A natural routine to stop sneezing fits every allergy season.
Spring has sprung, and while others are gearing up for picnics in the park, you’re stocking up on tissues. If your springtime routine includes sneezing, watery eyes, an itchy throat or congestion, you know how badly seasonal allergies can affect your life. Learn how to naturally manage your symptoms and stop sneezing fits.
What are allergies?
Allergies are an inflammatory response from the body. When you encounter something you are allergic to, such as pollen, your body recognizes it as an invader. As a result, your immune system release antibodies specific to that allergen. These antibodies attach themselves to immune cells called mast cells that trigger the release of histamine.
Histamine is the reason you get an allergic reaction. Histamine is the culprit behind your red itchy eyes, the sneezing or the hives.
How to stop sneezing fits.
There are a number of natural remedies that can help stop sneezing fits. Using a combination of supplementation and food as medicine with some minor lifestyle adjustments, you can create a well-rounded holistic routine to get through your allergy season.
Natural allergy relief supplement options.
Spirulina – Spirulina is a blue-green algae that was traditionally used by the Aztec civilization. It’s often highlighted for its plant-based protein and iron content. What many people don’t know, is that spirulina can also help to relieve symptoms associated with hay fever. That includes symptoms like sneezing, sniffing, or nasal congestion. Test tube and animal studies have shown that spirulina functions by stopping the release of histamine that causes symptoms.
Bee Propolis – Bee Propolis is a resin that bees use to seal the cracks in their hive. It’s a potent source of antioxidants used in Herbal Medicine to relieve throat and mouth infections. Bee Propolis is a great option for soothing a sore throat from constant sneezing and coughing.
Keep inflammation in check.
Eat your omega-3s– Essential fatty acidsare fats you need to eat because your body can’t make them. There are two types of essential fatty acids, Omega-3s and Omega-6s. And while we often eat enough omega-6 in our daily diets, our consumption of omega-3s is often far too low. Eating more omega-3 fatty acids is important because omega-3s help to regulate the inflammatory response. Omega-3s are in fish, nuts and seeds. Chia seeds and flax seeds are particularly great plant-based sources. You can also supplement with omega-3s if you don’t eat these foods often enough.
Use turmeric – Some herbs have incredible anti-inflammatory benefits, and Turmeric is definitely a superstar in this category. Turmeric contains a flavonoid called curcumin that supports liver detoxification while combating inflammation. It’s easy to use in a number of dishes, and a little goes a long way. Black pepper also helps with absorption. Try mixing it into scrambled eggs, or use it in your stir-fries.
Try home remedies.
Eat local raw honey – Though there hasn’t been much research to prove its effectiveness, anecdotally, local raw honey may help to reduce the intensity of seasonal allergy symptoms. The idea behind it, is that the honey will introduce your body to small amounts of pollen from your area, allowing your body to slowly adapt. It’s an easy enough little experiment to try if you’re an allergy sufferer yourself. But remember, it’s key that you’re choosing local so the pollen you’re exposed to is consistent with the pollen in your region. It’s also ideal to start this prior to allergy season so your body has that period of low exposure with the time to adapt.
Use a Neti Pot – Neti pots are like miniature teapots that work to rinse out nasal passages with a saline solution. You pour the neti pot into one nostril, the fluid travels through the nasal passage and flows out of the opposing nostril, flushing out excess mucus and allergens such as pollen.
Still overwhelmed by your sneezing fits? Plan ahead.
- Knowing what time of year seasonal allergens will peak in your local region is key when preparing for allergy season.
- Making minor adjustments in your day to day life can help you to avoid contact with allergens during peak seasons.
- Try keeping your windows closed when possible during times when allergen levels are highest in the environment.
- Avoid outdoor activities on windier days. Wind can increase the number of airborne allergens increasing exposure.
- Allergens can follow you indoors on your skin, clothing and hair. Wash pillow cases and linens often to reduce allergens.
Try an indoor air purifier to help filter air reducing allergens you’re likely to breath in your indoor space.
This article was provided by Organika Health Products based out of Richmond, B.C Canada and are a GMP Health Canada Site Licensed facility.
References:
1. http://drhoffman.com/article/alternatives-to-antihistamines-2/
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/allergic-rhinitis
3. Rohdewaldd, Peter, and Richard A. Pass Water. The Pycnogenol Phenomenon. Columbus: Basic Health Publications, 2016. Print.
4. https://umm.edu/Health/Medical-Reference-Guide/Complementary-and-Alternative-Medicine-Guide/Supplement/Spirulina
