Holistic Tips for Allergy Support

May flowers (Mayflowers) do not bring just pilgrims, unfortunately. In the Willamette Valley, May is the peak season for allergies. Trees have already released their pollen, as many people will have realized to their dismay. May, however, is when grasses begin their pollen release, with weeds coming in last, later in the year. Between the trees and grasses wreaking havoc with your immune and respiratory systems right now, and the promise of more suffering in a few months, you may wonder if there is any relief until the fall. At Evergreen Nutrition we want you to know that we are on your side. We will share some holistic tips for allergy support to help you enjoy the season.

10 Tips to Avoid Pollen Exposure

1. Most pollen is emitted in the early morning between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Minimize activity at that time, if possible.
2. Stay indoors on humid and windy days when pollen is especially mobile. Use air conditioning and keep windows closed.
3. If contact lenses are worn, remove them and clean frequently as pollen may coat them.
4. Shower and shampoo at night to remove and reduce the amount of pollen you are exposed to while sleeping.
5. Take shoes off when entering the house.
6. Avoid rubbing your eyes and touching your nose and transferring pollen.
7. Avoid parking cars under trees as pollen can collect in the intake vents and ducts.
8. Wash hands after gardening or handling animals to avoid rubbing allergens into the eyes.
9. Clean air conditioners, ducts, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers and change filters often.
10. Do not hang clothing or bedding out to dry as pollens may collect on them.

Neti Pots/ Nasal Lavage

Nasal lavage, or nasal irrigation, is an Ayurvedic technique for rinsing the nasal passages with warm, salted water by means of a neti pot and neti pot salt. It can give relief from allergy symptoms, chronic sinusitis, and post-nasal drip, among other issues. It helps to cleanse airborne pathogens from the sinus and nasal passages and also hydrates these areas making mucous more effective at trapping pollen. Congestion may be greatly improved, as well, but hardened blockages may require repeated rinsings.

Neti Technique:

1. Fill the neti pot with saline solution prepared according to the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Stand at a sink, bend forward with your chin and forehead level with the floor (facing down), then turn to face sideways.
3. Gently insert the rounded spout of the neti pot into the “wing” of the top nostril just enough to seal it.
4. Relax! Breath through your mouth, and slowly pour the warm saline solution into your nostril. It will pass through the lower sinus and flow out the lower nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth. (Touch the tip of the tongue to the top of the mouth if your throat is dry.) If the solution runs into your throat, your head may be tipped up — keep your forehead and chin parallel to the floor.
5. When done, exhale vigorously through BOTH nostrils at the same time to clear the nasal passages.
6. Repeat the procedure on the other side. If you are very congested, try switching back and forth several times.
7. Eliminate any remaining water from the nose by bending over and repeating quick breaths out the nose holding a tissue lightly over the nose. DO NOT close off one nostril or squeeze the nose since that can push water into the ear canals.

Of course, if you experience any pain stop immediately and consult a doctor. Evergreen Nutrition carries a selection of neti pots and rinsing salts.

Hot ’n’ Spicy, Please

Ever noticed how your nose starts to run after you’ve finished a plate of hot wings? That’s because hot, spicy foods have an effect that can help clear nasal passages. One way to help with removal of pollen and other particulates from nasal passages is to add hot, clearing spices to your food. Cayenne, ginger, fenugreek, and even turmeric may help here. Garlic, onions, horseradish, watercress, broccoli sprouts, and arugula all contain sulfur compounds which are heating when consumed and may stimulate a runny nose (a good thing, here) and sulfur is anti-allergy itself.

An easy way to obtain these hot ’n’ spicy compounds is with fire tonics, medicinal, herb- and spice-laden drinks usually based on apple cider vinegar. Wildfire Elixirs offers their Fire Tonic, “a complex, savory, sweet, spicy, tangy elixir that harnesses qualities of a variety of medicinal botanicals to support immune function, digestive health, detoxification, reduced inflammation, vitality and balance.” Containing a potent blend of organic onion, garlic, black pepper, ginger, horseradish root and habanero pepper, this healthful brew is sure to stimulate circulation and possibly make your nose run with relief.

Holistic Allergy Support

Liver Support

Holistic treatment considers the whole person and allergies aren’t just about the upper respiratory tract. So holistic allergy support involves the liver, too. Allergies may be worsened/exacerbated by the presence of toxins in the body. The liver has to work hard to process alcohol, medications, processed food additives and other toxins. When it is over-burdened, allergies may flare up. Support your liver by gentle lifestyle changes facilitating detoxification: reduce or omit fried foods, sugar, alcohol and other toxins from your diet. Add liver supportive herbs such as dandelion, milk thistle, and turmeric or a formula with burdock and artichoke, for example.

Support Your Microbiome

Allergies may be partly the result of an imbalance in the immune system. Studies link a healthy gut microbiome with reduced incidence of allergies. Friendly bacteria in a probiotic supplement may help stimulate production of immune enhancing substances, hinder growth of pathogenic substances, and boost the immune system.

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