Spring Allergies Be Gone!

by Cindy Hebbard

Do you suffer in the spring with allergy symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes, dripping in the nose or throat, persistent cough or recurring sinus infections? Are you ready to explore simple natural remedies that can help with all these discomforts and more?

Aromatherapy is an excellent option for people of all ages to find some relief. Breathing in the cleansing scents of pure essential oils used in aromatherapy can open narrow airways and help ease the pain and pressure. Look for thyme essential oil, or you could opt for oregano, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, or others. Please don't apply these concentrated oils directly onto your skin. Try one or two drops onto a diffuser, onto the sleeve or collar of your jacket, or on a tissue next to your bed at night.

Elderflower (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderflower, the same bush that provides us with beautiful, juicy purple elderberries in summer, helps relieve the common discomforts associated with spring allergy season. Elderflower is used to help the body with excess inflammation of the sinuses. I have witnessed elderflower help people with severe allergy symptoms, even when medications and other home remedies were of little or no use.

Mrs. M. Grieve, author of A Modern Herbal, writes, “The flowers were used by our forefathers in bronchial and pulmonary affections, and in scarlet fever, measles and other eruptive diseases. An infusion of the dried flowers, Elder Flower Tea, is said to promote expectoration in pleurisy; … and is considered excellent for inducing free perspiration. It is a good old fashioned remedy for colds and throat trouble, taken hot on going to bed. An almost infallible cure for an attack of influenza in its first stage…”

Be sure to choose organically grown herbs, as many of the chemicals used in commercial farming are themselves allergens.

Nettles have been used for centuries for inflammation associated with seasonal allergies. Researched for allergies and rhinitis, nettles was found to relieve most or all symptoms in most patients studied. There are no side effects associated with nettles, and the side benefits are numerous! You may also notice glowing skin, healthy bones and good blood pressure rates, just to name a few.

Thyme and Oregano are common culinary herbs used in most Mediterranean cuisine. Easy to grow and to introduce into the diet, they both help fight the discomforts we associate with spring allergies. Put a sprinkle into whatever you're having for lunch or dinner, and begin to feel better.

Eyebright is found throughout much of the temperate regions of the world, being used for allergies, sinusitis and the common cold. Eyebright helps the body reduce mucus secretion, assisting in the relief of sinus irritation. For centuries, eyebright was the herb of choice when the eyes, and face appeared cloudy, dull, tired and puffy. When the eyes need brightening think eyebright!

Local Raw Honey is a powerful remedy for allergy symptoms, and kids tend to love it! Remember, it can be used after the first birthday, but not with babies under one. Very small amounts of raw honey have a powerful effect on allergy sufferers, but don't use too much. You may still find temporary relief, but you may also be fueling the underlying causes of your allergies with too much sugar.

Herbal remedies have a variety of soothing benefits for spring allergies at any age.

Feel better soon!

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Cindy Hebbard, Master Herbalist and Wellness Educator, has practiced herbalism, flower essence therapy, shiatsu, acupressure, and using food as medicine for more than 30 years. Cindy provides comprehensive Herbal Wellness Consultations, Private and Group Cooking Workshops, Healing Retreats, Intensives, introductory talks, product development consulting, and more. She offers her services in Brattleboro, VT and the Greater Boston area, and can be contacted through her website.

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