It is May, and with all the beautiful flowers starting to make an appearance, for most it is a sign that allergy season (seasonal allergies/allergic rhinitis) is upon us. An occasional inconvenience for some but for others it can be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Some of the familiar symptoms of course are: Sneezing, red itchy swollen eyes, swollen nasal passages, runny nose, irritated throat and fatigue.
The cause of allergic rhinitis is the overreaction of our immune system. The immune system is designed to destroy bacteria, viruses and other substances that enters our body, to avoid illness.
However, for some individuals the immune system can’t tell the difference between harmful and benign material and then triggers the natural occurring hormone called histamine, wherever the irritant entered the body for example the nose, throat or eyes.
There are of course many prescription or over the counter medication that brings relief quickly but there may also be the side effects like insomnia, sleepiness or dizziness.
For those who would prefer a more natural approach, there are quite a few options available. Natural remedies do take a bit longer to bring relief but the side effects are few, if there are any at all.
Here are a few examples:
- Quercetin: This is a flavonoid that inhibits the release of histamine instead of just blocking it like over the counter medications. When combined with Nettle (herbaceous perennial flowering plant) it may help combat itching, sneezing and swollen nasal passages.
- Vitamin C which is the main antioxidant of the respiratory cells may also have an anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects and it helps to support the immune system since allergies tend to weaken our immune system.
Essential oils can also be helpful to alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis:
- Lemon essential oil helps reduce congestion, boosts alertness and energy. Lavender is calming and helps reduce inflammation. Peppermint and eucalyptus helps with congestion.
- Ginger and peppermint tea is also a great option to help relief congestion.
Also try to incorporate a lot of low histamine foods like oats, rice, potatoes, fresh meat and fish, fresh vegetables like beets, squash, asparagus and fruits such as blueberries, mango, peaches and apples, in your daily diet.
Always consult with your primary health care provider before taking any herbal supplements.
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