Pollen Vortex Survival Guide

Spring has sprung! So happy! For many, this means stocking up on kleenex and anti-histamines. Not so happy...

With allergies, the trick is getting started before symptoms begin. Allergies are simply the immune system over-reacting to something that isn’t actually harmful to us. We can train our immune systems to tolerate things like pollen and prevent it from over-reacting in the first place. Here’s my survival guide for this year’s so-called Pollen Vortex:

1. Local raw honey. Visit your local farmer’s market or health food store should have this. The honey from near where you live will have pollen from similar plants that you’re probably allergic to. Having small amounts of this daily will teach the immune system that this pollen isn’t harmful and, over time, will stop reacting to it. About 1 teaspoon per day starting a month or so before the season starts. A much sweeter way of getting allergy shots!
2. Vitamin C. Chances are you’ve got some kicking around in the cupboard from cold and flu season - keep taking it! 2 grams of vitamin C per day can help reduce severity of allergies.
3. Avoid dairy. It’s mucous-producing… do you really need more mucous?
4. Nettle tea. Nettles help decrease severity of allergies and are mildly anti-inflammatory. Steep 1 tsp in a cup of hot water (or 1 tbsp per pot) for about 10-15 minutes. Aim for 1-2 cups per day.
5. De-stress and sleep well! Recent studies have shown that cortisol, our stress hormone, can worsen allergies in duration and severity, and that a disrupted sleep-wake cycle can also worsen things. Deep breaths, meditation, exercise, yoga, or simply hangout with a cup of nettle tea!
6. Try acupuncture. It’s a wonderful method of de-stressing and has also been shown to help allergies in some people. Treatments are often weekly throughout allergy season, starting a week or two before symptoms start.

There are many additional herbs and supplements out there such as quercetin, bromelain, astragalus, eyebright, butterbur, reishi, and more, but these aren’t right for some people. If your allergies are severe or if you’re on any medications, it’s best to ask your friendly ND if these are a good idea. I’m confident there’s a combination that’s just perfect for you!

References:
Asha'ari ZA, Ahmad MZ, Jihan WS, Che CM, Leman I.Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial in the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Ann Saudi Med. 2013 Sep-Oct;33(5):469-75.
Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013 Feb 19;158(4):225-34.
Fidan V, et al. Variance of melatonin and cortisol rhythm in patients with allergic rhinitis. Am J Otolaryngol. 2013 Sep-Oct;34(5):416-9.
Kompauer I, Heinrich J, Wolfram G, Linseisen J. Association of carotenoids, tocopherols and vitamin C in plasma with allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitisation in adults. Public Health Nutr. 2006 Jun;9(4):472-9.
Reinhold T, et al. Cost-effectiveness for acupuncture in seasonal allergic rhinitis: economic results of the ACUSAR trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013 Jul;111(1):56-63.
Saarinen K, Jantunen J, Haahtela T. Birch pollen honey for birch pollen allergy--a randomized controlled pilot study. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011;155(2):160-6.
Thornhill SM, Kelly AM. Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Oct;5(5):448-54.
Photo credit: from Shutterstock but can't find the author! It's not mine...

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