Allergies are in the air

It is that time of year when sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes are the common place.  The discomfort can range from a mere irritation to being downright miserable.  There are a few natural things that can be done to help in allergy season.

Honey

Local honey can be great to fight off allergies.  The same pollen that are native to the area you are in, the bees are using to make their honey.  Ingesting that honey with the local pollen can help your body build up an immunity to those pollens.  The hard part is finding honey that is local to your area.  A great place to look is at your local farmers market.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle is a weed that is found all over the country.  While it is a weed and most people are looking to get rid of it, don’t be so quick to weed them out.  Singing nettle is great for seasonal allergies.  You can harvest the leaves or buy them on line and make them into a tea.  This can bring down the symptoms of your seasonal allergies quickly.  Besides, you can make a pitcher of stinging nettle tea and have it in the fridge for those hot summer afternoons.  It tastes great too!

Xlear

This is one of my favorite over the counter products.   You can usually pick it up at a health food store, Whole Foods, or you can order it on-line.  It is a nasal spray that is non addictive.  It can be used several time per day if needed, and it helps to reduce inflammation in the sinuses.  It is made with xylotol and grapefruit seed extract that is soothing, anti-viral and anti-bacterial.  Many of my patients have found that their allergies are not as severe when they use it regularly.  Also, if you feel a cold coming on it is great to use and can help to block the cold before it starts.  Everyone should have this in their medicine cabinet.

Now that we have some defense, get out there in the fresh air and enjoy the spring!!!