I love spring. I can finally start getting outside more without being completely frozen. I can go outside without wearing shoes, because really isn’t being barefoot walking in the grass more fun?? I can start soaking up some vitamin D from the sunshine. It’s time to start thinking about spring planting. And, of course, one of my favorite things about spring is that everything is starting to bloom! If you’re anything like me with the beauty of spring and blooming trees and plants comes some unpleasant symptoms- itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, puffy face, cough, skin rashes, maybe even in some severe cases some wheezing and difficulty breathing. How are you supposed to enjoy the beauty of spring when it can also cause so much distress? Some people will take allergy medication, but that might not always be a good option for everyone. In my case, I don’t always like some of the medication side effects and would prefer to treat my allergies naturally when possible. Before doing any treatment, including natural treatments, you should have a discussion with your healthcare provider to see what a safe option for you would be. Here is a list of just some of my favorite natural allergy remedies: · Apple Cider Vinegar oApple cider vinegar contains numerous beneficial compounds including acetic and malic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and several others. The body uses these compounds to balance it’s natural pH to prevent ill-health and to remedy such issues as allergies. The nutrients it contains also boost the immune system and functioning. o A 2017 study done in carp shows some promising evidence that apple cider vinegar help enhance your immune system & can also help fight inflammation in the body if this can be replicated in humans. (1) · Probiotics o Researchers believe that probiotics can encourage the production of antibodies in babies and children that can protect them from allergies later in life (2). o Probiotics have been specifically proven effective in the remedy of these allergies: birch pollen allergy in children, cedar pollen allergy in adults, and eczema in infants and children. o For nearly all types of allergies, probiotics have food to have positive effects on the body. They improve function of mucosal lining of the intestines, hinder growth of pathogenic (bad) bacteria, stimulate production of immune enhancing substances, and have a direct influence on immune response. · Raw Honey o local pollens that are transferred into the raw honey can be taken to build immunity o Raw honey has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve a mild cough (3) · Bee Pollen o Reduces histamine and has an anti-inflammatory effect (4) · Following an anti-inflammatory diet (5) · EAT: Flax seeds, fish (especially salmon, maceral, tuna and sardines), walnuts (omega 3 fatty acids), fresh produce, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, fruits (especially strawberries, blueberries, oranges, cherries, apples), whole grains, olive oil, ginger · AVOID: sugar, white bread, processed food, processed meats, fried food, lard, refined carbohydrates, sweetened beverages such as soda · Additional dietary changes · Bone broth o Rich in glycine an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory powers o The gelatin in bone broth heals the gut and has anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory, and cell protective actives. o LOCALS: We are completely obsessed with bone broth from a local farm & co-op in the area. Savage Mountain farm has delicious chicken and beef bone broth- check them out! · Vitamin C · Increased Fiber · Quercetin o Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergies. (6) o Found in onions, Capers, Elderberries, Kale, Okra, Apple Peels, Aronia Berries, Cranberries, Asparagus, Goji Berries. · Fermented Foods o People who eat fermented foods have more immune-regulating lactic acid bacteria, as well as greater overall gut diversity. Greater gut diversity can reduce your allergy symptoms (7). o Fermented foods include: Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Kefir, Yogurt, Kombucha, Natto · Broemlion o This is found in pineapple and reduces inflammation. · Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot) · Acupuncture (8) · Essential Oils § One of the best found combinations for allergy relief is lavender, lemon, and peppermint. § Lavender helps reduce histamine reactions and helps respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma. § Lemon, like lavender, eases respiratory issues with the added benefit of thinning mucus. § Peppermint improves congestion and excess mucus. It calms spasms to help coughing caused by a drippy nose and provides the feel of clear breathing. Mint also helps relieve headaches which can go along with allergies. ·Herbs: Many herbs can be useful in treating allergies by reducing inflammation and histamine, while also supporting your immune system. · Rosemary · Calendula · Red Clover · Nettle Leaf · Spearmint · Peppermint · Lavender · Lemongrass · Magnolia flower · Thyme · Echinacea · Butterbur · Turmeric Yorkie Acres Farm offers an allergy relief tea that contains several herbs that have been found to help fight seasonal allergies. · You Belong Among the Wildflowers Allergy relief Loose Leaf Tea · Ingredients: Calendula, red clover, nettle, spearmint, lavender, lemongrass · Shop here: http://www.yorkieacresfarm.com/store We also offer Raw Honey that has proven anti-inflammatory and allergy relief benefits. This is so tasty added to our herbal allergy relief tea, and we love all of the health benefits that go along with it! · Wildflower honey: http://www.yorkieacresfarm.com/store/Wildflower-Honey-4oz-p177917873 · Clover honey: http://www.yorkieacresfarm.com/store/Clover-Honey-4oz-p177903100 If you’re interested in learning more about the microbiome, we also offer health and weight loss consultations with a focus on the gut microbiome. This can also be beneficial for many health conditions, including the treatment of allergies. Please contact us at yorkieacresfarm@gmail.com for more information.