Delicious and natural seasonal allergy solutions

It’s officially allergy season. And instead of resorting to sleepy over-the-counter medications, I have the best tips for natural allergy solutions.

As someone predisposed to autoimmune disease and having been cured of Crohn’s naturally over a decade ago, I am extra careful this time of year to make sure my immune system is stable and strong. I take great care to keep up with my busy schedule and not fall prey to allergies or any other ailments like spring colds and flu.

There are many things to consider when we really want to boost our immune system. Whether we think we are sensitive to certain things or not, there are key things we want to keep to a minimum in our diet, as well as knowing what supplements to take and lifestyle practices that will help with allergies.

Foods to avoid during allergy season (and maybe always)

Wheat and other gluten grains

These will stress and strain the digestive system and are related to leaky gut. If we’re sensitive (which most of us are) and we eat it, gluten can make us more sensitive to other things like pollen causing hay fever.

Sugar

Glucose competes for recruitment with vitamin C, a natural antihistamine, so the more sugar we consume, the less vitamin C we can absorb, weakening our immune function. In addition, sugar is generally immune suppressant and leads to nutrient depletion. (Want to quit sugar? There are some fantastic tips in this podcast episode, or you can jump over to my Sugar Free Challenge).

dairy products

Genetically, most of us lack the lactase enzyme needed to properly digest the lactose in milk and other dairy products. Like gluten, dairy products can be very difficult on the digestive system, potentially triggering the immune system to react. Dairy is also acidic in the body, and therefore, creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Plus, dairy can make us really mucousy, adding to the congestion common with seasonal allergies.

Natural Allergy Solutions for Allergy Season: Herbs and Supplements

Short of moving to the Arctic for the seasonal thaw, there are plenty of natural allergy solutions and remedies you can add this time of year. These are recommended by the clinical nutritionist (and my husband) Josh Gitalis.

Quercetin

This is one of the best natural antihistamines. It works by stabilizing the membrane of cells that release histamine. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. (Up to six 500 mg capsules per day may be needed.)

Vitamin C

This is a natural antihistamine and helps support the immune system.

Nettles (Nettle)

An herb with anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve allergic rhinitis.

Sambalia

A homeopathic remedy that can be effective for seasonal allergies.

Echinacea and/or Astragalus

These are herbs that help support the immune system. (Do not use for more than 3 weeks at a time.)

Vitamin B5

It helps to strengthen the function of the adrenal glands, which is directly involved in the immune response.

Lifestyle practices for symptomatic relief

If you struggle with seasonal allergies, these lifestyle tips can help.

Neti Pot

Using warm salt water in a neti pot allows you to flush your nasal passages, clearing the sinuses. It also works to prevent sinus infections.

The salt pipe

I love that! You breathe through the tube, inhaling the minerals and naturally purifying the air through a sea salt filter. This helps to clear the lungs, open up the airways and can also be a great relief for wheezing, asthmatic responses and can even help you avoid steroid puffs.

Yoga

Get yourself upside down! Inversion poses such as shoulder stand, headstand, ploughshare, or even crouching while standing will help drain the nasal passages and clear the lungs. Start for just 1-2 minutes to avoid putting too much pressure on your head if you have a lot of congestion.

Vapor inhalation

Another great way to drain the sinuses and relax the lungs is through steam. Boil some water in a pot and then pour in some food grade eucalyptus essential oils, mintand the myrtle. Put your head over the pot (being careful not to burn yourself), cover with a towel and inhale the goodness. I also have great recipes on how to make your own herbal vapors in my Everyday Herbal course.

Air purifier with HEPA filter

Using a HEPA filter is a great way to remove spores and pollen from the air. Ideally, you’d have one for the whole house, but other than that, keep one in your bedroom with the doors closed while you sleep.

Skin brushing

I do this all year round because I love it so much. Brushing for dry skin helps improve circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system and helps support overall immune system function.

Foods you should eat a lot of during allergy season

Now we get to the fun and delicious part. I love good food all year round, but come this time of year, I pay special attention to high, high, high doses of some powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich powerhouses. My favorite way to get all of these natural allergy solutions is through the blender, either in a smoothie or an elixir, as they make a delicious, refreshing drink.

Turmeric

A powerful anti-inflammatory root that contains curcumin. This helps eliminate any inflammation in the body, including the lungs and gut, which is vital for preventing allergies and other immune-stimulated sensitivities.

Recipe to try with turmeric: Turmeric tea or turmeric rice

Lemon

Bring on the vitamin C/antioxidant power to help white blood cells do their zip and act as a natural antihistamine.

Lemon recipe to try: Lemon Lime Coconut Quench Vegetable Soup or Lemon Lentil Lemon Soup

Ginger

Ginger is another anti-inflammatory food that also promotes the production of digestive juices to help us process what we eat better and increase circulation in our body. Ginger also stimulates the part of the immune system that produces antibodies, thus strengthening the body’s natural defenses against foreign invaders.

Ginger recipe to try: Delicious ginger tea

Red pepper

Cayenne supports immune system function and increases circulation throughout the body. It may be useful in reducing pain and treating intestinal inflammationcommon in people who suffer from multiple food sensitivities.

Cayenne recipe to try: Fire Cider

Raw honey

Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is a powerful antioxidant, helping to strengthen the immune system. Honey has been shown, through homeopathic applications, to to help eliminate pollen allergies by taking small doses (about 1 teaspoon, 2 times/day) to reduce allergies, similar to how an allergy shot might work. The key is to consume honey from your area, where the pollen you breathe in can affect you.

More about honey: Guide to Honey: Types and Best Uses

Irish Moss, Chia Seeds and/or Aloe

These foods all have a strong mucilaginous property, a thin mucus that helps remove excess mucus from the lungs while supporting the health of the lining of the intestinal tract – key to reducing environmental and food sensitivities.

Aloe recipe to try: Aloe cleansing shots

Chia recipe to try: Chia Pudding for Digestive Health

If you want to make the most of these delicious foods that reduce allergy symptoms in one fell swoop, I have a fantastic frozen elixir for you. Experiment with the amounts of herbs and spices to your taste, then drink and enjoy.

Print

For more spring seasonal recipe inspiration, be sure to check out:

Free resource library

Enjoy over 40 downloadable guides, recipes and resources.