The mild winter – the fourth-warmest on record – has been a pleasant surprise, but along with above-average temperatures comes an earlier spring and a longer allergy season. Combine that with higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and you get a longer season of more potent and allergenic pollen. In other words: get ready for a rough allergy season ahead.
The trees have started budding and releasing pollen earlier, so if you suffer from spring allergies it’s time to start stocking up on allergy relief! But instead of running to the store and stocking up on antihistamines and other allergy medications, try a natural approach this season – at least while you can.
Studies are finding that some herbs are just as effective as expensive drugs, while foods rich in vitamin C and folic acid can help reduce the inflammation associated with allergic reactions. Just about 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day can ease allergy symptoms!
So skip the medications and save yourself money with these 9 natural allergy remedies:
Broccoli. It’s high in vitamin C and it’s a member of the crucifer family, plants that have been shown to clear out blocked-up sinuses. Just one cup of broccoli has 80 mg of vitamin C!
Citrus Fruits. A large orange contains nearly 100 mg of vitamin C, and a large grapefruit has about 120 mg.
Kale. This leafy green superfood is a member of the crucifer family like broccoli, but it also contains carotenoids, pigmants believed to help fight allergy symptoms.
Collard Greens. These greens are full of phytochemicals, and are absorbed better when eaten with a healthy fat like olive oil.
Stinging Nettle. According to Rodale, stinging nettle contains histamine, the chemical your body produces during an allergic reaction, so it helps you acquire tolerance. Look for 500-mg freeze-dried nettle capsules, and take three times a day.
Butterbur. Butterbur leaves and roots petasine compounds, which can block some reactions that cause allergies. Swiss and German researchers found that butterbur was just as effective as the prescription antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) after two weeks of treatment. It’s also been shown to relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose, stuffiness, and watery eyes in just five days. But this is not recommended for children, people older than 65, or those with ragweed allergies. And look for butterbur products without pyrrolizides. Talk to your doctor first to be safe.
Elderberries. Often hailed as a natural flu treatment, this berry has immune-strengthening properties that can relieve allergy symptoms, too.
Onions and Garlic. Both contain quercetin, which helps fight allergies by acting like an antihistamine!
Parsley. The fresh herb has been said to inhibit the secretion of allergy-inducing histamine. It’s a diuretic though, so talk to your doctor before taking supplements or eating large amounts of it.
