{photo source}

I am so excited about this cool weather change. I just love Fall. But, as the new Fall season blows in, so does a new set of seasonal allergies. It is no fun to have to deal with itchy, watery eyes, sore throats, sneezing, headaches and runny noses.

So how are you going to combat these irritating allergy symptoms? Well, I have a few suggestions you just may want to take a closer look at.

**Before I get started, just know that I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be. I am just a huge fan of natural medicine and taking care of my family in healthy, natural ways. These ideas are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease. Use these guidelines to do your own research for your family.

Increase Your Vitamin C Intake.

Vitamin C not only boosts your immune system, it also acts as an antihistamine which will relieve the inflammation, itchy eyes, nose and throat. Be sure eat lots of broccoli, parsley, bell pepper, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts.

Eat Raw, Local Honey.

{photo source}

I love the raw honey that I purchase from a wonderful couple who lives nearby. The honey not only tastes amazing, but because it came from healthy, local bees… it also has amazing healing benefits. Here’s the deal about consuming honey produced in the area you live; it contains the immune stimulating properties needed for your body to adapt to the environment in which you live.

In other words, as bees gather food from the local flowering plants (usually the ones that cause your allergies), they also gather pollen. Raw honey contains those pollens which are essentially consumed. As these “allergens” are introduced to your body in small amounts, your body begins to recognize these spores and grows accustomed to their presence, therefore decreasing the chance of an allergic reaction like the release of histamines.

Increase your Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids contain good prostaglandins, which are natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. Some great, natural of omega-3 include; flax, cold-water fish (mackerel, herring, salmon, tuna), walnuts, avocados, and scallops.  Some practitioners suggest taking a tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily.

Herbal Supplements May Help.

{photo source}

While everyone’s chemistry is different, here are a few herbs to try to ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Remember, what work for one may not work for another.

Elderberries – This is a well-known remedy for colds, coughs, fevers and, yes, allergies. Elderberries contain properties that stimulate the immune system as well as reduce inflammation. Try eating berries cooked as jam, syrup, juice, or cordial. If those are not available, you can also use extracts or capsules.

Stinging Nettle – Studies have shown the nettle, when taken at about 300mg 2-3 x daily, may offer some relief of hay fever symptoms (dry, itchy throat, water eyes). It also helps to dry up a constant running nose. Dried and encapsulated is best for allergy relief.

Licorice – This herb also has great anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. The root can be added to an herbal tea, it will create a sweet flavor. You can take it as a tea or in tincture/capsule form. Do not take this herb for longer than 6 weeks. Also, not recommended for those who are pregnant/nursing or have severe liver, kidney, or heart disease.

Chamomile – A great herb for children. Use chamomile to reduce the intensity of allergic reactions. A cup of tea 2-3 x daily is helpful. Also, making a cream out of chamomile-infused oil will soothe and relax stressed muscles and make breathing easier. Rub cream all over diaphragm.

Some “Pre-Made” Products to Try

TriLight Health Allergy Wellness Kit

First of all… TriLight is a fantastic company, great products and wonderful service. They offer a whole bunch of safe, natural solutions for this time of the year. I think their Allergy Wellness Kit is an excellent way for busy moms to battle the allergy issues! “It has 3 of their best allergy fighting products and it saves you money! The kit contains 8oz bottles of ALRG, ViraMune and a 2oz bottle of Sinus Minus. These formulas work synergistically to not only fight off your allergies, but to get to the root cause.”

Hyland’s Homeopathic

Hyland’s offers dozens of herb-based homeopathic solutions for seasonal allergies, hay fever and children’s symptoms. These are a great alternative for those of you who are still transitioning from OTC medications. I have yet to be disappointed with the results of these products. I usually snag these (last minute) from my local health food store, but if you think ahead you can stock up over at Vitacost.com. {You can get $10 off your first order here}

Neti-Pot

I can’t forget to mention my sinuses best friend! The Neti-Pot does an amazing job at clearing out any allergens that have found their way into my sinus cavity. My friend Victoria has a great review of the Neti Pot over at her blog Green Idea Reviews.

 

I am already preparing for this allergy season, are you? How do you handle the changes in seasons?