Stamp out Spring Allergies

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— Image Courtesy Pixabay

When the sunshine brings out those first green leaflets and blades of grass, a feeling wells up inside of you. Could it be joy? A sudden urge to recite Walt Whitman? And then — ACHOO! — it’s a sneeze, the ominous reminder that the arrival of spring means the arrival of torturous bouts of blubbering and itchy eyes for many Vineyarders. Before you confine yourself indoors for the rest of the season, check out these pro-tips from our panel of health experts, and find a remedy that works for you.

Jackie Kane, Holistic Health Practitioner, Vineyard Energy Medicine

As a former allergy sufferer and Holistic Health Practitioner, I can share that there is true relief in sight without the drowsiness from prescription medication.

For acute allergy relief, try a combination of organic apple cider vinegar (1 Tbs) diluted in water, cayenne, un-squeezed lemon, and sweeten with pure Stevia. This remedy has an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent irritations and build up immunity. Try a glass in the morning and evening, and sip during the day.

For lasting results, we at Vineyard Energy Medicine feelit is important to detox the substances causing the allergic reaction as well: commonly mold, bacteria, and dust mites. You can experience quick relief with the right combination of professional liquid homeopathics.

The best long-term and permanent remedy we have found comes in the form of a professional grade homeopathic taken in the form of drops under the tongue. Within three weeks, you can feel relief from environmental allergies and food allergies. Within three months, clients have experienced complete relief and absolutely no side effects. So what’s the catch? Consistency. After two to three years most allergy sufferers are able to complete the process. For long-term allergy sufferers, we know that three months to feeling completely allergy free is truly sweet relief.

Laura L. Denman MS, RD, Abundant Life Nutrition

Spring allergies…fortunately, this has never been a thorn in my side, but I have seen numerous people who are in utter misery as a result of what appears beautiful to some of us: the arrival of spring. I feel the best defense for spring allergies is healthy adrenal glands — easier said than done in this fast-paced world that we live in. Get plenty of rest, let some things go on that ‘to do’ list, breathe when you feel stressed, especially if you realize you haven’t taken a deep breath all morning. When allergies do strike, I use Standard Process Antronex and Allerplex which work beautifully. I also use a homeopathic remedy, Allium Cepa.

Kristin Henriksen, Certified Herbalist/Aromatherapist, Reindeer Bridge Herbs

Seasonal allergies can be very challenging for many people, but for most, they are the body’s way of inhibiting pollen ingestion/absorption by causing extra mucous to line the membranes. Interestingly enough, allergies are often tied to congested livers, which are unable to handle flushing histamine out of the blood stream efficiently. In these times, more people seem to be sensitive to pollen, and this can be explained by the toxins from our environment and by the Standard American Diet (SAD). For allergy sufferers, I suggest and blend a gentle liver cleansing tea with burdock and other hepatic (relating to the liver) herbs, and combine that with stinging nettle herb in different forms. Paired with the herbs, aromatherapeutic oils put into an inhaler can relieve nasal congestion and inflammation very quickly, and can be used throughout the day.

Josh Levy, Registered Nutritionist, Vineyard Nutrition

Focus on your nutrition and you may able to stop your runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat. The probiotics in yogurt have been shown to reduce allergy symptoms. Quercetin, a compound found in apples, citrus, onions, and tea can help reduce watery eyes and runny noses. Anti-inflammatory properties found in Omega3 fatty acids (wild salmon, tuna, flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts, tumeric) help reduce mucus membrane swelling. Water helps you stay hydrated and make less mucus. Lastly, your immune system can be boosted by loading up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting processed foods, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, added sugars, and salt.

Sheila Muldaur, Certified Classical Homeopath, Integrated Health Care

When allergies strike, cell or tissue salts — low potency homeopathic preparations — can help relieve symptoms. A few common allergy symptoms are paired with cell salts below:

Nat mur 6X: effective if allergies start with fits of sneezing.

Calc phos 6X: can be used leading up to allergy season and alternated with Nat mur when allergies begin. The tip of the nose will be icy cold.

Mag phos 6X: coming and going of allergies, sudden fits of sneezing and discharge.

Kali mur 6X: postnasal drip, clogged nose and ears with thick discharge.

Kali sulph 6X: sense of smell is gone with chronic nasal allergies.

Silicea 6X: helpful when itching of the nose and in the back of the throat dominate.

Chose the cell salt(s) that best matches your allergy symptoms and follow package directions. Available at health food stores.

Tamara Conroy Hersh, Owner/Pharmacist, Conroy’s Apothecary

The best strategy for allergy sufferers is to start treating yourself early in the allergy season. If you know you react to grass or oak pollen, start with an antihistamine before your symptoms start. There are several remedies available without a prescription: Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are all plain antihistamines that work well without causing drowsiness. Benadryl is an excellent antihistamine but causes extreme drowsiness and is best reserved for bedtime use. Nasacort has just gone over the counter as well: this is the first steroid nasal spray available without a prescription and is very effective, especially if combined with the oral antihistamines mentioned above. Sudafed or other decongestants can be added to antihistamines to quickly reduce runny noses and teary eyes. I always like to recommend starting simple, and build on that if your symptoms are not responding.