It’s that time of year again. Your car is coated in a layer of yellow, your eyes are puffy, and you just can’t stop sneezing. It may even be keeping you from your favorite springtime activities or closing your windows on that signature sea breeze! Although it may be easy to pick up an over-the-counter medicine, sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. Here are some natural remedies to cure those allergy season blues:
Apple cider vinegar is truly a magic elixir. Cleaning, cooking, even that miracle diet you’ve heard about. It is also a wonderful allergy remedy for reducing mucus and cleansing your lymphatic system, that’s the one that keeps your immune system running. Try the quick way of swallowing a teaspoon (if you’re brave) or add some to a cup of warm water with honey.
Speaking of honey, I’m sure you’ve heard of that age-old tale of eating local honey to reduce allergy symptoms- well it works! It may not be immediate, but over time, your body will begin to adapt to the local pollen. This is very much like immunotherapy used for other allergens. By eating it, you’re training your body to work with nature so you can get back to it! Plus, who wouldn’t love to support our local Grand Strand honey bees?
Lastly, look into encapsulated herbs as alternative medicines. Two options you may find beneficial are Nettle Leaf and Butterbur. Both are naturally occurring antihistamines and have been said to relieve symptoms of sneezing, running nose, and itching eyes. Another benefit is that they cause less drowsiness than over-the-counter allergy pills.
If relief isn’t coming fast enough, set up a HEPA filter for a quick fix from airborne irritants- including that pesky pollen.
Hope to see you out-and-about this season, enjoying all there is on the Grand Strand.
For information about pollen count along the Grand Strand, please click here.
– By Olivia Dimatteo, a blog contributor for Garden City Realty
