This is part of our Nature’s Cures mini-series, which features all-natural remedies for common ailments. Catch up on previous posts here.
Most people who suffer from bad allergies and hay fever notice that there are certain times of year that these are worse than others. For any of you Angelenos who are familiar with Santa Ana winds, you know what we’re talking about. Allergies are pesky irritants of the eyes, nose, lungs, and skin that are caused by all sorts of allergens like pollen and certain types of grasses to mold and other spores that go airborne. These are practically impossible to avoid and can cause a great deal of discomfort, but there are natural ways to relax these flare-ups.
Since your allergies can be very specific to your region, it is always smart to think locally when trying to treat them. One method that has gained popularity recently is in using honey that was harvested near your home. The theory behind this is that you ingest a small amount of honey every day that was harvested from bees that were gathering pollen from whatever species in your area you are sensitive to. This helps you build up immunity to the allergen that ails you. Want to try it? Swing by a local farmer’s market or health food shop to find honey that is produced closest to where you spend the most of your time, then eat 2-3 teaspoons each day for a few months prior to when you have your worst allergy attacks.
Another habit for allergy sufferers and really anyone looking to stay healthy is keeping up on your probiotic intake. These live microorganisms aid in boosting and strengthening your immune system. Probiotics are on the market in many different forms now, the most familiar being in yogurts and kefir. Try CocoBiotic, a young coconut kefir from Body Ecology.
If you’ve read the entire series, you now have several natural solutions to relieve common health issues. So the next time you feel one of these common conditions coming on, remember that this earth was created intricately and intelligently, with each plant and animal serving its own purpose. Whatever it is that ails you, there is relief available at your fingertips.
Image via Christianne Taylor
1 comment
These are great suggestions, I love that more and more people are looking back to nature before heading to the drugstore,we like to use natural remedies first in our home…it just feels right! During allergy season we like to burn essential oils to clean the air and help as a decongestant our favorite blend, lemon(it cleans the air) tea tree(a decongestant and kills mold) eucalyptus(decongestant) and lavender(calms a counseling body),these can be added to a carrier oil(like almond jojoba and in a pinch olive) and rubbed on the chest for on the go relief.