Just as cold and flu season is FINALLY dwindling here, allergy season is picking up. Here are some ideas for managing seasonal allergies; many of these ideas may be a helpful reminder to do what you already know to do, and others might be new to you. If you’ve done all of these things and are still suffering, please see a provider to talk through further ideas. One of the great things about naturopathic medicine is that we have many treatment approaches to try! Here at Whole Health Naturopathy, we specialize in natural allergy treatment in Olympia, Washington and the surrounding areas.
Natural Allergy Treatment in Olympia, Washington
What Are Seasonal Allergies and What Causes Them?
Seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a reaction of the immune system to environmental allergens that occur at specific times of the year. The most common triggers are pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, but they can also include mold, dust mites, and animal dander.
When someone with allergies comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful. As a result, the immune system produces antibodies that trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals. This process leads to the familiar symptoms of seasonal allergies, including:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Coughing
- Fatigue
These symptoms can vary in severity, but for many, they can significantly impact quality of life. Fortunately, there are many ways to address allergies beyond the usual over-the-counter medications.
Conventional Treatments for Seasonal Allergies
The conventional approach to treating seasonal allergies typically involves antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, a chemical responsible for allergic symptoms. Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels, and nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
While these treatments can be effective, they sometimes come with unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or long-term reliance on medications. This has led many people to explore more natural alternatives, either in conjunction with or in place of conventional therapies.
Naturopathic Treatments
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and a holistic approach to health. Below, we’ll explore several naturopathic treatments that can help manage seasonal allergies.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most well-known natural remedies for boosting the immune system and reducing allergy symptoms. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C can help reduce the release of histamine, which is responsible for many allergic reactions.
Recommendation: Take 2 to 4 grams of vitamin C daily. This can be taken in divided doses throughout the day to ensure consistent levels in the body. - Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. It acts as a natural antihistamine by stabilizing mast cells, which are involved in the release of histamine. Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for managing allergy symptoms.
Recommendation: Take 500mg of quercetin 1 to 3 times daily, depending on your severity of symptoms. - Bioflavonoids and Nettles
Bioflavonoids, often found in citrus fruits, berries, and other colorful fruits and vegetables, are compounds that help regulate immune response and reduce inflammation. Nettles (Urtica dioica) have been traditionally used to treat hay fever and other allergic conditions due to their natural antihistamine effects.
Recommendation: Bioflavonoids can be consumed in capsule or powder form, while nettles are available in capsules, powder, or tea. If you’re new to nettles, consider starting with a daily dose of 300mg. - Hydration
Keeping the body hydrated is essential for overall health, and it can be especially beneficial for allergy sufferers. Staying hydrated helps to thin mucus in the nasal passages and keeps the airways moist, which can reduce irritation from allergens.
Recommendation: Aim for 60 to 90 ounces of water daily. This helps maintain optimal hydration levels and ensures that your body can clear allergens effectively. - Saline Nasal Rinse
Using a saline nasal rinse is a simple yet effective way to flush allergens out of the nasal passages. It helps to clear mucus and reduces the inflammation caused by allergens.
Recommendation: Use a saline nasal rinse 1 to 2 times a day to clear allergens from your sinuses and reduce symptoms. - Local Honey
Consuming honey produced locally can help desensitize the immune system to local pollen. The idea is that by ingesting trace amounts of pollen found in the honey, the immune system gradually builds tolerance over time.
Recommendation: Take 1 teaspoon of very local honey every day throughout the year to support your body in adapting to local allergens. - Lymphatic Herbs (Lymphogogues)
Herbs that promote lymphatic circulation (known as lymphogogues) can help support the body’s natural detoxification processes. These herbs encourage the movement of lymph, which helps remove waste and excess fluid from the body, potentially reducing inflammation related to allergies.
Recommendation: Consider using herbs like ceanothus, calendula, and cleavers. These can be taken as tinctures, capsules, or teas. - Immune Modulation with Astragalus
Astragalus is an immune-modulating herb, meaning it helps balance the immune system. It can stimulate the immune system when necessary, and at the same time, calm it down in cases of overactive immune responses, such as allergies.
Recommendation: Take astragalus as a tea, capsule, or tincture, and consider 500mg to 1 gram daily during allergy season. - Herbal and Pharmaceutical Compounded Medications
Some people find that a combination of herbal and pharmaceutical treatments provides the most relief. Herbal and pharmaceutical antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications can be compounded into various forms, such as nasal sprays or capsules, for targeted treatment.
Recommendation: Talk to a naturopathic doctor to have a compounded formula created for your specific needs. - Green Tea
Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, particularly due to the presence of catechins, which may help reduce the release of histamine. Drinking green tea regularly can support immune health and reduce allergy symptoms.
Recommendation: Drink 1 to 3 cups of green tea daily to support your body in managing allergic responses. - Antioxidants (for example, NAC and Rosemary)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that can help to break down mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways, which is useful for allergy sufferers. Additionally, rosemary, a culinary herb, contains antioxidants that can support overall immune function.
Recommendation: Take 600mg of NAC 3 times daily, or use rosemary as a tea or spice in your meals regularly. - Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) refers to a condition where certain raw fruits and vegetables cause allergic reactions, such as itching or swelling in the mouth and throat. This happens because the proteins in some fruits and vegetables are similar to those in pollen, causing cross-reactivity.
Recommendation: If you experience OAS, try consuming more cooked fruits and vegetables, as heat can break down the proteins that trigger symptoms.
Seasonal allergies can be incredibly uncomfortable, but with the right approach, relief is possible through both conventional and naturopathic treatments. By incorporating natural remedies like vitamin C, quercetin, local honey, lymphatic herbs, and more into your daily routine, you can reduce the impact of allergies and support your immune system in a holistic way. Always consult with a healthcare provider, especially a naturopathic doctor, before starting any new treatments to ensure they are right for your individual needs.
By combining the best of both worlds, conventional and naturopathic, you can find the relief you deserve from seasonal allergies and get back to enjoying your day-to-day life. Want to see an experienced naturopathic provider who can help you tackle your allergies? Give us a call at 360-943-9519 and we’ll match you up with the best provider for your needs!