SoulSpring | Holistic Health and Wellness Tips for Seasonal Allergies

It’s that time of year where many of us find ourselves suffering with seasonal allergies. In this latest SoulSpring article, Dr. Bradley Nelson discusses the benefits of holistic health and wellness and how these helpful tips may help manage the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Summer is almost here, and with warmer weather and blooming plants, many people are suffering from the sniffling, sneezing, and congestion that comes from seasonal allergies.

When pollen from flowers, grass, and trees enters the body through the respiratory system, it can cause a reaction from the immune system. Our bodies respond to these unfamiliar particles by producing histamine. This is a naturally produced chemical that’s meant to protect the body from foreign invaders, but it can cause inflammation, coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and more.

There is also a connection between allergens and liver function. The liver filters the blood. When the liver is overloaded and unable to completely detoxify the body, the result may be an immune system that overreacts to potential allergens, resulting in allergic symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and congestion.

There are things you can do to avoid allergens that aggravate your symptoms. If you know grass irritates you, try to avoid direct contact with it. If the pollen count is high, try to stay indoors a bit more that day. Other prevention strategies include using air filters to remove pollen and dust from indoor air, changing and washing your clothes, and showering or bathing after spending time outdoors. Regularly cleaning and wiping down surfaces in your home can also help.

Holistic health practices can provide natural ways to help prevent and recover from seasonal allergies. Here are some to try:

 

1. Stay hydrated — Drinking lots of water, juice, tea, and other healthy drinks can help give you some relief from allergy symptoms. Soups and broths can also help. That’s because staying hydrated thins the mucus in your sinuses and can help clear out your nasal passages. Staying hydrated is also essential to help your liver flush allergens and toxins from your body.
2. Cleanse your liver — Fresh squeezed grapefruit, lemon, and cherry juices are wonderful for cleansing the liver. When your liver is working effectively as a filter for your blood, you will likely notice a decrease in allergy symptoms.
3. Nasal rinse — Giving your nasal passages a rinse can help get pollen out of your system. A saline rinse with a Neti pot, sinus irrigation bulb, or nasal oils can help remove pollen particles.
4. Acupuncture — Acupuncture is sometimes recommended for those who have allergies. Trained acupuncture practitioners place thin needles in various locations in the body to try to help relieve some symptoms of allergies.
5. Release energetic imbalances — Trapped Emotions™, unresolved feelings from troubling and traumatic experiences, can negatively affect your overall health. Try clearing these underlying issues with The Emotion Code® and see if it helps with your allergy symptoms. The Body Code™ may also help to identify imbalances that cause your allergies to flare up so that you can avoid or alleviate them.
6. Essential oils — These may help with the inflammatory response associated with allergies. Oils that are especially effective are peppermint, eucalyptus, frankincense, and tea tree oil. Try adding these essential oils to a diffuser in your home. Or use a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil when used directly on the skin or adding to a bath. Research oils for recommended amounts and usage.
7. Avoid toxic products — Use safe cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care items. This makes it easier for the liver to function and do its job.
8. Natural and herbal remedies — There are quite a few herbs and other foods that have been used to help with the symptoms of seasonal allergies:
   • Peppermint tea can help relieve symptoms such as scratchy throat and runny nose.
   • Licorice root tea is also helpful and may loosen up mucus in the throat.
   • Ginger is a natural antihistamine that can help reduce inflammation.
   • Lemon balm is another herb that’s great to use in tea to help reduce respiratory issues caused by allergies.
   • Try cooking or making tea with turmeric, and enjoy this root’s anti-inflammatory properties.
   • Quercetin is found in onions, apples, berries, green tea, and black tea. Some studies have shown that it helps to block histamines, reducing the reaction to pollen.
   • Butterbur is a naturally growing shrub. This herb can be used to help with migraines and seasonal allergy symptoms, by reducing inflammation.
   • Spirulina, which is found in algae, has been shown to help reduce symptoms in allergic reactions.
   • Stinging nettle is an herb that can be used as a natural histamine reducing agent.
   • Honey from local bees is also said to help with allergic reaction when it is consumed over time.
   • Probiotics can also be used to reduce allergic reactions. Having healthy gut bacteria has been proven to boost your immune system.

 

There are many natural ways to help support the health of your body. While these holistic health and wellness remedies can be effective, it’s always a good idea to discuss your symptoms and treatments with a medical professional, especially if your symptoms are severe.