Spring has sprung in most areas, even though as I type this in NYC, it is 30 degrees outside. Many of my friends and family are suffering from allergies this spring. Even my dog, Bella is suffering! Her poor eyes are runny, as they were last spring. I am fortunate that I am not really affected by spring allergies, but I hope my article will help those that are suffering.

What exactly is the allergic response? Simply put, allergy symptoms are an improper response by the body’s immune system. The immune system is very complex and is your body’s line of defense against invaders. However, for people who suffer from allergies, the immune system misidentifies certain nontoxic substances, called allergens, creating the common symptoms allergy suffers complain of: headache, sore throat, sunny nose, congestion, sinus pain, etc.

Instead of suffering from seasonal allergies, I suffer from allergies to dust and many animals, which is a real shame because I love animals. There are many prescription and over the counter allergy tablets one can take to alleviate the symptoms of allergies and I have tried most of them for my allergies, however, most of them make me feel drowsy, even the “non-drowsy” variety. Years ago I decided to research natural remedies and have tried them, with a fair amount of success. Now, I can be around cats without my lungs closing up and a trip to the emergency room, as has happened in the past.

First, since allergies are the result of a malfunctioning immune system, it makes sense to build up your immune system. You can do this by limiting processed and refined foods, and eating more whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Drink a lot of water, and limit the amount of sugar in your diet as well, because sugar impairs the immune system by immobilizing macrophages, a type of white blood cell that floats through your blood picking up toxins and invaders. Take a multi-strain probiotic with at least 1 million bacteria per serving. The best probiotics are those found in the refrigerated section of the health food store. Do not be fooled into eating sugar-filled yogurt!

Because allergens typically induce inflammation, taking omega-3’s may also help. Because of the sad state of our oceans, the overfishing of many species of fish, and unhealthy factory-farmed fish, I recommend vegetable sources of omega-3. Chia seed and flax oil are most common, with chia seed oil having a higher concentration of omega-3’s than flax seed oil. Algal, manufactured from algae, the source where fish obtain their omega-3 fatty tissues is the best, however, it can be difficult to find.  

Methylsulfonylmethane, commonly known as MSM is a dietary sulfur found in fresh fruits and vegetables. It works as an anti-inflammatory within the body. Within the body, sulfur is found in hair, skin, and nails, which makes the supplement excellent for supporting healthy joints and hair and nail growth. I take MSM almost daily. It works synergistically with vitamin C, so for maximum benefits take with fresh-squeezed citrus juice, or as I do, with my EmergenC (vitamin C and B-vitamin powder I add to my morning green smoothie). I noticed with regular MSM consumption my hair and nails grow very quickly, and my cranky knees stop aching. I feel MSM has also played a large role in alleviating my asthma and allergies to animals and dust. Another benefit of MSM is aiding muscles in recovering from working out.

Nettle, also known as stinging nettle, a common weed found in gardens and on the side of roads has been shown to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavities. Nettle is a very powerful antioxidant as well. Antioxidants help to prevent free-radical damage.

Wild Angelica can be useful for sinus problems and is particularly good for clearing sinus blockages that cause pain around the eyes. It balances histamine levels and normalizes swelling as well as opening nasal passages. It has also been successfully used to treat sinus infections by allowing fluid to drain from the sinuses.

Eucalyptus and thyme leaves can relieve congestion by boiling one ounce of either herb in a cup of boiling water and inhaling the steam.

Yerba Mate is a tea and can also help if you don’t have sensitivities to caffeine. Mix 2-3 tsp with 2 cups of boiling water and drink on an empty stomach.

Burdock is a blood cleaning herb and may help by removing toxins from the blood.

Dandelion and milk thistle are also helpful for tonifying the liver, which is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood.

NOTE: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only. Some herbs can interfere with prescription medications. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before experimenting with herbs.