healthy strategies

spring allergy plan

Sneezing, itching, and congestion got you down? You might have seasonal allergies.

Histamines carried by seasonal pollens and grasses are the most common culprits. They cause nasal tissue to swell, making it hard to breathe. The same airborne allergens can cause your nose and eyes to run, your mouth to itch, and your skin to break out with hives or rashes.

Fortunately, there are several natural options to ease common allergy symptoms.

Tea to the rescue

A wide variety of herbal teas can ease seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are a few to try:

Type of tea How it helps

Rooibos tea Rooibos has components that naturally block the release of histamines. Rooibos is even thought to help allergy-sensitive systems to metabolize the irritants.

Ginger tea Ginger tea is a natural antihistamine that helps reduce nasal inflammation.

Peppermint tea

Green tea Peppermint tea is a natural decongestant that can slow the production of histamines and the symptoms that go with them.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and helps block the body’s reaction to allergens like pollen, dust, and animal dander.

The power of water

Pollens cling to mucous membranes within our nasal passages, so use of a neti pot can flush away allergens and provide relief. Be sure to use distilled water or tap water boiled for 3 to 5 minutes and cooled to room temperature in your neti pot.

Breathe in relief

Some scents may help reduce allergy symptoms. Peppermint essential oil can help clear sinuses, loosen and discharge mucus, and reduce coughing. Use several drops of peppermint essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser. Other scents that may help include sandalwood and frankincense. ●

SELECTED SOURCES “8 teas and herbal teas to survive the allergy season,” www.FourOclock.ca • “9 most effective natural remedies to treat seasonal allergies” by Adele Jackson-Gibson, www.GoodHousekeeping.com, 3/24/20 • “Allergies,” Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, www.AAFA. org • “Relieve allergy symptoms without drugs,” www.WebMD.com, 2021

Steam away symptoms

If you don’t have a neti pot, you can try breathing in some steam. Turn your faucet on full heat, let the steam gather, lean toward the sink, and use a towel to create a tent over your head. Breathe deeply for three to five minutes, and your symptoms should gently reduce. If standing bent over a sink is uncomfortable, take a hot shower in a closed bathroom as an alternative method.

Clean up your act

A little extra spring cleaning can help reduce the influx of allergens and the symptoms that go with them. If sniffles and sneezes are driving you mad, sweep, mop, and dust to cut down on the torment. Here are some tips to get you started: ✔Focus on using nontoxic cleaning agents. ✔Vacuum often with an effective

HEPA filter. ✔Change your pillowcases twice a week. ✔Dust and immediately dispose of or launder your dusting rags and tools. ✔Keep your airconditioning filters clean.

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