It’s springtime and the flowers and trees are in full bloom. Beautiful, right? But if you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you’re probably experiencing a combination of head, sinus and lung congestion, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, post-nasal drip, itchy eyes, headache, fatigue...and the list goes on.
Allergies occur when the immune system attacks a substance it believes to be harmful—like pollens, grasses, mold, trees, animal dander and dust—even if the substance isn’t a toxin. This hypersensitive defense mechanism is regulated through a histamine response.
Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies that help control the histamine response and the accompanying inflammation. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Allergena: A homeopathic formulation that includes pollens from trees, weeds and grasses from specific zones in the U.S. Allergena works through a process of desensitizing the immune system to allergens.
- Vitamin C: 1,000 mg, 3-5 times per day, acts as a natural antihistamine, enhances the immune system and protects against stress.
- Probiotics: Allergy sufferers often have intestinal dysbiosis, which causes the immune system to perform in a hyperactive state. Replenishing the gut with probiotics can greatly help immunity, digestion and allergies.
- AllerDx by Plantiva: This herbal blend is formulated to address both the underlying cause of environmental sensitivities as well as the allergy symptoms.
- Quercetin: A plant-derived flavonoid, quercetin acts as a natural anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
- Nettle leaf: Assists in clearing congestion and reducing inflammation.
- Luffeel Nasal spray: A homeopathic formulation that relieves itchy eyes, nasal congestion and sneezing.
- Vital Nutrients BCQ: A blend of boswellia, bromelain, turmeric and quercetin. This formula is a great anti-inflammatory, especially in acute situations.
All of these supplements can be used daily as preventive medicine or as symptoms pop up. And next time you’re feeling sniffly, remember that addressing digestive and immune health issues could help to prevent or greatly reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms.
Kate Brainard, is a naturopathic doctor based in San Diego, California. A graduate of Bastyr University’s doctorate program in Naturopathic Medicine, she works for Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, a holistic pharmacy staffed with expert practitioners. She currently manages the Pharmaca in La Jolla and spends time educating customers on supplements, health and lifestyle choices.
