Q: I have horrible, horrible allergies. I am basically miserable going outside, which is terrible. Is there anything that can help? I hate drugging myself with over the counter stuff.
A: Allergies can be awful, and as pretty as the buds and flowers opening can be, it can make many people miserable. Thankfully, there are several things which can make a big difference in allergy symptoms.
The first thing I’d recommend is something to irrigate and rinse out the sinuses. The most commonly known thing for doing so is a neti pot, which basically looks like a small teapot. Neti pots are wonderful, though we have a newer product for rinsing out the sinuses, called Nasopure, which is even easier to use to rinse pollen, pollutants, and excess mucus from the sinuses. Here’s a quick video on how to use it. It can even be used by children.
Next, there are two supplements which can really help with allergy symptoms, stinging nettle and quercetin, both of which work as natural antihistimes. Quercetin, a potent antioxidant closely related to vitamin C, works to inhibit the release of histamine while also boosting the immune system. Quercetin is often combined with the pineapple enzyme bromelain, which increases its effectiveness. The other natural allergy remedy I’d recommend is stinging nettle capsules, which help to reduce sinus inflammation. We do have one product at the store which combines all of the above, called Quercetin Nettle Plus by Mt. Angel. It’s a really fantastic combination, which helps to relieve symptoms and get you through spring with a minimum of suffering!
There are also some lifestyle changes which can make a difference in allergy symptoms: keeping windows closed, changing clothes and bathing frequently, washing bedding. Here is a great article with simple tips to get through allergy season a little easier.