quick tips

hay fever hacks

your guide to fighting allergy symptoms, naturally

The ragweed allergies of August and September can feel unbearable. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and inhalers are often used to quiet symptoms, but side effects can be troublesome—everything from drowsiness to blurred vision to dry mouth to nausea and beyond.

Fortunately, there are natural options available.

Time for tea

A wide variety of herbal teas help ease seasonal allergy symptoms. ✔ Rooibos tea, a red tea from South Africa, has components that naturally block the release of histamines. ✔ Ginger tea works as a natural antihistamine to help reduce nasal inflammation. ✔ Peppermint tea is a natural decongestant that can slow the production of histamines and the symptoms that go with them. ✔ Green tea, an antioxidant, has a pigmentation that helps block the body’s reaction to pollen.

Rinse for relief

Pollens cling to mucous membranes within nasal passages. Use of a neti pot can flush them away. Use distilled water or tap water boiled for 3 to 5 minutes and cooled to room temperature in your neti pot. Otherwise, you may add to your allergens rather than reducing them.

Saline nasal sprays that contain xylitol are a convenient and effective option. A couple of quick squirts will wash your nose, rinsing out pollens and also interfering with how allergens adhere to tissues in the nose and sinus cavities. An added, significant bonus is that research shows xylitol can reduce the severity of viral infections and pneumonia and help prevent ear infections in children. ●

SELECTED SOURCES “Allergy facts and figures,” Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, www.AAFA.org • “Antiadhesive effects of xylitol on otopathogenic bacteria” by T. Kontiokari et al., Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy • “Do I need antihistamines for allergies?” www.WebMD.com, 1/24/22 • “How xylitol can help fight fall allergies,” www.Xylitol.com

Kelly Milner Halls has been a full-time freelance writer for the past 30 years. For more about her work, visit www.wondersofweird.com.

Here are a few more allergy-fighting tips:

• Wraparound sunglasses can protect eyes from pollen, as can eye drops. • In late summer, ragweed pollen levels tend to be highest in the morning, so plan your day accordingly. • During a high pollen day, shower after you’ve been out of the house and put on fresh clothing. Keep windows shut if possible. • Certain foods fight allergies by boosting immunity and triggering allergy-easing processes in your body. In addition to garlic, eat broccoli, citrus fruits, onion, and leafy greens like collards and kale. • Taking probiotics may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, especially if used long term.