Natural Relief of Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Spring begins the allergy season...
We are all subject to the irritating effects of the pollen and mold spores in the air, but we don't have to be bothered by it. If you suffer from the sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes associated with seasonal environmental allergies, you'll be happy to know that there are some very effective natural approaches that will give you relief. Instead of using prescription medications which adds destructive side effects to your suffering, such as over drying sinus membranes, depletion of valuable nutrients, and liver toxicity, try implementing some of the following natural remedies to balance your immune system and ease your symptoms:

Drink more water
Consuming half your body weight in ounces of water will thin mucous secretions and hydrate your mucous membrane tissues.

Increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods.
Add more anti-inflammatory foods, such as ground flaxseeds, walnuts, and hempseeds. These foods, along with fish oil supplements, are excellent sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid which can stomp out inflammation in your nasal passages.

Minimize your consumption of mucus-forming foods
Cut back on mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, red meat, fried and processed foods, wheat, eggs, and chocolate. Not only do these foods wreak havoc on an overly taxed immune system but they promote inflammation, the very thing you are trying to avoid.

Irrigate your nostrils
Make a solution of approximately one teaspoon of noniodized sea salt per pint of warm water and rinse your nostrils at least twice daily. Performing nasal irrigation is simple and becomes second nature with just a little practice. It is highly effective at relieving nasal and sinus inflammation. I recommend that you do this 3 to 4 times daily for best results. Ask for the Sinus Irrigation Instruction Sheet

Apply a pinch Vicks
Dab a small amount of Vicks just inside the opening of your nostrils to catch and neutralize the effects of pollen.

Change your clothes
Change clothes immediately upon entering the house. Pollen is easily trapped in clothing and in your hair. So you might need to wash both more often than usual. Also, use a HEPA filtering system to minimize pollen, dust, mold spores, and other particulate matter that may exacerbate your symptoms.

Use quercetin
This bioflavonoid, naturally found in onions, grapefruit, and red wine, inhibits the body's release of histamines, resulting in decreased runny noses and watery eyes.

Try Stinging Nettle
The leaves of this herb have been found to quiet allergy symptoms very effectively.

Consider Butterbur
Very popular in Europe, this herb, which has recently entered the American market, contains Petasines, a chemical which quells inflammation and allergic response, just as effectively as Allegra and Zyrtec, according to two recent studies.

Dr. Feldman keeps several excellent products in the office pharmacy that incorporate the best combinations of herbs and nutrients. Office 314 725 2640