Spring is just around the corner! For some, this is great news. For others, however, the onset of spring brings along with it seasonal allergies that can really put a damper on your plans.
As pollen counts begin to rise, so do allergies and many tend to turn to conventional medications to relieve their symptoms. These medications often come with undesirable side effects, like drowsiness and nausea, which many of us have learned to put up with as we yearn for the summer. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Treating allergies naturally is a safe and effective alternative to resorting to the medications we’ve become so accustomed to. Here’s how to do it:
Avoid Exposure When the Pollen Count is High
Treating allergies naturally begins at home. As gorgeous as the day may be, staying indoors can sometimes be your best option to avoid worsening your allergy symptoms. Keep doors and windows shut to minimize the chances of exposing yourself to pollen and curl up with a good book or catch up on your favorite show. If you have to travel or leave the house when the pollen count is high, get into the habit of leaving your shoes outside, showering, and changing your clothes as soon as you get home to keep pollen out of the house.
Keep a Clean Home
From the moment you step out of the house, your body, shoes, clothes, and hair become covered in tiny particles that can make your allergies worse. In addition to leaving your shoes outside and showering as soon as you get home, it’s important to regularly clean your home. Be mindful that the chemicals used in some house cleaners can irritate your nasal passages and make your allergies worse. So, use them sparingly and opt for natural or homemade cleaning agents whenever possible. Don’t forget to regularly check and clean dust-prone areas like shelves and under tables, and be sure to use HEPA filters in your home’s HVAC system and vacuum cleaner.
Regularly Clear Out Your Nasal Passages
Homemade nasal rinses are great at both clearing out excess mucus from your nose and treating allergies. Make a simple mixture of three teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda, and store it in an airtight container. Mix one teaspoon of the mixture into eight ounces of boiling water and let it cool. Use a neti pot or nasal bulb once the solution has fully cooled down to gently rinse out any accumulated dust and pollen from your nose. If nasal rinses aren’t your thing, steam therapy can work just as well. Simply pour some boiling water into a bowl, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam to clear your nasal passages. This works great when paired with therapeutic essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus oil.
Visit a Naturopath
Naturopathy uses natural treatments to treat the root causes of your ailments and improve your overall wellness. More than just simply suppressing the symptoms, a naturopath will help you treat your allergies naturally using a variety of treatment methods, including specialized diets, advanced laboratory testing to assess root cause, IV therapy, customized supplementation and acupuncture.
There’s no need to suffer or put up with the side effects of conventional medications this allergy season. At Calgary Integrative Medicine, we believe in using the least invasive methods possible to help you achieve your path to wellness. Contact us today to book your consultation and have your allergies tested and treated naturally with the help of a professional naturopath.
