Natural Remedies for Spring Allergies
Even the most die-hard natural health devotee can be tempted to buy pharmaceutical allergy medication when the symptoms get really bad. Here’s some natural remedies for spring allergies so that maybe you just plow through the fatigue and congestion while constantly trying different herbal products to see if they’ll help. If you’re suffering from allergies because you still haven’t found an effective natural remedy, you’re in luck. Over the years I’ve put together an allergy treatment protocol that is easy to use and that really works. I’m going to lay it out step by step so that you can start your allergy relief program right away. Follow these steps and you’ll be breathing and thinking clearly in no time.
Reduce Sinus Inflammation With Ayurvedic Nasya Oil
Sinus inflammation is a major part of why people experience nasal congestion during the allergy season. The mucus membranes in the sinuses get so irritated and inflamed by the pollen’s and grasses that they can either secrete excess mucus or become too dry. The Ayurvedic remedy for this irritation is the application of herbal oil to the sinuses. Nasya oil (literally means “in the nose” in Sanskrit) comes in different varieties, but the kind I like contains eucalyptus, gotu kola, calamus root, and skullcap in a base of sesame and olive oils. You can easily apply nasya oil twice a day by hanging your head over the edge of the bed and squeezing 3-5 drops into each nostril. Then lie there for a minute while massaging your nose and cheeks in a motion towards your forehead. This will allow the oil to drain up into the sinus cavity and lubricate the mucus membranes. Nasya oil has the extra added benefit of relaxing neck tension and promoting mental clarity. People notice a huge difference in their sinus congestion with just nasya alone. Nasya is not recommended for pregnant women.
Switch out the Ice Cream for Ginger Tea
Nobody wants to hear this, but diet definitely does make a difference when you’re suffering from allergies. Most people suffer from Kapha type of allergy symptoms – sinus congestion, sneezing, lung congestion, watery eyes, fatigue, lethargy, mental fogginess. So it’s important during allergy season, and even for several weeks prior, to start a Kapha reducing diet. This means cutting out or drastically reducing dairy products (such as ice-cream), wheat, fried foods, and cold or iced drinks. During this time add warming spices like ginger, drying grains like rye and barley, and lots of fresh vegetables including leafy greens. Drink ginger tea by adding 1 inch fresh chopped ginger to 2 cups water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and serve with a little raw honey to taste.
Choose Nettles for Allergies
Native Americans used stinging nettles for thousands of years to treat many health conditions, including allergies. Now, science has proven what these wise people knew from experience: that nettles are an effective allergy treatment. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which cause heart problems or drowsiness, nettles do neither. Nettles are conveniently available in the dried form for making tea, liquid tinctures to take as drops, or in capsule form.
Eliminate Sugar
Sugar is highly acid- and mucus-forming, helping to aggravate allergies. I put my clients on a minimum 30-day low sugar diet (and no that doesn’t mean adding artificial sweeteners), and most of them see dramatic improvements in their environmental allergies even if they do nothing else.
The Sure-Fire Approach Means all 4 Steps
While each one of these steps might help a lot on their own, the 4 steps put together are my sure-fire approach. You really don’t need to stay inside all spring, or suffer for months, or take Claritin every day to breathe freely and feel normal. Try this Ayurvedic protocol to breeze through the allergy season and feel better than ever. If you want to discuss your personal health goals in detail, sign up today for a complimentary consultation.
In health,
