For many people spring isn't a celebrated time of rebirth, it's a time of agony. Springtime allergies, whether from pollen or an increased mold count, bring with them an onslaught of sneezes, itchy eyes and runny noses. But you don't have to head straight to the medicine cabinet for relief. Below, Christine Blair, a master herbalist and certified natural practitioner who owns Nature's Healing Touch, offers some more natural remedies — advice that incorporates into a larger, synergetic approach to wellness.
Tei fu
Use this combination essential oil to open up the airways. It can be added to boiling water as part of a breathing treatment, or a lotion form can be rubbed on the chest.
Bee Pollen and Honey
Just as allergy shots build up antibodies, so do bee pollen and honey. These items are also rich in vitamin B. Buy local honey to stave off local allergens.
Diet Considerations
Avoid dairy since it causes mucus, and mucus is a prime place for pollen to settle. Sugar should also be avoided because it causes yeast, which some people are allergic to. Blair also says to avoid white flour since it forms a paste inside the body, creating problems for the pancreas, a cleansing organ.
Essential Oils
Lavender, chamomile and pink grapefruit oils can lift your mood, Blair says, which goes a long way when you're combating allergies.
Affirmations
Emotional irritations can also exacerbate allergies. Blair recommends exploring who or what might be causing irritation in your life and then creating an affirmation (a positive mantra) to work through it.
Tea
Yarrow is thought to be a diaphoretic herb, inducing sweating, which allows for the elimination of waste and purification. Stinging nettle tea may be particularly effective against hay fever.
