15 Effective Ways to Stop Seasonal Allergies Fast and Holistically

(Number 2 is my favorite)

What if I told you that you no longer have to deal with allergies and the misery that comes with them?

That there are natural ways to overcome allergies without medications– or worse yet steroids.

If so, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Asthma and Immunology  (AAAAI), Roughly 7.8% of people 18 and over in the US have hay fever.  In 2012 11.1 million people were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal allergies are irritating, and so are the drugs you take to ease symptoms such as red scratchy eyes, sore throat, sniffling, and sneezing.  Allergy drugs make you tired, groggy, and worse yet– they only mask the symptoms.   The greatest pattern we see in allergies isn’t really innovation and it isn’t really medication either– it’s the propensity to go for a more natural approach.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are caused when the body makes allergic antibodies (IgE) to a substance such that occurs at specific times of the year such as tree pollen, grasses, and weeds (these are known as allergens). Symptoms of allergy that continue all year long are called perennial allergic rhinitis and commonly relate to indoor allergens, such as house dust mites, pets, and indoor molds.

In people sensitive to these allergens, exposure causes the release of chemicals (such as histamine) from special cells (called Mast cells) in the nasal passages, eyes or airways. Chemicals such as histamine released from these mast cells then trigger inflammation and irritation to the lining of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Hay fever or seasonal allergies is actually an immune disorder characterized by an inappropriate allergic response to pollen and these other allergenic substances mentioned above. Inflammation is normally a beneficial and essential event in the body. It is the immune system’s response to tissue injury and infection and ensures that the body recovers from damage and continues to function properly. However, this response is meant to be short-lived but for people with seasonal allergies, it can go on for months on end.

If you are sick and tired of allergies, here’s a great list of natural alternatives that allergies can be treated with to keep them at bay:

1. Natural Alternatives (Herbs, Supplements) to Prevent and Treat Allergies

The following supplements and foods will help in restoring gut flora in the digestive tract lining. An imbalance in gut bacteria can set off candida fungus also known as (yeast overgrowth)– but most importantly allergies are linked to inflammation: Itchy eyes, swelling, and redness.

The link between Gut Health And Allergies

All of the symptoms related to allergies are again, indicators of swelling: itchiness, irritation, soreness, and swelling, as well. In order to eliminate allergies, you need to get rid of inflammation and hyper-reactivity. A very good place to start is in the digestive tract.

One of the most important jobs of the gastrointestinal system is to supply a barrier with external factors such as (foods, irritants, microorganism, and so on) and also your blood stream. This is done in the stomach using all-natural digestive acids to dissolve possibly allergenic healthy proteins in the intestinal tract through a layer of cells that protect against these proteins from entering your bloodstream.  Additionally, you have an entire host of unique microorganisms in your gut, in addition to immune cells, who have the arduous task of breaking down and eliminating proteins.  Plus, various other molecules that could make it so you become hypersensitive to them, resulting in digestive tract– and also systemic– inflammation.

2. Natural Probiotics

Kefir is a fermented yogurt known for its amazing healing benefits.  As we now know,  there is a correlation between gut flora imbalances and allergies.  Learn about the benefits of probiotics and how to make them from the comfort of your home here.
Researchers have discovered that certain types of bacteria can be beneficial in treating allergies. 

This article says: Some strains of bacteria, like Bifidobacterium longum, for example, have been shown to regulate T-cells in the body which can help to produce a stronger immune response to common allergens. Other strains, like Lactobacillus casei Shirota, appear to alter the balance of antibodies, which can be especially beneficial for people whose symptoms are triggered by pollen during the summer. The only supplement I take when I need a little extra help ProX-10 is one of my favorites (Try it here).

3. Local RAW Honey for Allergies, Bee Pollen, Propolis

Seasonal allergies are the body’s “alarm bells” to a particular irritant in the environment, which triggers all the typical symptoms.  More often than not, people struggling with this are in fact– allergic to pollen. The reasoning behind the concept that local honey controls seasonal allergies is that–exposing ourselves to the pollen which can be found in honey can assist our bodies in establishing a natural tolerance to them, which in turn helps to manage the overreaction and the symptoms.

Face allergies head-on before they start by consuming local raw honey (keep reading to find out the reason why I emphasize on raw local honey) and probiotics mid-winter or even around fall to build immunity. This is particularly essential these days, as allergy season appears to begin earlier every year.

The Reason Why “Scientists Claim” Local Honey Doesn’t Work!

The bees combine their food with enzymes to begin breaking it down and producing honey. This changes the pollen protein. The pollen would then be removed or broken down through processing, pasteurization, or even digestion by the enzymes in your own stomach. To start desensitizing your immune system to pollen, you would need to consume a significant amount of intact pollen.

There are two types of pollen:

1. The most pollen found in honey is the type known as entomophilous, which is pollen dispersed by animals or insects. This pollen is heavier and stickier and does not typically become airborne. Plants and trees that bees forage have this type of pollen and this one is usually not associated with allergic reactions in humans.
2. The allergenic type of pollen is the one taken by the wind from anemophilous plants, which produce light, dry pollen. Such plants produce large quantities of this lightweight pollen, which can be easily airborne and inhaled.

Considering that honey has the type of pollen that doesn’t bring allergic reactions, scientists say it cannot act like inoculation and help with allergies. YET, the immune system enhancements brought about by consuming honey are more profound and generalized. And honey should not be resumed only to pollen.

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“It may seem odd that straight exposure to pollen often triggers allergies but that exposure to pollen in the honey usually has the opposite effect…In honey the allergens are delivered in small, manageable doses and the effect over time is very much like that from undergoing a whole series of allergy immunology injections.”

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— Thomas Leo Ogren, “Allergy-Free Gardeningr

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Honey does work:

• There was a report presenting evidence that daily ingestion during the winter months of 10-20 g of honey–local preferably ( 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon) resulted in improvements in hay fever symptoms in 16 out of 21 patients. (the study is described in “Honey and hay fever: a report on the Treatment of hay fever with honey”, by L. Croft in 1990)
• Munstedt and Kalder reported a positive effect of honey ingestion by means of a questionnaire filled out by 29 beekeepers. (“Honey as a treatment for rhinoconjunctivitis: by Munstedt and kalder, JAAS 2, in 2010)

• Here are some links where you can locate a farm or beekeeper near you. Aim to get RAW honey (most beekeepers won’t ruin their honey by pasteurizing it).

Honey Locator | National Honey Board

https://localhoneyfinder.org

Find Beekeepers – GottaBee

Manuka: Often times what seems like allergies could be sinusitis. Remember that if your sinusitis has an allergy cause then manuka honey cannot help you. It is best to use your local honey. Organic Manuka honey is abundant in phenol. These phenol and phenolic elements affect particular signaling paths in cells leading to the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines.  Additionally, manuka honey is an anti-viral that further prevents infection and speeds up wound healing.

4. Take a Fish Oil Supplement

A research study of individuals with allergic asthma (asthma induced by allergies) discovered that those individuals who suffered from severe allergies and took a top-notch fish oil supplement once a day for a month had lower levels of leukotrienes.  Leukotrienes are chemicals known to contribute to allergies. Will allergies make you tired? Absolutely. That is why it is important to get a good night’s sleep plus plenty of rest.

Try this Hack I bet Your Allergist or ENT didn’t even know about: https://www.healyounaturally.com/lymph-drainage-massage-sinus-congestion/

5. Include Turmeric In Your Diet

Turmeric is a very powerful antioxidant that aids in clearing infections, it is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods to prevent and reverse cardiovascular disease, balances cholesterol levels, treats serious states of depression, and even helps reverse the course of Type II Diabetes in pre-diabetic patients.   Because of its anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric can reduce inflammation in the sinus and upper respiratory system making it a great natural tool to overcome allergy symptoms. it can help as a decongestant, and fend off colds.  Learn more about turmeric here. or you can make my most researched article and a recipe for ancient golden paste. Finally here’s what my family and I supplement with when I need an extra boost.

6. Quercetin for Allergies

Research from this study demonstrated that Quercetin has powerful anti-histamine effects.  Histamines are compounds that are released when the immune system detects a sensitivity or allergy, and they are what account for uncomfortable symptoms we experience whenever the body has an allergic reaction. Quercetin is naturally found in fruits and vegetables like apples, citrus fruit peppers, dark cherries, berries (blueberries, bilberries, blackberries, and others) Tomatoes, and red wine.
Cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, cabbage, and sprouts. Leafy green vegetables, like kale and spinach. Scientists discovered that Quercetin had the ability to reduce allergies in lab rats by reducing the inflammatory response in the airways. You can supplement Quercetin or add foods rich in it to your diet– especially during allergy season.

7. Butterbur

Pharmaceuticals carry more punch. However, if you wish to go the natural route, butterbur has the very best performance history amongst herbs used for pollen allergies (it’s also used to prevent headaches). Some research studies recommend it can be as efficient for nasal symptoms as an antihistamine, without the drowsiness that comes along with allergy medicine. (Keep in mind that the safety of long-lasting use hasn’t been studied.).

8. Stinging Nettle Amazing For Allergies

Stinging nettle has been around for centuries as a natural treatment for seasonal allergies, hives, asthma, and hay fever. Research studies have revealed that taking freeze-dried pills successfully decreases histamine levels in the body, decreasing swelling of affected tissues. Even an easy nettle tea taken in daily during allergy season will substantially reduce allergies.  You can also use organic nettle loose leaves.

Typical symptoms such as sneezing, scratchy eyes, runny nose, and congested sinuses are dealt with as efficiently, if not more so, by stinging nettle than nonprescription allergy medications. In fact, It has actually been suggested that nettles desensitize the body to irritants and reduce our response to allergens gradually.
Nettles will likewise spare you the adverse effects that come along with allergy medications, like sleepiness or inflammation and ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, which causes an entire set of inflammation concerns you don’t want to deal with.

9. Buffered Ascorbic Acid

Is an excellent natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.  According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information-– Ascorbic acid is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent that functions in fighting bacterial infections, in detoxifying reactions, and the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries.  Try buffered ascorbic acid here.

Found in citrus and other fruits, and vegetables– better yet lacto-fermented vegetables,  vitamin C cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet. The recommended dose is up to 2000 mg daily.

10. Give acupuncture “a shot”

Acupuncture might assist in alleviating and even rid of hay fever, revealed a brand-new research study released in the Annals of Internal Medicine. In the research study, allergy patients chosen randomly to attend a few acupuncture sessions had more symptom relief and had to take less antihistamine medication than those who got a “placebo treatment” or did not get the treatment. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why acupuncture may help– however, think that it “curbs inflammatory immune-system compounds associated with allergies”. (Find an accupunturist in your area here)

11. Replace old appliances with HEPA filters

According to allergy experts from the University of Kansas Medical Center, If you do not have a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter in your vacuum , you might be making your symptoms even worse by stimulating pollen that has settled on your flooring and furnishings — especially carpets and mats. When you use HEPA filters in your heating or A/C system you can help relieve allergies. Experts in air filtration recommend putting a freestanding air purifier with a HEPA filter in a high-traffic location. (Check a variaty of Air filters here)

Hay fever symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing generally are at their worst in the early morning. What works for many people: taking supplements, teas, and home remedies at bedtime.

12. When Symptoms Rear Their Ugly Head: Try Nasal Irrigation.

Saline nasal irrigation (SNI) is typically suggested as an extra nonpharmacologic treatment revealed in this 2001 study. Having actually shown its effectiveness in persistent and intense rhinosinusitis and for treatment after sinonasal surgical treatment.  One step is to spritz a saline rinse into your nose daily to wash away pollen. This method won’t necessarily replace stronger medications (who wants the drowsiness anyway), but it could reduce your need for drugs along with the suggestions in this article. In a recent study, chronic allergy sufferers who rinsed their sinuses a couple of times a day for about six weeks reported less discomfort and nasal congestion than those who didn’t.

13. Change your Clothes as soon as you get home

Remember to leave your windows shut and try not to spend too much time outdoors on windy pollen-infested days. However, don’t forget that you drag pollen into your house on your shoes and clothing even if you cannot see it.  Once you get home wash those clothes immediately; better yet, take a shower right away.

14. Move Outdoor Activities To Dusk

Try to move your outdoor workout for the night, recommends H. James Wedner, MD, of the Washington University School of Medicine if your allergies are severe.  Not just do many individuals with allergies experience more itching and sneezing in the early morning, but trees release pollen at the same time. Additionally, ragweed pollen tends to fly most heavily at midday– so stay with end-of-day walks.

15. Homeopathy

According to this article from Naturopathy Physitians. The standard dosage for acute symptom relief is 3 pellets of 30C every 4 hours until symptoms resolve. Lower potencies, such as 6X, 6C, and 30X, may be given every 2 to 4 hours. If the right remedy is chosen, symptoms should improve shortly after the second dose. If there is no improvement after 3 doses, a different remedy is given. The following remedies are effective in acute, symptomatic relief of hay fever or allergies:

• Allium cepa – Indicated for bland, non-irritating discharge from eyes; copious, watery, acrid discharge from nose; hoarseness; and feeling better in cool air and open room.
• Euphrasia – Indicated for symptoms such as copious, watery, acrid discharge from eyes; non-irritating discharge from nose; dry, hard cough; much sneezing; diarrhea; and feeling worse in the open air.
• Natrum muriaticum – Indicated for watery or egg white-like discharges; cold sores; no sense of taste or smell; headaches; and feeling better outside.
• Nux vomica – Indicated for a runny nose in the daytime, then dry nose at night; violent sneezing; nose feels blocked but there is watery nasal discharge through one nostril, and feeling worse outside.
• Wyethia – Indicated for extreme itching in the nose and throat; throat feels swollen; back of the throat is dry and burning, and sensation as if something were in nasal passages.  Read the full article from the source here.

Find the options mentioned above and more at my Amazon Store (Allergies Section)

Other Options to address the root causes of Allergies

• antihistamines
• decongestants and anti-inflammatories
• air filters
• HEPA vacuums
• eye and nose drops
• red nasal light
• homeopathy

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[box title=”FDA required disclaimer:” style=”noise” box_color=”#f2773d” title_color=”#060705″ radius=”12″]Not Medical Advice. All of my suggestions here are based on my own research and experience. As usual, read my disclaimer, do your own research, speak to your healthcare provider and make an informed decision when it comes to your health.[/box]

How do you keep allergies under control during Allergy season?
Do you prefer natural remedies or medications?  I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

To your best health,