You really don’t realize how often people mow lawns until you suffer from allergies. Over the years, my allergy symptoms kept getting worse. I went from itchy eyes and an itchy throat to full blown cold symptoms in less than two allergy seasons. It sucks. Spring and Summer are rough for sure, and a couple of years ago I started taking spoonfuls of local honey to relieve my allergy symptoms. It worked for a little bit, but soon the allergy gods began mocking my futile efforts toward wellness. Sigh. I had to up my game.
The power of nature never ceases to amaze me. Nature contains both the poison and the remedy simultaneously like some kind of cosmic contradiction. That’s pretty profound. I’m mad philosophical when I’ve been sneezing. Anyway, I’ve found some pretty awesome remedies that not only relieve my allergy symptoms, but also have some behind the scenes health benefits too. Yesterday was warm and sunny and full of pollen, so I had to think fast and whip up some relief before my allergies took complete control.
Citrus Allergy Relief Tonic
Ingredients
- 1/2 fresh lemon
- 2 fresh oranges
- 1-2 tbsp raw local honey
Directions
- squeeze the juice from the lemon and oranges
- allow them to chill in a sealed glass container in your refrigerator
- when you’re ready to drink, mix in the honey
- drink daily for maximum effect
How it Works
The jury is still out on whether or not there’s any science behind the effectiveness of local honey on allergies. The theory is that eating local honey will help your body gradually adapt to the allergens specific to your particular region. The Vitamin C in citrus, however, is a proven and effective natural antihistamine. All in all, this tonic helps to relieve your symptoms by aiding your already struggling immune system in fighting off allergens.
Apple Walnut Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 cup of walnuts
- 1 apple
Directions
- core and cut apple into medium sized chunks
- chop the walnuts
- mix these together and feel free to add other tasty things like dried cranberries, dried cherries, raisins, pecans, or sunflower seeds or all of the above!
How it Works
Walnuts are high in magnesium and Vitamin E. They naturally relieve symptoms like wheezing and coughing. Apples contain quercetin, a strong antioxidant, that inhibits the release of histamine in the body. Because it can be a little difficult to consume the amount of quercetin necessary to relieve extreme allergy symptoms, you can also try to incorporate a quercetin dietary supplement.
***Of course, there are some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut for my top two: Drinking a daily tonic of 1 tsp apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water really helps to relieve symptoms. Local bee pollen granules can help, but start small. Dissolve a couple of granules under your tongue at first and then move your way up to sprinkling it on your morning oatmeal, or on your yogurt. Mmmm!
