My oldest started with seasonal allergies when he was just 4 years old. We took him to the allergist to find he is allergic to: grass, pollen, weeds, dogs and cats. When things were not under control, he was itching his eyes so much that they were almost closed shut!
They say that your oldest gets all of your toxic load, so I’m sure that he did. Allergies are involved with gut health, can have a genetic component, and be related to exposures during pregnancy as well. During pregnancy, I experienced heart burn and took TUMS regularly. Little did I know that studies have shown acid blocking medications can contribute to allergic rhinitis in offspring (1). This would have been helpful to know back then.
Going outside makes it so much worse for allergy sufferers, which is really hard in the spring time. Back then, I started with Claritin daily as well as a nasal spray, and there was not much relief. I didn’t know any better, but quickly learned that medications such as Claritin only treat the symptoms, not the issue in the immune system. These medications also suppress the immune response.
Fast forward to lots of research and natural remedies!
1-2 months BEFORE allergy season
1-2 TBS of raw local honey daily. Look for raw honey made in your region of the US!
D- hist herbal supplement – this contains:
Quercetin – flavanoid that gives fruits and veggies their rich colors, stops the production and release of histamine.
Bromelain – helps to reduce swelling in the nose and sinuses. (2)
Stinging Nettle – antihistamine and anti-inflammatory
1 tsp spirulina daily. Put this into smoothies or buy the capsules. This tastes and smells pretty gross!
Probiotics – helps boost the immune system.
DURING ALLERGY SEASON
Continue the local raw honey and supplement!
3 times a day: drink
1 T apple cider vinegar
1 T lemon juice (fresh)
1/2 T local raw honey
Shower before bed, wash sheets often!
Keep the windows closed! Remove shoes at the door.
Shower soothers – in cupcake liners – 6 discs – 3 c baking soda, 1/3 c water, let dry overnight in cupcake liners, then add 5-7 drops of essential oils.
Disinfecting spray around the house
16 oz spray bottle – fill with 40 drops lemon oil, 20 drops tea tree oil, fill with water and a little white vinegar.
Boiron makes an allergy relief homeopathic tablet – Adult Tablet, Kids Tablet – all natural
FOODS
Consider avoiding these foods, which are mostly histamine foods:
Cucumbers, Melons, Zucchini, Sunflower Seeds, Bananas, Chamomile, Conventional Dairy, Chocolate, Peanuts, Sugar, Processed Foods, Bottled Citrus Juice, Wheat, Soy, Dried Fruit, Gluten.
Eat plenty of
Apple Cider Vinegar, Raw Local Honey, Hot and Spicy Foods, Pineapple (and the core too)!, Fresh vegetables, Bone Broth, Probiotic rich foods, grass fed meat, free range poultry, wild caught fish, and raw organic dairy.
- Robinson, L. B., & Camargo, C. A., Jr (2018). Acid suppressant medications and the risk of allergic diseases. Expert review of clinical immunology, 14(9), 771–780. https://doi.org/10.1080/1744666X.2018.1512405
- Secor, E. R., Jr, Szczepanek, S. M., Castater, C. A., Adami, A. J., Matson, A. P., Rafti, E. T., Guernsey, L., Natarajan, P., McNamara, J. T., Schramm, C. M., Thrall, R. S., & Silbart, L. K. (2013). Bromelain Inhibits Allergic Sensitization and Murine Asthma via Modulation of Dendritic Cells. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 702196. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/702196