Seasonal Allergies

The allergy season, due to our dryness, is particularly difficult for some patients. For the long term, it is critical to identify and minimize your triggers. Irrigating the nasal passages daily with saline water or one of our nasal washes (Sinusin for chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, or Xclear for kids), available in the medicinal store, can really help reduce the need for medication by removing allergen triggers. Acupuncture for allergies can also be very helpful. For the short term, here are some tested remedies that consistently give my patients immense relief:

1. Aller-Res-Q by Natura. This chewable tablet formula includes quercetin and nettles, in addition to a variety of other supportive nutrients. Among the therapeutic benefits are histamine response control, anti-inflammatory action, and general improvement of respiration and resistance to allergens.

2. San Pharma Notatum-Quentans. Made in Germany, this homeopathic nasal spray targets nasal congestion. The ingredients have a wide variety of treatment functions, but with regard to allergy symptoms, Notatum is effective for respiratory infections, and Quentans works on sinusitis and inflamed nasal passages.

3. Stinging Nettles. Particularly good for relieving itchy eyes and sneezing, stinging nettle extracts are the most potent in freeze-dried form. Take 300mg a day, in divided doses, when symptoms flare.

4.Quercetin, found in yellow onions, garlic, citrus fruit and buckwheat. Quercetin helps prevent allergies by stemming the production of histamine from over reactive immune cells. Starting six weeks before allergy season, take 400mg of quercetin extract twice daily, between meals, and continue throughout the season.