You can feel it in the air, can’t you. The weather is getting colder, the heat is kicking on in the house, in your car, your stuffy, sneezy, and maybe even have a bit of a cough. It is that time of year when allergies kick in and maybe even a cold, and heaven forbid the FLU.
Are you looking for some natural remedies to relieve the snuffy nose, stop the sneezing and start feeling like you can breathe freely again?
I’ve got you. I have put together a few natural remedies that I use during this season to help me transition from the heat of the summer through the dampness of autumn into the chill of winter. Give one or two or all of them a try and let me know how it goes. Bonus points for reading all the way to the end because I have a special offer and a recipe for you.
1. Local Honey
One of the most popular natural remedies for allergies is local honey. Consuming honey produced by bees in your area can help your body build a tolerance to the pollen that triggers your allergies. The theory is that by ingesting small amounts of local pollen through honey, your immune system can adapt and become less reactive to these allergens. Add a spoonful of local honey to your tea or enjoy it on whole grain toast every day to reap the benefits.
2. Quercetin-Rich Foods
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in certain foods that can help reduce allergy symptoms. It works by stabilizing mast cells in the body, which release histamine when exposed to allergens. Foods like apples, onions, and berries are rich in quercetin. Incorporate these into your diet to help prevent histamine release and mitigate allergic reactions. You can also consider quercetin supplements if needed, but always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
3. Neti Pot
A neti pot is a simple yet effective device for flushing out irritants from your nasal passages. Using a saline solution, a neti pot can help rinse away pollen, dust, and other allergens that may be causing your discomfort. Make sure to use distilled or boiled water to avoid introducing more irritants into your sinuses. When used correctly, a neti pot can provide relief from congestion and sinus discomfort.
4. Essential Oils
Certain essential oils have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties that can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender oils are popular choices. You can inhale their steam by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water or use them in a diffuser to clear the air in your home. Be cautious with essential oils if you have pets, as some can be harmful to them.
5. Auriculotherapy
Auriculotherapy is acupressure done on your ears. There are points on your ear that correspond to different parts of your body. Stimulating these points has a corresponding effect on those body parts. An Auriculotherapist uses earseeds or pellets to stimulate those points. There are two main points that you can stimulate to help relieve some of your symptoms. They are the Allergy point located at the top of the ear and the inner nose point located on the inside of the tragus, the part of your ear closest to you face.
6. Qigong Body Tapping
Qigong is an ancient energy art that helps to move stagnant energy through your body. Tapping on various parts of your body can help to clear congestion. If the congestion is in your chest, you can tap on Lung 1 and Lung 2 which is locate on either side of your body just inside the shoulder nest. If your congestion is in your nose, tap on Large Intestine 20 which is located just to the side of your nostril. If you have a sinus headache, try tapping on your forehead and your sinuses just under your eyes with four fingers of each hand.
Fall allergies can be a real nuisance
Fall allergies can be a real nuisance and these are just a few natural remedies that can help you find relief. Keep in mind that everyone’s allergies are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for your specific allergy symptoms. By incorporating these natural remedies into your routine, you can enjoy the beauty of fall without the discomfort of allergies.
If you would like further assistance with your allergies, join us for our Open House to Ease Allergies on Thursday, October 26th 7-8:30pm at Total Wellness Medical located at 208 E 2nd North St. Summerville. There will be light refreshment served and we will talk about ways you can relieve your allergy symptoms. We will also be doing an open house special of 2-point Auriculotherapy for $20 to help relieve your allergy symptoms. Can’t make it? No worries, reach out to us at jacki@jackimariest.com or call 843-900-6165 to discuss your allergies further or to schedule an appointment.
And as promised, here is a quick recipe for your morning breakfast that will jump start your allergy relief.
Breakfast Quinoa
¼ cup of Quinoa
½ cup water
1 small apple
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
1 ½ tsp of Pumpkin Pie Spice from Charleston Spice Company If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice you can add any combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and/or clove
Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
Drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa and add to the bottom of a saucepan add water.
- Bring to a boil then turn to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is evaporated.
- While quinoa is cooking, chop apple into bite size pieces and add to a bowl.
- Add walnuts to bowl.
- When quinoa is finished cooking, add spices, and salt to quinoa and stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Add Quinoa to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Drizzle with honey
- Optional, top with steamed milk of your choice
- Enjoy the warming breakfast.
