Want to Ease Allergy Symptoms?

Are you suffering from congestion, sinus pressure, or watery and itchy eyes? If so, you’re not alone. Many of my clients, friends, and colleagues have been suffering from allergies recently, so I thought I would share some remedies for easing your symptoms.

Nettle

Nettle is an herb that has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. Taking ½ teaspoon tincture or 1-2 capsules (preferably freeze-dried) every 2-4 hours may alleviate symptoms. A tincture is a liquid extract that works faster and more completely than other forms of supplementation. Tinctures come is small glass bottles with a dropper.

Allium cepa

This is a homeopathic remedy that relieves runny nose and burning, watery eyes. Homeopathic remedies come in a container that resembles chap stick. The container has little pellets that taste sweet and you let them dissolve in your mouth.

Citrus Seed Extract

Citrus Seed Extract, such as Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), alleviates allergy symptoms – including hay fever. Following the directions on the container, you can put a few drops of GSE in 1/4 cup water or juice 2-3 times daily with or without meals. (Note: you always want to dissolve GSE in liquid. It is very bitter, so dissolving in juice makes it easier to get down.)

Eliminate Dairy

Dairy is a very mucus producing food, and therefore, removing dairy from your diet during allergy season, can reduce your symptoms. I have found that you must remove it completely in order to experience the benefits.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat allergies by working on stabilizing the immune system, decreasing swelling and inflammation of local tissues to stop itching, decreasing secretions of mucus membranes to reduce nasal discharge and watery eyes, and strengthening your natural resistance to antigens. If you would like names of acupuncturists in your area, email me and I’ll be glad to pass along some names. (Note: Many people are hesitant about acupuncture because they think it will hurt. Trust me, it is not painful at all. In fact, it’s incredibly relaxing.)

Limit Your Exposure

If you are a chronic allergy sufferer, you might want to consider avoiding exercising outdoors.windy days, avoid going outside if your allergies are severe. Particularly on