Seasonal Allergies: Can Natural Remedies Help?

Living with seasonal allergies can be a challenging experience. Every year, thousands of New Zealanders (especially here in Nelson!) struggle with the symptoms associated with allergy season such as sneezing and coughing fits, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, or hives.

In this blog post, we’ll explore effective alternatives to over-the-counter medications for relieving the effects of seasonal allergies. From dietary changes to natural supplements and remedies, you can support your allergy symptoms without relying on traditional treatments alone.

Key Takeaways

1. Seasonal allergies can be triggered by dust, pet dander, and pollen from wind-pollinated plants such as trees, grasses, and weeds. Common symptoms include a runny nose, itchy throat, eye irritation, and nasal congestion as the body releases histamine to try and deal with the irritants.
2. Natural approaches offer alternatives to over-the-counter medications and support for the immune system and the symptoms of seasonal allergies without incurring severe reactions or side effects; these range from saline nasal irrigation to consuming local honey to taking quercetin supplements and probiotics for gut health management amongst others.

Common triggers and symptoms

Seasonal allergies are often triggered by airborne pollen from wind-pollinated plants such as trees, grasses, and weeds. As a general rule, wind-pollinated plants tend to be more problematic than plants pollinated by insects or birds, as their lighter, smaller pollen is more likely to become airborne and get inhaled. Examples for NZ are: pines, oaks, wattles, birches, grasses, plantains, privets and even olive trees which seem to be a growing problem for some people. This type of allergy is also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include a runny nose, itchy throat, eye irritation, and nasal congestion.

Springtime symptoms usually indicate an allergy to pollen, particularly that from trees, which can cause sneezing attacks with the release of clouds of yellow dust or cause redness around the eyes along with itching and tearing.

Some pollen grains are so small they don’t even require air currents to be moved from place to place – becoming obvious when inhaled through the nose or mouth directly into our lungs where it will inevitably elicit an immune response. (Also noticeable when it settles on your vehicle!).

Natural Alternatives for Allergy Relief

Explore the various natural alternatives to over-the-counter medications that may offer effective and safe relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Learn about their potential benefits, associated risks, and best practices for use.

Quercetin Supplements

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables that has antihistamine properties. These properties are due to quercetin’s ability to support and stabilize mast cells which release histamines that cause allergic symptoms. Quercetin is naturally present in various fruits, vegetables, and grains, making it readily accessible as part of everyday dietary routine. Alternatively, you can supplement with O2B Allerg-eze.

As an anti-inflammatory supplement, quercetin also helps reduce inflammation which can contribute to the severity of allergy symptoms like sneezing and sinus congestions.

Vitamin C as a Natural Antihistamine

Vitamin C is a well-known natural remedy for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, itchy nose and throat, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. Unlike some over-the-counter medications, instead of blocking histamine receptors, vitamin C works by reducing the amount of histamine produced by your body. One study showed that just two grams of vitamin C can decrease histamine levels by around 38%.

It also works as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation in the respiratory system caused by airborne allergens. Furthermore, Vitamin C may provide relief from other forms of allergic diseases such as asthma; its daytime use has been shown to prevent nighttime asthmatic episodes in some individuals with mild cases of the condition.

For best results when using Vitamin C for allergic relief purposes, we recommend taking 1 capsule twice a day for a total dose of 3000mg. Otherwise, you can of course get what you need from your diet if you eat lots of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

Local Honey for Pollen Allergies

A wide range of natural remedies exist for seasonal allergies, and consuming local honey is one such alternative. While the effectiveness of this remedy remains widely debated, supporters claim that it may help to tolerate pollen levels in those affected by allergic rhinitis.

According to some sources, raw unpasteurized local honey contains small amounts of allergens from the area’s flora which can help build up a tolerance when ingested regularly over long periods.

Some experts believe this may alter the immunological response of a person’s body to developing antibodies against certain pollen responsible for causing allergy symptoms. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is conflicting, and little research has been conducted on its effects so far. If you love honey, it’s worth a try!

Probiotics and Gut Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms—namely bacteria and yeasts—that can help to promote a healthy gut microbial balance. Studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may be an effective natural remedy for seasonal allergies, as the right combination of beneficial bacterial strains can support immune system function and reduce allergic reactions.

Increasing evidence has found links between imbalanced gut flora (dysbiosis) and susceptibility to multiple forms of allergies, such as nasal allergies and food sensitivities. Probiotics may help alleviate symptoms by supporting immunological mechanisms that lower levels of inflammatory cytokines associated with allergy development, while also enhancing the anti-inflammatory response in areas of mucosal contact often affected by allergic reactions hot spots like the sinuses or bronchial passages.

In addition, there is some indication that probiotics might strengthen barrier functions throughout the body’s mucosal surfaces—including those exposed to allergens—to keep out sensitizing agents from entering into circulation to prevent ongoing inflammation caused by hypersensitivity reactions. O2B Synbiotic+ is a powerful probiotic combined with a prebiotic (inulin) to support your gut health and immune system.

Nettle Leaf as a Natural Antihistamine

Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine that has been used to treat allergies for centuries. Research supports its effectiveness in relieving mild allergy symptoms, and it provides an alternative option to over-the-counter medications.

A 2000 study concluded that stinging nettle can act as a natural antihistamine, with 58 percent of participants experiencing relief from their allergies. Additionally, many studies have found that compounds such as flavonols and silanol present in the leaves are responsible for its antiallergy effect by preventing the release of histamines.

The flavonoids present in the plant increase blood flow and provide antioxidant benefits throughout your digestive system, reducing swelling caused by inflammation due to seasonal allergies.

Nettle also contains vitamins C and K, which help strengthen your immune system against airborne allergens like pollen or ragweed. Not only does this make you less likely to suffer seasonal discomfort but if you do experience it then usually those symptoms will be much reduced compared to those who take no preventative measures at all against irritants associated with seasonal change like jumps in pollen count levels. The O2B Allergies spray contains Nettle along with native Kumarahou, Fenugreek, and other herbals and homeopathic known for their allergy support.

Essential Oils: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Frankincense

Peppermint oil is often used to unclog sinuses and provide relief from scratchy throats when inhaled. It has decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and nose congestion. It may also be used in topical lotions or balms to relieve itchiness from insect bites and stings. Try O2B Nasal Clear with essential oils to help clear nasal passages fast.

Saline Nasal Irrigation

Saline nasal irrigation is a natural and accessible solution for those looking to alleviate their allergy and sinus woes without resorting to appliance-based or long-term medications.

Also known as nasal wash or saline flush, this treatment uses a mild saltwater solution to rinse out the nose and sinuses of allergens like dust, pollen, dirt, smoke, and pet dander.

The salt water also helps thin out excessive mucus that accumulates in the airways due to allergies. The results are not only decreased symptoms such as congestion and sneezing but improved overall lung health since it supports the safe removal of irritants that can get lodged deep in the lungs.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Allergies

Certain dietary modifications and environmental controls can help reduce the severity of seasonal allergic reactions. Armed with adequate knowledge and information about holistic approaches to allergy relief, readers can find strategies that work best for them.

Diet modifications

1. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, to reduce inflammation associated with allergies.
2. Load up on fruits and vegetables that are naturally high in water content, like leafy greens, watermelons and cucumbers, to stay hydrated during allergy season which can help keep your body feeling good.
3. Choose complex carbohydrate sources over heavily processed refined carbohydrates for more sustained energy levels throughout the day rather than crashing after sugar peaks or intake of simple carbs like white bread or pastries. This can help reduce inflammation.
4. Avoid triggering food allergens if severe symptoms develop from certain ingredients when consumed; this could include dairy-free or gluten-free flours/grains depending on individual sensitivities so it’s best to consult a nutritionist before eliminating main food groups from one’s diet
5. Add fiber into meals where possible through nuts, seeds, and legumes– processed sources may be easier such as prebiotic powders; however, it is highly recommended to get natural forms of these fibers first for maximum benefits for gut health

Environmental controls

1. Keep the home clean – dusting, vacuuming, and mopping to reduce exposure to allergens such as pet dander, mold, and dust mites.
2. Avoid known allergens – e.g., avoid walking outdoors in certain weather conditions or during pollen season; close windows at night; install a HEPA filter in air systems at home; keep the environment moist with humidifiers, etc., to help manage airborne pollutants like pollens better.
3. Invest in allergen-blocking bedding – use mattress encasings that have been certified asthma and allergy friendly; replace carpets with hardwood floors when possible, or vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner for maximum reduction of indoor allergens like cockroach droppings or pet fur on surfaces and fabrics throughout the house/apartment/room, etc.
4. Manage airflow —keep doorways clear for effective ventilation that can prevent outdoor allergies from entering indoors by dampening drafts that carry irritants into living spaces from outside areas (e.g., patio doors).
5. Regularly clean up debris—clear leaves, cut grasses and trim hedges both inside and outside of your home on eco-friendly days—days without strong breezes so as not to spread outdoor irritants carelessly around your property which may cause allergic reactions easily even indoors due to lack of proper air circulation system within the homes’ environments itself too!

Allergy testing & professional guidance

A thorough diagnosis is essential in the management of allergies, which often manifests differently from person to person. Allergy testing can help identify the allergens that trigger reactions and allow for personalized treatment.

Common tests used to diagnose allergies range from skin prick tests and patch tests to blood tests and provocation-neutralization testing. Professional guidance is also recommended, as an individualized approach within an integrative well-being regime can be tailored according to each patient’s needs.

Tests such as allergy elimination diets are available under professional supervision to ensure you’re still getting the nutrition you need whilst you trial the removal of certain foods.

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies may seem like an inevitable nuisance, but the good news is that there are effective natural treatments available. From simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding exposure to allergens to herbal preparations, probiotics supplements, vitamin C, and local honey products – all these have shown efficacy in temporarily bringing symptomatic relief from allergic reactions and improving overall health.

While over-the-counter medications can help ease symptoms of allergies quickly, they come with side effects. Furthermore, long-term usage could also lead to more serious health concerns.

Therefore, when seeking relief from seasonal allergy symptoms it would be wise to explore alternative remedies first – some of which may even outperform common OTC drugs – while remaining mindful of any safety measures that may be necessary when using them.

Ultimately using natural remedies for allergies involves balancing between potential benefits associated with its use in conjunction with professional guidance; hopefully eventually leading you on your way toward symptom-free days!