Springtime Allergies: Home Remedies

Spring is officially here, and that means allergy season has started! Here are a few tips the doctor may not have mentioned.

1. Drink more water

This one's a given. If you think you drink a lot of water already, you may not be. That was the case for me, until my acupuncturist gave me the ultimatum for dealing with my asthma: either take the meds or drink more water. I'll take the second, please!

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Eating the rainbow means we are packing in the antioxidants which lower inflammation. Since allergic reactions are inflammatory responses, it makes more sense to take in more nutrients to help combat the sniffles, sneezes, and itchy eyes.

3. Neti pot

Now I know some of you may cringe even to think of using this one. Gotta be honest, it kind of feels like getting water up the nose, because that is literally what happens. Neti pots and similar products help to clear the sinuses and can work wonders when you're really suffering! Get yours, now.

4. Relax

Deep breathing exercises and yoga postures that help to open the airways can help.

5. Tea with local honey

Mint, chamomile, and ginger teas are great for soothing allergy symptoms.

Some say that adding a teaspoon of local honey can also help since you would be ingesting local pollen. The theory is that over time, a person may become less-sensitive to this pollen. As a result, one may experience fewer seasonal allergy symptoms. I think it's not a bad idea!