Treating Seasonal Allergies Naturally

Treating Seasonal Allergies Naturally

Actifed, Benadry1, Claritin…you could make an alphabet book with the names of allergy medications drugstores sell to soothe seasonal symptoms. But all have side effects that can be as annoying as the sniffles and sneezes they treat. So, why not review some natural therapies for treating allergy symptoms?

Caution: As per regular readers have heard before, using “natural” treatments for anything allergies included doesn’t automatically mean safe and dosages must be adjusted to your individual needs by your own naturopathic physician. For broad advice on this topic we asked Jamison Starbuck, ND. She practices natural and holistic medicine in Missoula, Montana, is a past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and has lots of helpful suggestions to discuss with your own doctor.

Some Treatments That Help

Dr. Starbuck recommends assorted supplements to quell her patients’ symptoms.

Quercetin

→ Anti-Inflammatory
→ Immunity Booster

Abundant in apples, citrus fruits, raspberries, black and green tea, grapes and red wine, this bioflavonoid has the capacity to strengthen the capillaries in the upper respiratory tract to make them less reactive to the airborne particles, including pollens or spores from grasses, weeds trees and ragweed that trigger many allergic symptoms. Quercetin’s anti-inflammatory capacity is especially helpful because some people prone to allergies simply have highly reactive mucus membranes, meaning they have a low tolerance for irritation. “Quercetin supports the immune system at the same time it helps to decrease inflammation,” explains Dr. Starbuck. “Patients have told me that using quencetin alone has made a huge difference in their symptoms and suffering.”

Note:  This super bioflavonoid is inexpensive and available in capsule form at health food stores. Remember that quercetin may interact with certain drugs. Check with your doctor.

Vitamin C

→ Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory and free-radical-quenching capacities of vitamin C decrease the release of histamines, which our bodies generate to manage allergic insults like pollen.

Important:  Dr. Starbuck cautions that at higher dosages of this super-power vitamin, some people may notice a loosening of the bowels-if you’re among them, ask your doctor to cut you back to a lower dose.

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Treating Seasonal Allergies Naturally