For many people, spring flowers and trees can seem like a mixed blessing. The fresh breezes bring stinging and watering eyes, sneezing, coughing, and even skin rashes. Did you know that many natural allergy remedies are as near as your kitchen cabinet? Ask your doctor about including these remedies with your allergy treatment.
Local Honey–Bees produce this sweet substance from pollen. Research suggests that honey from local pollen may help desensitize your body to the same pollen–much like allergy shots. Local honey is available at many health food stores. Try taking a teaspoon of local honey each day.
Black Tea–Black tea has astringent properties that can relieve swelling in the sinuses and around the eyes. Relax and sip a cup or two of hot, steaming tea with lemon (another astringent) and honey. In fact, you can use the cooled, wet teabag as an eye compress.
Eucalyptus Leaves–A common ingredient in commercially prepared cough drops, the aromatic oils in eucalyptus leaves will help clear your congestion. Boil a handful of leaves in water, shut off the heat, and breathe in the steam. It smells great, too!
Peppermint Tea–The aromatic oils in peppermint leaf help clear nasal passages. Drink a hot cup of peppermint tea when you feel congested–for additional relief, breathe in the steam, too!
Stinging Nettle–That same wild plant that produces a burning rash can help relieve allergy symptoms. Herbalists value stinging nettle as an anti-inflammatory remedy; it also appears to reduce histamine levels in the body. Prepare a nettle leaf tea or infusion, and drink 2 or 3 cups daily. You can also take freeze dried nettle capsules, which are available online or at health food stores. CAUTION: stinging nettle may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Vitamin C–I was not able to find complete relief from severe ragweed allergies until my mother suggested I try Vitamin C. I took 500mgs to 1 gram at the onset of symptoms, and repeated every hour until symptoms subsided. The symptoms would often subside in about 20 minutes. As soon as they returned, I took more Vitamin C. Eventually, the allergic symptoms did not return.
You can find bulk herbs, capsules, and teas at Mountain Rose Herbs. Their wide selection and commitment to organic, sustainable growing makes this site my favorite source.
Be well, be blessed…and breathe a little easier this spring!
Among the Pots and Pans 