than taking a pill and have NO side effects.
Here are my Top 5 Natural Remedies!
#1) Raw Local Honey and Bee Pollen
My number one remedy for combating seasonal allergies is Raw Local Honey and it’s sister Bee Pollen. Blood sugar aside, if you consume 2 TBLS of local honey at each meal you will see relief of symptoms rather quickly, and more quickly if you chew on the comb.
Did you know that Bee Pollen is a super food? It’s so rich in nutrients you could literally live on it for days and days if you needed to. It is really important that you buy local Bee Pollen because it contains all the pollen from the surrounding plants and flowers. That is the key!
Sprinkle some on your cereal or toast in the morning, or add some to a smoothie for dinner. It’s very sweet and tasty. Make sure you work your way up to using large quantities though. And, as always make sure you follow the proper guidelines about feeding it to babies and children. Make sure you check with your do if you have allergies and are curious about how these remedies might work for you!
#2) Neti Pot
I’ve heard some rumors going around that Neti Pots are deadly. Never fear! This remedy is tried and true. Used for eons and engineered in India, the Neti Pot is one of the most useful personal care tools around. Irrigating the nasal cavities with sterilized salt water, allows the otherwise totally unreachable canals, to be flushed and cleansed.
Here is what you need to be aware of when using the Neti:
- Use fluoride free, sterilized water not from tap.
- Boil the water for at least 10 minutes and allow to cool.
- Use the highest quality water and salt possible.
Doing this once a day or just once a week helps to wash away any irritants or stored mucus and gives almost immediate relief. Plus, once you’ve purchased the Neti Pot, it is my top pick for the most inexpensive home remedy.
#3) Eat Greens and Eat Seasonally
Allowing your body to cleanse is extremely important while suffering from seasonal allergies. Nature provides all the best foods for reducing mucus and cleansing the lymphatic system. Pick local, fresh produce like berries, root veggies, bean sprouts, and others that are in their prime time. Really focus on eating these kinds of foods and you will see a noticeable difference!
#4) Drink Water – Lots of Water
Another highly effective, yet extremely simple way to cleanse is to filter your drinking and cooking water. Even though its a really controversial topic, I prefer to filter the fluoride and chlorine out of my water. I bought this one recently and I love it. My husband and I can really taste the difference. I’ve even noticed that I have more energy and better clarity of mind.
Try to drink a minimum of half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 160 then try to drink 80 ounces of water a day. You dig?
#5) Clean Your Sheets and Pillow Cases
We spend (or should spend) 8 hours a night with our schnozes buried in a pillow. Chances are trying to get a good night’s sleep with allergies is no pic-nick. Take the extra time and care to clean your pillowcase and pillow regularly. You will notice a world of difference. Use an all natural detergent without any harsh perfumes or chemicals. If your pillow is really old then give yourself a treat and upgrade a new hypo-allergenic one.
BONUS TIP
Brought to you from local weather man Mike Witcher: Make sure to shower before bed time to cleanse away all the build up of the day that way you don’t take all the nasties to bed with you!
XO
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