Spring Allgeries & Natural Treatments

Clearing the way for a hay fever free spring

The seasons have changed once again, and as spring opens up to new growth, pollen will be flying soon. These changes, along with our perpetual spring winds, can bring along respiratory health issues that can put a damper on our spring and summer fun.

Hay fever allergies are seasonal for most people. Between April and June, trees seem to be the culprit and from May to September grasses play a bigger role.

Sneezing, runny nose and burning wet eyes can take its’ physical toll on us if we suffer seasonal allergies. Research has even shown that it can lead to elevated depression.

A variety of easy tricks can help decrease some of our pollen load. Shutting windows on a windy day is beneficial. Changing your pillowcase every few days, as well as your sheets can help decrease nighttime pollen irritation. Some people go as far as using an electrostatic air filter. One of the medical health goals is to decrease the histamine response in the body, and certain foods are better at that then others. Foods that have a high content of selenium and glutathione help. So next time at dinner consider a plate of yams, sweet potato and a multi-colored salad. Carotene, found in carrots, yams and pumpkins are also a good choice. Make sure you are consuming more healthy oils than bad ones. These would include olive oil, flax seed oil and fish oils. In addition, lots of water, as usual, is good for your cells and if you add a little fresh lime or lemon juice, you will get the added benefit of alkalizing your body.

One of my favorite herbal remedies for decreasing seasonal allergies is nettles. Freeze dried nettles in capsulated form have shown some excellent results. There are varieties of allergy formulas that include nettles at your local health food store. Quercetin, a supplement derived from yellow onions, also has the effect of decreasing histamine release and allergy symptoms.

One of the best alternatives remedies I have seen is with the use of homeopathy. Homeopathy is comprised of minimal dosage, non-toxic lactose pellets that are infused with a natural substance. It can help the body’s innate ability to recovery for symptoms.

Two homeopathic remedies are specific to hay fever. Euphrasia, commonly known as eyebright, has a natural affinity towards the eyes. It has a symptom picture of water, burning and itchy eyes. The nose many be running, but if it is, the fluid is bland and not burning.

The second remedy of choice for hay fever is Allium cepa, otherwise known as onion. Allium also affects the nose and eyes but with this remedy, the reverse is true. The nose is running and the fluid is burning and irritating, while the eyes maybe watery, they are not itchy.

If you experience season allergies, one of these remedies just might help you enjoy the coming of spring and summer. If you catch it earlier enough, instead of blowing your nose inside, you just might be outside digging in the garden and welcoming the season as it rolls in.

Dr. Keri Brown, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor and sustainable living and renewable energy specialist. She can be reached at 970-889-3541. Contact me if you need help this season.