Organic Allergy Relief

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For six years I took two prescription medications year-round to help me deal with the symptoms. Those medications never helped me stop having allergies though. They were ever present, flaring up on especially bad pollen days, or lurking around the edges ready to spring out if I was late or missed a dose of medication. 

One day I just got sick of it all. Sick of the nasal spray that tasted gross on the back of my throat, sick of getting refills to take pills that never truly helped. What I really wanted was natural and organic allergy relief. 

So I quit taking all the medications and searched for natural allergy relief. I dramatically cleaned up my diet, did a week-long cleanse and took herbs for allergies to strengthen my immune system. 

It’s now been over a decade since I’ve taken pharmaceutical medications for seasonal allergies. But what’s even better, since I’ve found organic allergy relief I haven’t had any symptoms of allergies at all! 

What are seasonal allergies?
What causes allergies?

Seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis or hay fever is a type 1 hypersensitivity to airborne allergens such as pollens, furry companions, dust and possibly foods. When a sensitized individual breathes in these allergens it creates a response by IgE antibodies which then release multiple inflammatory modulators, most notably histamine.

Common allergies and symptoms

Seasonal allergy symptoms differ for each person but generally include: 

• red, itchy eyes
• sneezing
• runny nose or clogged nose
• sinus headaches
• wheezing
• watery eyes

Based on the time of year a person is having their problems, you can make a rough estimation of their common allergies and symptoms. 

What causes allergies by seasons

Those experiencing an allergic reaction to tree pollens generally have the most discomfort in the spring. 

Those experiencing an allergic reaction to grass pollens generally have the most discomfort in the summer. 

Those experiencing an allergic reaction to weed pollens (ragweed most often) have the most discomfort in the fall. 

What does western medicine do?

When someone is first diagnosed with allergic rhinitis they are often referred for allergy testing to find out what they are allergic to. 

Most pharmaceutical drugs to address seasonal allergies are aimed at suppressing the release of histamine (anti-histamines). Many of these drugs are notorious for having a range of side effects, most commonly extreme drowsiness. Western treatment also recommends avoidance of the suspected allergens.

Organic Allergy Relief

When someone first displays seasonal allergy symptoms they are often referred to get some type of allergy test to find out what they are allergic to. The main lifestyle recommendations for people with seasonal allergies tends to be avoidance: avoiding being outside at high pollen times (morning), taking a shower before bed to wash away pollens, closing windows, etc.

But while avoiding allergens can be slightly helpful in the short term, it will not stop you from getting allergy symptoms in the future!

In my practice, I am less interested in what someone is allergic to and more interested in why they are allergic to it. The why helps me to determine what the person’s organic allergy relief will be. 

Seasonal allergies are often the symptoms of an imbalanced immune system and a sluggish detoxification system. Fix those things and, more often than not, you can kiss those seasonal allergies goodbye using natural allergy relief! 

When looking for organic allergy relief you ideally start to work on the issue at least six weeks before your symptoms typically arise. While I expect the various symptoms to be improved quite quickly, it may take a year of doing deeper work to fully resolve the symptoms. 

Herbal Allergy Relief

Herbs for allergies are some of the best home remedies for allergies. They provide natural allergy relief in various ways. They can support the immune system to decrease overall symptoms and they can block histamine and reduce the symptoms during an acute stage of seasonal allergies. Herbs for allergies, along with diet and lifestyle changes can be the best forms of organic allergy relief. 

Immunomodulator herbs for allergies
These herbs are deeply nourishing and restoring to the immune system. They are generally taken over time and have a myriad of benefits such as decreasing negative reactions to stress, supporting the HPO axis and promoting overall well being. Taken over time they help to resolve the underlying issue of the allergic response. 

Bitters (Liver herbs for allergies)
Supporting liver function can dramatically decrease allergic response. Taking a well-formulated bitters blend (or eating your dandelion leaves) with meals can support the digestive fire leading to decreased phlegm in the body. 

Astringent herbs for allergies
Astringent herbs can be used to symptomatically reduce the allergic symptoms. These are generally only taken for the duration of the allergy season (or more frequently for those allergic to animal dander who experience more perennial allergies). I often suggest these be titrated up in dosage until desired results are achieved. 

Mucosal membrane trophorestorative herbs for allergies
These herbs can be used to heal the mucosal membranes that can become lax or damaged after prolonged seasonal allergy symptoms. 

Lifestyle changes for Organic Allergy Relief

Food choices can be a very important part of finding effective home remedies for allergies. Many people find that an elimination diet helps them determine which foods are exacerbating the immune response. Gluten and dairy are often culprits. 

Because seasonal allergies are a highly inflammatory condition, eating a diet high in antioxidants and healthy fats will help to reduce the systemic inflammation. 

Allergy Supplements

The following list is some of the best allergy supplements to find natural allergy relief. 

• EPA/DHA, 5 grams a day (also eating cold-water fish 2-3 times per week)

• Vitamin C, to bowel tolerance (1 gram an hour until loose stools develop, backing off to one gram every 2 hours; this is for acute care.) 

• B complex

• Quercetin

• Probiotics (loading doses)

• Magnesium, to bowel tolerance

• Vitamin D3 (appropriate sunlight exposure, if possible, is best)

Summary of Organic Allergy Relief

Seasonal allergies, while seldom serious, can be a major source of discomfort. The good news is that you don’t have to live with seasonal allergies! Most often you can find natural allergy relief by first uncovering the underlying reasons, then using herbs for allergies along with an improved diet and lifestyle.