Fall is the season when allergens are out with a vengence. Chances are if you suffer from allergies, this season brings on the sniffles and sneezes. Those golden fields are also hiding ragweed and many molds. When your body meets the foreign invaders it doesn’t like, the immune system responds with production of histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and other inflammatory molecules. Your eyes water, nose runs, and you may sneeze or wheeze or cough.
Here are some tips for natural allergy relief:
- Shut the windows & door
- Your first and possibly best defense is avoidance. Keeping windows and doors closed and running air conditioner will help. Be sure to get an allergen-grade air filter installed.
- Minimize indoor pollution
- Dust, mites, pet dander are also common allergens. Clean air ducts, install clean filters, and have your air ducts cleaned at the end of summer. Never allow smoking inside the house. Avoid air freshners and plug-ins as much as possible. Try to buy green or natural cleaners and eliminate any unnecessary chemicals
- Filter your air & clean your shower
- Get a HEPA filter – especially for the bedroom and rooms in which you spend the majority of your time. Make sure your shower or bath doesn’t leak or that dripping faucet will lead to mold growth on wet surfaces.
- Use a neti pot
- Although it may feel a little ackward at first, get used to rinsing out your sinuses and keeping nasal passages clear of mucous by using the neti pot daily. My patients who have committed to using it all say what a huge difference it makes!
- Homeopathic remedies
- There are some great homeopathic formulas available. Some of my favorites are Boiron Sabadil (allergy symptoms) and Sinusalia (sinus pain & inflammation)
- Boost your immune system
- Medicinal mushrooms can be very effective, my favorites are Metagenics Immucore or Thorne Research Mycoimmune
- Vitamin C 1000-2000mg daily with Zinc 25-50mg daily
- High quality omega-3 fish oil (try Nordic Naturals ProOmega or Metagenics EPA DHA 720)
- Don’t forget the Vitamin D 1000IU daily or sunshine equivalent
- Take a probiotic supplement, like acidophillus 5-10billion cfus
- Traditional Chinese herbs & acupuncture
- Consult an expert in traditional chinese medicine and herbs. There are many effective treatments depending on your symptoms
- Symptom suggestions
- Orthomolecular Natural DHIST and DHIST Jr
- Metagenics Nasanol
- Thorne Research QC Nasal Spray and T. Asthmatic Plus
- XClear nasal spray
With a little planning you may have the symptom-free Fall you’ve always wanted but never dreamed possible!
Hi Dr. Jill,
Thank you for all you do!
I learn so much from you.
I have heard that Thorne no longer makes T. Asthmatica plus. It was a wonderful supplement! Is there anything else that is similar to it on the market?
Yes, I like Newton homeopathics PRO formula called Bronchitis-Asthma
warmly
Dr Jill