The familiar sneezing, persistent itching, and overall discomfort—do these symptoms resonate with you?
They sure do for me.
I know them too well.
If you're one of many seeking relief from these seasonal issues, without resorting to conventional remedies, you're in the right place.
While this article won't by any means be exhaustive, it's my hope that inside you find at least one great piece of information that you can take with you and use to make yourself feel better!
I myself have dealt with seasonal and environmental allergies, so I know the pain!
I look at treating allergies with a three-step approach.
ONE: Reducing Exposure
Firstly, let's discuss the concept of reducing exposure.
And no, I don't mean hide outside or rehome your pet!
This method focuses on minimizing contact with allergens, creating a safe haven within your living environment.
A vital tool in achieving this is the AIR.
I'm sure you've heard of the "High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)" filter.
It's well known for its ability to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, this device effectively filters common allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Whether opting for a compact desktop version for personal spaces or a larger unit capable of servicing extensive living quarters, strategically placing a HEPA filter, particularly in the bedroom where significant time is spent, can significantly reduce allergen exposure.
When we were remediating mold in our home, 24 hours of running one in the bedroom stopped all-night coughing!
Especially when it comes to the bedroom, it's so important to make that space as low-tox and health-giving as possible.
Why?
Because you spend a LOT of time there! At least 8 hours out of every 24 are spent in there between sleeping, getting dressed, etc.
When fighting allergies, it can be hard to give your body a break in the inflammation cycle. Focusing in on making your sleeping hours as clean and clear as possible give your body time to tame the inflammation and heal tissues.
It can be a game changer.
There are a lot of nice, high quality filters out there, many highly recommended and they come in a range of sizes and price points.
I've had amazing results with these:
Honeywell - my top pick for affordability and quality
Levoit - low price and great for by your bedside
AirDoctor - top of the line
Also remember that removing the offending particles from your body is also very helpful at stopping issues.
How?
Well, for anything offending the nasal passages, using a netti pot or nasal spray to irrigate and lubricate the tissues will bring around results.
This particular spray is a favorite of mine, for the helpful ingredients inside!
TWO: Natural Antihistamines
Moving on to natural antihistamines, I tend to bypass conventional pharmaceutical options in favor of nature's remedies.
Anti-histamines are, well, ANTI (against) Histamines (allergy responses). They STOP your body's allergic response to whatever allergen is affecting it. Over the counter ones are well known, so I won't go into those. Instead, I'm going to highlight some (there are tons!) of the natural ones that I have personally found effective with myself, family, and clients.
Vitamin C emerges as a potent contender in this arena, exhibiting antihistaminic properties when administered at appropriate doses ranging between 15,000 to 20,000 milligrams daily, with potential escalation to 50,000 milligrams under heightened (ie high pollen count, staying overnight at a family member's home who has cats and you're allergic to cats...) circumstances.
Because I know you're going to ask me.... I don't know how much you need to take. The dose is personal, and fluctuates based on hundreds of factors that make up your current health status.
For most the sweet spot is between 15-20 grams of Ascorbic Acid during the day but that can vary! It's safe to take all day, as much as you find you need. If you need more information about how to dose Vitamin C orthomolecular, shoot me a message or grab the Immune Support Vault.
Similarly, therapeutic-grade (it must be the highest quality for anything I'm about to say to be true) lavender essential oil serves as a notable natural antihistamine.
Lavender is pretty excellent at providing relief from allergy-induced distress with its aromatic medicines.
We use this topically and internally. Diffusing it in the home is a great way to help everyone relax and give the benefits to all the people around.
A favorite remedy we use, and that I personally have used with so much success is the "Seasonal Bomb."
In a capsule, add 2 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon vitality essential oils. Take every 15 minutes until you're comfortable! Then continue every 2 hours as needed.
Watch me make (and take!) a Seasonal Bomb here!
It's also worth mentioning the soothing and relieving effects of herbs that open up airways, like the ones curated in a favorite blend of mine, Seasonal Essentials.
These can be applied topically (think like vicks) or diffused.
Lastly for today, the realm of homeopathy introduces "Histaminum," a remedy capable of emulating the actions of conventional antihistamines without accompanying adverse effects.
Homeopathy is a nuanced and not largely understood modality that I am only just scratching the surface of.
It's more tricky to pinpoint the exact remedy to use in homeopathy than it is with aromatherapy and herbs, as they are very specific, as opposed to broad spectrum like the other modalities.
However, it's proven effective enough times that it should not be left out and is worth a try.
It's inexpensive and super safe, so give it a go. I personally have had excellent results using Histaminum!
Don't worry too much about dosage. The key is to take it frequently until symptoms subside.
THREE: Lower Inflammation
Now to touch upon the never-ending topic of inflammation!
It's a common consequence of allergic reactions, that causes discomfort in breathing, nose, eyes, skin....and on and on.
In addressing this physiological response, we can turn to natural remedies such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and antioxidants.
I've already shared a lot about MSM in this post, so head over there to learn more.
NAC is a recently more popular antioxidant that helps replenish levels of glutathione, the body's master antioxidant.
It plays a crucial role in combating inflammation by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, thereby mitigating inflammatory responses in the body.
It's safe, affordable, and easy to take! And can do wonders.
I'd be misguided to not mention that essential oils also have anti-inflammatory abilities, because of their bioactive compounds, such as terpenes and phenolics, which can inhibit inflammatory pathways and reduce the production of inflammatory mediators in the body.
So while you might be using them in part two, you'll also be hitting part 3 at the same time.
Flooding your body with anti-inflammatory goodness will help alleviate the allergy discomfort and then some!
Ready to tackle allergies this season?
I recommend taking this three-pronged approach for sure results.
You can treat yourself at home with efficacy, if you have the right tools!
Since I know you want them, here are my top recommendations, ready to click and go!
Whether through strategic reduction of allergen exposure, harnessing the antihistaminic potential of natural compounds, or alleviating inflammation, a plethora of natural options await you!
To help narrow it down, here are my top recommendations.
Reduce Allergens
Honeywell - my top pick for affordability and quality
Levoit - low price and great for by your bedside
AirDoctor - top of the line
Natural Antihistamines
Use code LIVINGWELL on Revitalize Wellness and code SHAREYL on Young Living for discounts in your cart
Lower Inflammation
Sulfurzyme (recommended MSM +antioxidants)
Allergy Defense (NAC, Vitamin C, + more in one supplement)
Additional Comfort Measures
Use code SHAREYL on Young Living for discounts in your cart
Not sure what to choose from the list? Send me a message and I'll help you.
I pray this information blesses you and enables you to move forward in your health even more effectively... with unencumbered respiration!
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