Seasonal Allergy notes  

It is snowing still, almost two days now, and icicles cling to the roof.  Soon it all will be melting and the buds of Spring will awaken the flora.  Once blooming begins, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes will tell us that allergy producing pollens are once again in the air.  Tree pollen allergies usually start tapping us on the shoulder in February. 

I think the best time to strengthen against the irritations of pollen begins in December.  Looking at what remedies can help strengthen your armor against troublesome allergies will help you plan a successful strategy.

One of the best remedies over time, in addition to vitamin C, has been nettle.  Yes, it's that stinging plant you'll find, usually growing in shady, damp soil areas,  as an early harbinger of a new season.

Nettle is an effective natural histamine blocker.  It has long been used to treat asthma, colds, and other respiratory troubles.  It has many other uses including benefits for anemia, dysentery, kidney and prostate health, neutralizing uric acid, normalizing heavy menstrual flow, and lowering high blood pressure, and blood cleansing.  

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is rich in tannins, iron, silicon, potassium, vitamin A and C, D, E, F, and P, calcium, sulfur, sodium, copper, manganese, chromium and zinc. It is very rich in chlorophyll. Teas and tinctures are the best way to use herbs in my mind.  If you need convenience, capsules are worth a try.  

Nettle makes a great steamed vegetable, and the delicious pot liquor gives you health benefits as well. Once steamed there is no sting, and the wonderful fresh taste is reminiscent of spinach.

Biological treatments include fasting as a way to remedy allergy. 

Nutritional supplements provide another way to off-stay and attack allergies -

• Vitamin C 

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin E 

• Manganese 

• Calcium

• Betaine HCl

• Pantothenic Acid 

• Vitamin B complex, with additional B ₁₂

Some researchers believe alkalosis is a major cause of allergy, and it is best to keep the pH of saliva at 6.4 or just slightly under 7 (test pH with pH tape at 2 pm daily).  To help correct pH add more acid or alkaline forming foods to your diet as required. 

Foods - 

• Local pollen, and raw unfiltered honey.

• Horseradish is good to use as a natural decongestant, as it will thin mucus secretions in the sinus cavities.

• Onions are high in Quercetin, often found helpful for allergy.

• Drink one or two teaspoons of raw, organic apple cider vinegar in 6-8 ounces of water before each meal.  This promotes an acidic environment in your digestive system, and helps improve metabolism and assimilation of nutrients from food.

Recommendations from Homeopathy - 

Aromatherapy -

• Eucalyptus pure essential oil heals the mucus membrane.  Sniffing it from a cotton ball several times a day or use a professional nebulizer.  You can also use the oil in your bath water.

Nasal Lavage - 

aaah-chooo, oh my!     Weather and Health

Nettle, Urtica urens