Coping with Allergy Season

Spring is a great time, with fresh vegetables, longer days, and warmer weather.  However, spring is also allergy season for many people.  I am somewhat sensitive to pollen (although not nearly as much as my husband), but I also want to try to stay away from decongestants and allergy medicine if possible, especially the ones that make you very drowsy.  Here are some natural remedies that seem to work for me:

Vitamin D — In this day and age, since almost all of us spend most of our time indoors, we are typically vitamin D deficient.  I supplement D3 regularly which appears to have a number of positive health benefits and seems to keep the allergies better tamed.

Neti pot — my husband swears by this.  Nasal irrigation to remove unwanted pollen and dust particles and to generally feel better is very helpful. This does take some practice, but is worth experimenting with. I normally use a simple homemade warm water and (non-iodized) salt solution.

Steam with essential oils — I like to use a drop or two of aromatic oils in a steamer to inhale. My favorite oils are lavender and lemongrass.

Vitamin C-rich foods — vitamin C is believed to be a natural antihistamine.  Foods rich in vitamin C seem to be good for keeping allergy symptoms down.  My favorites include red pepper, cabbage, kiwis and strawberries.

See here for more ideas, and I’d love to hear how you cope with allergy season.

shared at Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday