Nourish - Tips for Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally
Today we’ll be talking about Tips for Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally.
Spring is a beautiful season that brings warm weather, blooming flowers, and longer days. Unfortunately, for many people, spring also brings allergies. Seasonal allergies can be frustrating and even debilitating, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Over the next couple of blog posts on Tips for Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally, we will be talking about:
- typical triggers that cause seasonal allergic reactions during this season
- natural ways to manage their effect on your health via herbs, essential oils, diet and lifestyle
5 Common Seasonal Allergy Triggers
No. 1 – Pollen
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds often triggers allergic reactions in many people. Trees such as oak, birch, and maple are common sources of springtime pollen.
No. 2 – Mold
Springtime rains and humidity tend to promote mold growth, and mold spores have the unfortunate habit of triggering allergic reactions in some people.
No. 3 – Dust Mites
Although dust mites are present year-round, they are prone to become more of a problem during the spring when people begin opening windows and doors to let in the fresh air.
No. 4 -Pet Dander
Pet dander refers to tiny flakes of skin, hair, and feathers that pets shed. These flakes can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Additionally, pet dander can also refer to small particles of protein found in pet saliva, urine, and other bodily secretions. These proteins can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions in some people, similar to the way that dander particles can cause allergy symptoms.
Dander is produced by a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, birds, and rodents, and it can become airborne and spread throughout a home. People with allergies to pet dander may need to take steps to reduce exposure, such as vacuuming frequently, washing pets regularly, and using air purifiers or filters.
No. 5 – Insect Bites and Stings
As the weather warms up, insects such as bees, wasps, and mosquitoes become more active, and their bites and stings can cause allergic reactions in some people.
What Are The Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?
Symptoms of seasonal allergies tend to include:
- Sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- itchy eyes, throat, or nose
- general congestion
- fatigue
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can help you manage your allergies and enjoy the season.
Here are Some Tips for Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally
No. 1 – Start with Prevention
The best way of managing allergies is to avoid allergens as much as possible. Depending on what is causing you to react, whether it’s pet hair, pollen, dust, or a combination of them, will affect how you go about trying to prevent unnecessary exposure.
Unsurprisingly, it can be challenging to avoid pollen during the spring, when pollen is abundant. Equally, the same issue will be if your pet is going to shed during this season. However, there are still steps you can take to minimize your exposure.
If pollen is your nemesis, it’s worth checking pollen counts in your area for that day and trying to stay indoors if they are too high.
Additionally, keeping your windows closed will help to prevent pollen from entering your home. Opening windows to let in the fresh air can be tempting, but it can also let in pollen and other allergens. With that in mind, it’s best to keep your windows closed, especially during peak allergy season. If you need fresh air, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clean the air in your home.
If you are spending time outside, it may be necessary to shower and change your clothes afterward to remove any pollen from your hair and clothes. Perhaps make it a habit to change in the bathroom vs your bedroom so as to contain the pollen in just one room.
No. 2 – Clean Your Home
One of the most effective ways of managing allergies is to reduce your exposure to allergens. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can accumulate in your home, so it’s important to keep your living space clean.
Regularly dust surfaces and vacuum carpets, upholstery, and even your mattress. This can help get out the pet dander, dust and mites that may be causing your misery.
Furthermore, it’s worth considering using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which can trap tiny particles that conventional vacuums might miss.
I would also advise using natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals that can irritate your respiratory system. We have a lovely range of natural cleaning products for all areas of the house, including Lilly’s Eco Clean and Ecover products.
Alternatively, use natural products such as vinegar, citric acid and baking soda to clean. Here’s a link to my previous blog posts on Natural cleaning.
- Natural & Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Tips | Part 1
- Natural & Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Tips | Part 2
Certain essential oils like tea tree are amazing at helping to tackle and prevent mold, which as previously mentioned, is another common trigger for allergic reactions at this time of year.
No. 3 – Use Essential Oils
On the subject of Essential oils, let’s go further into why they’re so useful. Essential oils are a lovely natural and effective way to manage allergies.
Here are a select few essential oils that may be helpful in preventing and treating seasonal allergies:
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has natural antihistamine properties and helps to reduce inflammation and relieve congestion. Furthermore, as a natural decongestant, peppermint can help to relieve congestion and sinus pressure.
Try diffusing a couple of drops of peppermint oil in your home or even inhale it directly from the bottle.
Personally, I like to add one or two drops onto the collar of my jumper/t-shirt or even the top of my duvet when I’m congested. That way I can inhale it with every breath. Don’t go wild, a drop will do. (Note, the oil can stain so do be mindful of where you use it).
Lavender
Lavender is a natural antihistamine, helping to reduce symptoms like sneezing and itching. Additionally, Lavender essential oil has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchiness and irritation.
This essential oil is one of the only ones that are suitable for use undiluted, however, it is generally still recommended to add it to a carrier oil such as almond oil before applying topically to your skin. 1 drop per teaspoon is enough, and then gently rub into the affected area, such as an insect bite.
Additionally, diffuse lavender oil in your home or use it in your cleaning products.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce inflammation and relieve congestion. Once again, this is an excellent choice for adding to your homemade cleaning products.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil has natural anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties that help to relieve allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion. Add a couple of drops to your shower floor before hopping into the shower. The steam will help decongest you in no time!
Since Eucalyptus is a natural expectorant, it helps to loosen mucus and relieve coughing. You can diffuse eucalyptus oil in your home or inhale it directly from the bottle. Salves and chest rubs commonly use this oil.
Tea tree
Tea tree essential oil has natural antiseptic properties and helps to relieve skin irritation and inflammation caused by allergies. Additionally, it’s great when used in cleaning products to tackle mold.
There are different ways to use these essential oils, and I recommend you research further, whether that’s through some of the blog posts on our website, or through your own research. You can certainly cause yourself damage if you use essential oils incorrectly, so please, follow the advice on the product’s label, and never take them internally.
Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or humidifier to help alleviate allergy symptoms.
That’s it for part one of Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally.
Check out part two here:
- Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally – Part Two
Emily Nöth
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