As fall ushers in warm beverages, hand knit sweaters, and gorgeous scenery, it also brings with it a rambunctious bout of allergies.
For many with seasonal allergies, this year may feel particularly scary and terrible thanks to the global pandemic. But COVID symptoms aside, allergies have progressively worsened over the years thanks to climate change, with New York and Georgia seeing “near-record pollen counts” for 2020. In 2019, a paper published in The Lancet Planetary Health found “that airborne pollen counts have increased around the world as average temperatures climbed.”
But building up a strong immune system is more important than ever this fall, and this allergy season could be an opportunity to change your lifestyle rather than just slam extra Zyrtec all autumn. Here are a handful of amazing natural remedies to help rid of you of those pesky allergens.
Cleanse Your Nose
You don’t need a doctor to tell you that pollen sticks itself along our mucus membranes when it enters our noses. We can feel it as we sneeze for the third time, knowing darn well there will be a fourth.
If this sounds like you, invest in a Neti Pot or Sinus Irrigator. For the former, make sure to use warm salt water, as the salt does a better job of cleaning out your nasal canals than water alone.
It’s also smart to invest in nasal oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint oils, to open the airways and ease congestion. Some even promote sinus drainage, which is as grossly satisfying as it sounds.
Manage Your Stress
No, stress does not directly cause your allergies, but it can definitely make them worse. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones and chemicals like histamine, directly contributing to allergy symptoms.
Try stress management techniques such as meditating or working out, and when those allergies hit, they won’t be nearly as detrimental.
Apple Cider Vinegar
So many people swear by ACV, and for good reasons. It is one of the healthiest things humans can consume, and this legendary remedy is perfect for fighting back against allergies. Apple cider vinegar breaks up mucus, boosts our immune systems, and supports lymphatic drainage. Mix one to two tablespoons with a glass of lemon juice three times a day, and soon enough the habit will directly relieve your symptoms.
Probiotics
Allergies persist due to immune system imbalances. For years, studies have concluded that gut bacteria is a primary fighter in the battle against allergies. In short: The more bacteria there are, the less severe your symptoms.
Probiotics of all kinds can help produce these bacteria, thus hindering allergies while directly benefiting your immune system and preventing future illnesses.
Detox Your Liver
Your liver is your body’s biggest cleanser, and it often works overtime to metabolize everything from our liquor and food to our stress and inflammation. For those who want to add to the longevity of their health, a liver detox will help refresh and re-optimize your liver so it can better flush out your body.
Typically, this detox involves eliminating fried foods, alcohol, and other vices from your diet while incorporating celery juice, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit in their stead. Take some turmeric and milk thistle to further aid in flushing out your liver. The ten days of your cleanse may be uncomfortable, but your body will thank you later.
Clean Your House
It may seem like a silly thing to mention, but with most of us confined indoors for the foreseeable future, make sure you take a broom to your apartment every once in a while, focusing on places like bookshelves where pollen tends to collect. Change out the air filters in your house, swap out your pillow cases, and invest in an air purifier. The cleaner your house is, the cleaner you will be.
