It’s that time of the year again… ALLERGY SEASON. This year my allergies have hit me like a ton of bricks. We’ve had a very random winter with very cold days mixed with record breaking highs and so the trees are budding earlier then usual which according to the weather man means allergy season is prolonged this spring. Great.
In the past I’ve blogged about essential oils and allergy relief but for me personally, essential oils weren’t enough. I refuse to take allergy medicine despite being miserable, so this year I’ve found a few new remedies that have truly reduced my symptoms, making life during allergy season doable. Of course, I had to share.
But first, let’s make sure we have essential oils and allergies covered because they are worth using for relief.
Essential Oils and Allergies:
Knowing peppermint, lemon and lavender essential oils are the trifecta of essential oils when it comes to allergy relief, the first line of defense is diffusing. I diffuse a blend of lemon, lavender & peppermint morning and night to purify my indoor air as well as reduce inflammation in my nasal and sinus area. This is not new info. if you’re a long time reader but what is new info. is diffusing in the car. It’s amazing and incredibly effective since us allergy sufferers do have to occasionally venture out of the house and brave the pollen filled air. I have THIS car diffuser and am in love with it! I now diffuse in my car no matter what.
I also apply an Allergy Relief Balm in and around my nose for decongestion, reduced inflammation and healing of the skin around the nose due to blowing constantly.
On top of the balm and diffusing, I also carry my Allergy Relief personal inhaler everywhere I go.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Allergies:
The first product that is making the most difference in the way I feel is Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. I am taking about 1-2 tbsp. 3x a day in 8-12 ounces of water. This has helped with that itchy feeling you get when you can’t quit rubbing your tongue on the roof of your mouth. I skipped the ACV the other night and woke up sneezing and itchy. It could have been a coincidence but I’m not skipping it until the air outside settles down.
You must use an ACV that has “the mother” in it. Find it HERE. I have a recipe for a daily detox ACV drink that has a plethora of other benefits as well. Plus it’s yummy!
Nettle Leaf and Allergies:
I’m also taking 2 capsules of Nettle 2x a day. Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine and is extremely helpful with inflammation. It also is a diuretic and helpful in reducing blood pressure. It is very high in vitamin C and A as well as chlorophyll. You can take the capsules and/or drink the tea.
Nettle leaf is very affordable (and an Amazon Prime product) so if you’re suffering go HERE now! Since I started doing both ACV and taking Nettle, it’s hard to tell which one is working more, but I’m not going to stop taking one to find out!
Gut Health and Allergies:
One more angle to allergy relief that I’d like to address is gut health. When there is an imbalance in the gut, your body reacts very strongly to stimuli such as allergies to food, pollen, pollution and even sensitivities to products.
I swear by THIS probiotic. I’ve taken if for years as does my entire family. Taking a probiotic is usually not enough to completely balance your gut but it’s an absolute must. Read more about my experience with Flourish Probiotic if you’re curious why I swear by it.
Dramatic reactions to outdoor allergies could be a warning sign that your gut needs attention. If you are experiencing more and more sensitivities to food and products such as detergents and even skin care, you might need to re-think your probiotic. Go wrote a post explaining more thoroughly the importance of probiotics and gut health.
I’m not feeling 100% with these new remedies but I’m much better with them then without them. I experienced relief within hours after starting the ACV 3x a day and the nettle leaf. Nettle leaf and ACV can be found in most health food stores if you need immediate relief.
Do you have a natural allergy remedy? Please share if you do!! Allergies are such a bummer but at least we have the promise of spring coming very soon!
xx, Jenni
Good Morning:
First I would like to say that I am beyond happy that I found your blog!!!
I have a question— I was forced into surgical menopause some years ago. I am now 55. I have a HUGHE problem with vaginal dryness. This make intercourse very painful of course and in general is just very uncomfortable.
I have been place on the Estring – vaginal ring – with hormones, etc…. I REALLY REALLY DO NOT WANT TO GO THIS ROUTE!!!!
Do you have any suggestions?
thanks so much!
Tina
Tina-Thank you! What a bummer. I don’t know what can help on a day to day basis but coconut oil is a very safe and effective lubricant-It’s gentle and antibacterial and anti fungal. I feel there has got to be some supplement you could take that would help. I’ll see what I can find. I do know that exercise can help with blood flow which could help get rid of dryness naturally. Also, a diet high in fatty acids could be very helpful. Are you on krill or fish oils? Hope this helps!
Hi Tina,
I’m sorry you are going through all that. Check out these articles from Dr. Avivia Romm, https://avivaromm.com/vaginal-lubricant/ https://avivaromm.com/magnesium-for-relaxation/ There are many other articles of hers that would likely help too. I know she’s mentioned it in some of the articles I’ve read. She is an Integrative Medical Doctor/Midwife who graduated from Yale. Her blog is extremely informative on all types of women’s issues, using her site as a resource helped me find natural supplements to deal with hormonal imbalances due to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Endometriosis. You might try Egyptian Magic skin cream, you can find it at Costco; it has olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, propolis and royal jelly along with coconut oil to thin it. See if that makes things more comfortable for you.
Hey Jenni, great post! I am super fortunate that I don’t have any allergy issues, but so happy to see that the ACV has helped you. I swear that stuff is a miracle worker for so many things. I use it at the first sign of a sore throat or any cold symptoms and they are gone. My grandmother taught me this years ago.
Elizabeth-I’m fighting strep at the moment and adamant that I’m not going to the doctor-I take the ACV but have forgotten all it’s benefits besides helping with allergies-I’ve laid off the last day or so but I’m going now to get more! You are lucky to not have allergies-it’s a sign of a healthy body! I’m very concerned out how bad my allergies are-I’m always working on my gut! Constant battle….