Sneez-onal Allergies
Spring allergies got you feeling cloudy?
Allergy Herbal Formulas
I like using herbs and supplements to manage my personal seasonal allergy symptoms. It feels more wholesome than popping a Zyrtec. And herbs work more holistically than pharmaceuticals because of their complex mechanisms of action.
There are so many great herbal allergy formulas, and one of my favorites is Natural D-hist which we carry in my office Wellness Insights.
Two of my other favorites are Allium Cepa, a homeopathic remedy that helps almost immediately (within minutes!) with nasal symptoms especially drippy noses, and the other is Aller-DMG which helps with stuffiness and generally feeling of heaviness in the face and respiratory tract thanks to the following ingredients:
N-acetyl-cysteine: a precursor to glutathione - our "master anti-oxidant" in the body that supports liver detoxification and free radical neutralization, NAC is also a powerful mucolytic, meaning that it thins mucus secretions. NAC is also supportive to mitochondrial function and energy production in the body and shows promise in the care of PCOS, cardiometabolic disease, chronic fatigue, substance abuse, fertility for men and women, headaches, and digestive issues just to name a few.
Bromelain: the active enzyme in pineapples, this enzyme also helps with sinus congestion. Many common digestive enzyme formulas contain bromelain, and it is known for its anti-inflammatory effect in conditions like osteoarthritis. Bromelain is also showing promise in the treatment of other inflammatory disorders like colitis, cardiovascular disease, and asthma.
Quercetin: the most abundant flavonoid found in many plants including onions and apples, quercetin's antioxidant properties support respiratory health along with mitochondrial function and energy production. Quercetin may additionally benefit those with cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure or those who need immune support, including after viral infection.
Allergies + Headaches
Sometimes we can develop pretty profound headaches from allergy and sinus congestion. One herb that has demonstrated benefit for both allergies and headaches in butterbur. My favorite product to take is MigraMaxx because it combines butterbur with two other research-backed ingredients: magnesium and vitamin B2. Magnesium additionally helps with sleep, nervous system relaxation, muscle cramps and spasms, painful periods, and smooth digestion. Talk about a win!
Other Allergy Helpers
Acupuncture: Another of my favorite treatments for allergies is acupuncture. During allergy season I often put acupuncture needles on either side of my nose at the area of LI20, which is used to open the nasal passages and aid breathing. It's an incredible treatment that you can feel working in just 10 minutes on the table.
Nasal saline rinse: If you’re not a neti pot user, this might be your moment. Nasal rinsing clears out environmental allergens that have attached to the mucosa and breaks up mucous. Be sure to use distilled water and add some salt packets. (And if you’re not into the whole neti pot routine, I have also found success with nasal rinses from a squirt bottle or canister.)
If you are a chronic allergy sufferer, let this be the season that you take care of yourself. Happy spring, everyone!