Is your excitement to see the sun immediately quashed by your dread of the pollen that inevitably follows? Do you wait all winter for the nice weather to return, only to spend sunny days inside staring longing out the window at the great outdoors? While usually not serious, seasonal allergies can put a serious damper on your day. Many over-the-counter allergy medications can be effective, but have undesirable side-effects. We rounded up a few natural supplements and anti-histamines to help relieve common symptoms of seasonal allergies like runny nose, congestion, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
Aged Garlic Extract
Garlic is more than a delicious addition to your cooking and a vampire-deterrent; it is known to be a powerful antibiotic that promotes heart health. Aged garlic has been shown in studies to have some immunoregulatory effects including causing significant decrease in the hallmark criteria of allergic airway inflammation levels.
Chinese Herbs
From a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the root cause of seasonal allergy symptoms is an internal deficiency combined with external elements with the qualities of “wind.” This characterization evokes the physical way that many of us experience seasonal allergies with pollen in the air. The way each of our unique bodies react to allergens can differ. TCM offers a few herbal formulas to help with varying manifestations of seasonal allergies.
Xanthium is another name for cocklebur, a common bush native to Europe, North America and western Asia. In Traditional Chinese medicine, xanthium is used to dispel wind and damp, and is one of the most important herbs used for sinus congestion, chronic rhinitis, and respiratory allergies. It’s also used as a pain-reliever, and to relieve headaches associated with nasal congestion and sinusitis. (available at EQPDX!)
Jade Screen is a great solution for dry congestion to relieve congestion and sinus pressure. The formula includes astragalus, atractylodes, and siler to fortify the body and disperse external factors. (available at EQPDX!)
Bi Yan Pian blends xanthium fruit, magnolia flower, angelica root, and Chinese mint with other herbs into a highly effective formula for unblocking head congestion and alleviating headache. (available at EQPDX!)
Te Xiao Bi Min Gan Wan is a formulation including xanthium, forsythia, and angelica that dissolves phlegm, clears discharge and supports healthy nasal and sinus passages. This can be used for symptom prevention or relief.
Local, Organic Honey
In recent years, local honey has been promoted as a natural allergy remedy, however there is currently no scientific evidence that honey improves allergies. Honey is known to soothe a sore throat and to be a cough suppressant, antiviral, and antifungal so it may help relieve some allergy-related symptoms, but currently the evidence does not show long-term improvement to allergic response as purported.
Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati)
This kundalini yoga breathing technique uses a passive inhale followed by short, sharp, diaphragmatic exhales, repeating for 30-90 seconds. A 2014 study found that the short exhales help remove secretions from your airway passages, allowing your lungs to take in more air. Kapalabhati also strengthens the diaphragm and promotes general respiratory health. More information here.
Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Quercetin is a compound found in green tea (as well as red onions, leafy greens, apples, citrus) that helps block immune reactions caused by pollen, dust and pet dander. Japanese researchers found that an abundant antioxidant in green tea, EGCG, helps stop your body from mounting an immune response to a wide range of allergens. Look for green teas that have been minimally processed to receive the full benefits.