It’s that time of the year again… ALLERGY SEASON. This year my allergies have hit me like a ton of bricks. We’ve had a very random winter with very cold days mixed with record breaking highs and so the trees are budding earlier then usual which according to the weather man means allergy season is prolonged this spring. Great. In the past I’ve blogged about essential oils and allergy relief but for me personally, essential oils weren’t enough. I refuse to take allergy medicine despite being miserable, so this year I’ve found a few new remedies that have truly reduced my symptoms, making life during allergy season doable. Of course, I had to share.
Knowing peppermint, lemon and lavender essential oils are the trifecta of essential oils when it comes to allergy relief, the first line of defense is diffusing. I diffuse a blend of lemon, lavender & peppermint morning and night to purify my indoor air as well as reduce inflammation in my nasal and sinus area. (learn more about diffusing HERE) This is not new info. if you’re a long time reader but what is new info. is diffusing in the car. It’s amazing and incredibly effective since us allergy sufferers do have to occasionally venture out of the house and brave the pollen filled air. I have THIS car diffuser and am in love with it! I now diffuse in my car no matter what.
I also apply THIS salve in and around my nose for decongestion, reduced inflammation and healing of the skin around the nose due to blowing constantly.
The next product that is making the most difference in the way I feel is Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. I am taking about 1-2 tbsp. 3x a day in 8-12 ounces of water. This has helped with that itchy feeling you get when you can’t quit rubbing your tongue on the roof of your mouth. I skipped the ACV the other night and woke up sneezing and itchy. It could have been a coincidence but I’m not skipping it until the air outside settles down. You must use an ACV that has “the mother” in it. Find it HERE. HERE is a recipe for a daily ACV drink that has a plethora of other benefits as well.
I’m also taking 2 capsules of Nettle 2x a day. Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine and is extremely helpful with inflammation. It also is a diuretic and helpful in reducing blood pressure. It is very high in vitamin C and A as well as chlorophyll. You can take the capsules and/or drink the tea. Nettle leaf is very affordable (and an Amazon Prime product) so if you’re suffering go HERE now! Since I started doing both ACV and taking Nettle, it’s hard to tell which one is working more, but I’m not going to stop taking one to find out!
One more angle to allergy relief that I’d like to address is gut health. When there is an imbalance in the gut, your body reacts very strongly to stimuli such as allergies to food, pollen, pollution and even sensitivities to products. Because I am having such a strong allergic reaction to outdoor allergies this year, I am questioning my current probiotic. I’ve decided (per Wellness Mama) to give THIS probiotic a try for a while. Dramatic reactions to outdoor allergies could be a warning sign that your gut needs attention. If you are experiencing more and more sensitivities to food and products such as detergents and even skin care, you might need to re-think your probiotic. Go HERE for a deeper understanding of probiotics and gut health.
I’m not feeling 100% with these new remedies but I’m much better with them then without them. I experienced relief within hours after starting the ACV 3x a day and the nettle leaf. Nettle leaf and ACV can be found in most health food stores if you need immediate relief.
Do you have a natural allergy remedy? Please share if you do!! I am still having a time with itchy eyes-I’ve lost so many eye lashes and am aging my eyes by rubbing! Allergies are such a bummer but at least we have the promise of spring coming very soon!
xx, Jenni
