I have always said Ohio has bipolar weather, well this Spring she must have stopped taking her medication because our weather has been all over the place. Rain, sleet, and snow all occurred in a week. However, Mother Nature moved right along, my huge Oak tree started to bud, and my perennial plants started to pop up in the flower beds. Soon thereafter my seasonal allergy symptoms (rhinitis), also known as Hay fever appeared. Because I am not a fan of over-the-counter medications, I searched my arsenal of natural remedies. Today I will share some of those with you.
Before discussing natural remedies, it is important to define Hay fever which has nothing to do with Hay. Hay fever is triggered by indoor and outdoor allergens. Tree, grass, and ragweed pollen, spores from fungi and mold, and dander from cats, dogs, birds, and other pets can all be triggers.
Many people seek relief with prescription or over-the-counter remedies or avoid the source but natural remedies work just as well and are inexpensive without the side effects.
Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes and minerals, balances the pH of the body, and is a natural cure for allergies. Use raw and organic apple cider vinegar, adding a teaspoon to a glass of water. For those who cannot tolerate the taste, use apple cider vinegar capsules.
Using a sea salt solution in a Neti pot will rinse out the allergens in the nasal cavities, and soothe the sinuses. They are available at large pharmacies and health food stores. Add 1/2 teaspoon 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 6 ounces of boiled cool water to the Neti pot.
Inhaling hydrogen peroxide is a simple inexpensive method to relieve hay fever. 3% hydrogen peroxide is inhaled by mouth into the lungs using a nasal mister. This method has helped many with asthma, allergies, chronic coughing, and other ailments.
The practice of oil pulling is another successful remedy. Use a high-quality oil, coconut is used most often, and swish one to three teaspoons around your mouth to draw out toxins and infections. Daily practice can also relieve hay fever and other health concerns.
Change the filters in your home regularly to relieve allergies. This removes allergens from the air and prevents them from entering your body.
The inexpensive and anti-inflammatory herb turmeric is also a blood purifier. Some find relief in taking 2 capsules of turmeric daily but others use 1 teaspoon, or 4-5 capsules a couple of times a day to treat allergies. Turmeric can be mixed in a cup of milk, (cow, soy, almond, or coconut) and consumed warm or cold. Be sure to take turmeric with plenty of water as it can cause constipation in some. A delicious way to take turmeric is Golden milk. The basic Golden milk recipe is 1 cup of warm almond, or pea protein milk, 1 tsp. turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp. coconut oil, and 1/2 tsp. honey (optional) depending on the sweetness of the milk. Mix the ingredients and enjoy.
The herb nettle leaf is also a blood purifier and can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsules. It is great for Spring allergies and is inexpensive. Drink 3-4 cups of tea daily, or 1/2 tsp. nettle tincture, 3 times a day, or 2-4 capsules of nettle taken 2-3 times a day.
Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. The sulfur compounds in garlic relieve congestion and treat underlying infections. I use garlic almost daily in food but it is available in a supplement form.
The last herb to be discussed today is mullein. It is a powerful herb that addresses hay fever symptoms, especially if a cough is involved. Mullein can be taken as a tea, in capsule, or in tincture form.
Let us move on to herbal teas. Chamomile has a pleasant taste and is a mild tea that is useful for allergies. However, do not use this tea if you have a ragweed allergy. If your eyes are irritated place a warm, damp chamomile tea bag over each eye for ten minutes for relief.
Ginger tea is natural for chest and nasal congestion associated with hay fever or any other ailment causing congestion. I suggest you make ginger root tea, something I use to relieve congestion. It loosens phlegm, strengthens the immune system, and is a natural antihistamine. The root is inexpensive and can be found in the produce section of your grocery store. Use about 2 inches of the root and boil in water for 20-30 minutes. One piece of the root can be used several times so do not discard it after your first batch of tea.
Yerba matte tea contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Because it contains caffeine, you may not want to use it late in the day or if you are sensitive to caffeine.
The last natural treatment category to be discussed today is supplements. Vitamin C is one we are very familiar with, it boosts the immune system, is a natural antihistamine, and is easy on the digestive system. Some people take 1000 mg as often as three times a day. If you develop loose stools taking that much, cut back. I suggest eating foods high in vitamin C as that is the most natural way to get it.
A natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine quercetin is a plant flavonoid. Quercetin supplements are often found with bromelain added. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, is also an anti-inflammatory. One to two capsules of quercetin can bring relief to hay fever symptoms. The alternative is to eat pineapple or add it to a smoothie. I made a smoothie yesterday with orange juice, pineapple, and a banana. It was tasty and a powerhouse drink.
In conclusion, come on over to the natural cures side to combat your hay fever symptoms this Spring season. The remedies are natural and inexpensive. As always if you are taking any medications, please consult your physician or pharmacist before using any of these natural remedies.
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings❤️
