Do you suffer from Spring Allergies?

I have hope for you – I’ve learned how to prevent spring allergies naturally!

I used to suffer from year-round allergies that were at their very worst in the spring. My nose dripped constantly, plus I had frequent colds, sinus infections and migraines (I was miserable!). I was on a corticosteroid inhaler and took antihistamines for six months out of the year… and I still had sinus issues.

After reading about the dangers of corticosteroids, I decided to try fighting my allergies naturally. I wasn’t sure I could do it, but since nothing else was working why not give it a try. Amazingly enough, it’s worked (way better than all those medications I was on!).

This is the protocol that I have followed for the last twelve years. I can’t promise that it will work for everyone, but I can say that I am now medication and almost completely allergy free. Why not give it a shot?

Cut back or eliminate dairy products – especially milk and cheese. This is a biggie for me. I love my cheese, but unfortunately it leads to a lot of congestion and extra mucus production for me. I have found that while I can tolerate dairy at certain times of the year, spring is the season that I need to cut way back or even eliminate it. Try a week off dairy as an experiment – when you add it back in you’ll get a good idea if it’s affecting you (or not!).

Spring Cleanse – Spring is a great time of year to cleanse and detox the body from winter’s excesses. Cleansing the body now will help your body deal with spring allergies. A Spring Cleanse is also a great way to see how you feel without dairy. Not sure how to cleanse on your own? I’m leading a Spring Cleanse April 11-15. Find out more here: Spring Cleanse

Neti pot – The neti pot is a great tool for irrigating your sinuses. It is excellent for preventing and providing relief from allergies, sinus infections and colds. 1/2 tsp. of sea salt is mixed with warm water*. The spout of the neti pot is placed in one nostril. Tilt your head to the side and the salt water goes through your sinuses and drains out the other nostril. It is safe, simple and effective. Use it first thing in the morning as part of your bathroom routine, or more often as needed.

Green Magma Barley Grass supplement – Mix 2 tsp. barley grass with 8oz. of water and drink it first thing in the morning. Besides providing allergy relief, it’s full of nutrients that will give you an energy boost. I find that it helps combat the “foggy-head” feeling of pollen allergies.

Local bee pollen** or local honey – Bee pollen** reduces sensitivity to pollen allergies. Eat 1 teaspoon in the morning after checking for allergic reaction (see below). It is best to start taking bee pollen 2-4 weeks before spring allergy season begins and continue taking it throughout the season. Local honey is also helpful for allergies, although I have found that bee pollen works better for me.

QUERCITIN – A type of antioxidant called a flavonoid, QUERCITIN is thought to prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine, which is involved in the allergy symptoms of sneezing and the itching of mucus membranes. This is a great substitute for antihistamines and can be used as symptoms occur.

Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils – Essential oils are the latest tool in my anti-allergy toolkit. You can sniff them straight from the bottle, diffuse them in the air or rub a little bit on the soles of your feet. Be careful with peppermint essential oil, it can burn your skin if applied straight (mix it with a little bit of coconut or other oil). Use as symptoms occur.

Where can I buy this stuff? Neti pot, barley grass, QUERCITIN and bee pollen can be found at health food stores such as Whole Foods.

*Use distilled or boiled water in the neti pot, especially if your tap water comes from a well.

**Bee pollen warning – Before taking a full dose of bee pollen it is very important to test for a possible extreme allergic reaction by ingesting just one granule. Gradually build up over a week or so to the correct dose.

Do you get Spring Allergies? Have you discovered any natural remedies that work for you?