Are you telling yourself that you are not going to let allergies get you down this year? Wait, didn’t you say that last year? Allergic reactions are a common issue among people of all ages that can severely hinder your day-to-day life. You can stop them before they start and also minimize the amount of discomfort they cause you with the right tools at your disposal. As with many other ailments, prevention is better than cure so it is important to understand what your triggers are and AVOID them like you see your grandma coming towards you to tell you ‘that story’ that you’ve heard twenty times already.
It’s important to note the difference between seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergies. Seasonal allergies are those sensitivities triggered by the pollen from the trees, grass, and weeds. They are usually seen in the spring to early fall but can be seen year-round if you live in certain areas. Perennial allergies are usually due to animal dander, mold, dust, etc. We will be mainly discussing seasonal allergies in this article.
Seasonal allergies can be easily treated with over the counter antihistamines. They are a safe and effective way to control your symptoms. However, if you prefer to forgo the over-the-counter medications and try the green route to healing your body from the effects of allergens, there are some natural products that may be effective for you. If you notice your symptoms worsening after taking some of the medications, consider the possibility that you may have a ragweed allergy and discuss it with your provider. This is because some of the natural remedies may contain amounts of ragweed and further trigger your allergies. Here are some suggestions for natural products that can help you fight allergies this year.
Probiotics: it starts with your gut – current evidence suggests that taking Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species can enhance the prevention and treatment of your common allergies. Although the mechanism isn’t well understood, it is believed to occur by reducing the effect of the chemical messengers that are released in response to an allergen. The recommended dose is at least 2 billion CFU(colony forming units) daily to get the benefits and some studies indicate that it does a better job of reducing the itchy eyes that you commonly experience during an allergic reaction.
Tinopsora cordifolia: this ayurvedic (ancient Indian system of holistic medicine) natural product has gained recognition for its use in allergies. It is thought to reduce the release of histamine, a key chemical messenger in causing allergies. If you are thinking of purchasing it, it is important to obtain it from credible sources. A popular brand is Tinofed by Verdue Sciences and the recommended dosage is 300 mg three times daily.
Echinacea: although more commonly used for cold symptoms, Echinacea may be used for allergies but it’s effectiveness lacks evidence. It may also cause stomach problems such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain and it could even trigger an underlying ragweed allergy.
There are other natural products which either lack evidence, or their risks outweigh any potential benefits and are hence, not recommended. These include royal jelly, milk thistle, apple cider vinegar, capsaicin, and honey. Honey should especially not be given to young children due to the risk of an illness called botulism. Also some people, who have a pollen allergy, can experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis after eating honey.
With all the information available about home remedies for treating seasonal allergies, it can be difficult to distinguish between fact and myth. Of course, you want an effective way to control your allergies so it can be important to know what doesn’t work. Here are some common myths about seasonal allergies.
1.Eating local honey will give you tolerance to pollen.
Most of the pollen we are allergic to comes from wind-pollinated plants from the trees, grasses, and ragweed. Honeybees pollinate larger flowers which produce large sticky grains that do not get in the air we breathe. It would be the wrong kind of pollen that we are getting desensitized to, if we were slowly exposing ourselves to small amounts of pollen in local honey.
2.Your allergies will disappear if you clean your house.
Allergies which originate in your home are from dust and mold, which are one of the leading causes of perennial allergies. If you are experiencing seasonal allergies, it will likely be from pollen in the outdoor environment or even some of the pollen that has snuck indoors. Cleaning your home will not significantly reduce your seasonal allergies.
3.I’m allergic to THAT flower.
Before you throw out that beautiful gardenia plant in the garden, remember that pollen in most flowers and indoor plants are not carried by wind or air. They are carried by honeybees. So it isn’t likely that a particular flower or tree is having a major impact on your allergies. It may just be a sensitivity you have.
4.Seasonal allergy must be a ragweed allergy.
During the fall months, the corns and other vegetation start to dry out and a fungal pathogen called Alternaria starts to grow on all the decaying vegetation. This is a type of mold. So people may mistake their mold allergy for a ragweed allergy during this time. You can treat the mold allergy with anti-histamines, saline drops and sprays.
If your child or toddler is suffering from allergies, adding essential oils to their bath can be a safe way to reduce muscle tension and congestion. Also, the oils may also be added to their body lotion to help alleviate the symptoms. Adding vitamin C and garlic to their diet can help boost their immunity as well. Remember that over the counter antihistamines are only recommended for children 6 months or older.
Experiencing allergies during pregnancy shouldn’t be a sentence for suffering. Over the counter antihistamines are excellent options for treating your allergies in pregnancy. Certain brands like Benadryl and Zyrtec may make you drowsier so opting for others like Claritin or Allegra may be a better option during the daytime hours. Decongestions like Sudafed should be taken more sparingly in pregnancy. Taking a warm shower or using saline drops are effective alternatives to decongestant medications. Be sure to look for the active ingredients pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine on the label to identify which products you should steer clear from.
It’s not just about what you put into your body. Changing your clothes when you come home can prevent the spreading of the pollen that sticks on to your clothes to other areas in your home. Using a Neti-pot to rinse your nasal passage of allergens can help reduce the allergic reactions. Be sure to use distilled water to rinse, and not just tap water, in order to prevent infections. Using a HEPA filter to trap any allergens coming from the outside can also help reduce the amount of allergens triggering your allergies at home.
There is no one formula for all when it comes to treating allergies and it’s important to see which medication, either OTC or natural product, works for you. You can’t control the amount of pollen in the air but you can control your response to it. Treat the allergy before it leads to complications such as sinus congestion, headaches, and infections. Equip yourself with the right tools so your allergies do not get the best of you this year.
Yang, G., Liu, Z., & Yang, P. (2013, August). Retrieved March 18, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784923/
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