NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ALLERGY SEASON
Spring has sprung in the desert! While all of our sweet desert beauties are in bloom, many of us are stuck inside due to fear of those pesky allergies flaring up. Below are a few simple home remedies to help you sneeze a little less, and enjoy this beautiful time of year a little more!
CLEAN UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Keep windows and doors closed if you are sensitive to outdoor pollens. Pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning and lowest in the evening this time of year. Pay attention to what you’re sensitive to, and check pollen counts in your area to better time your outdoor adventures!
Wear sunglasses or glasses to limit pollen or dust exposure to your eyes, and consider wearing a face mask to help filter particulates if your airways are sensitive to outdoor allergens.
Invest in an air filter, especially for the bedroom or any other rooms you spend multiple hours per day in! HEPA air filters have been shown to capture more allergens than other filters. You can even purchase vacuums with HEPA filters to further reduce the allergen load in your home.
Shower and wash your hair and clothes after spending time outdoors. Remove shoes as soon as you come inside.
TRY RAW, LOCAL HONEY
While the jury is out on whether raw local honey is truly effective in mitigating the allergic response, honey is a tried and true soother for common allergy symptoms of cough and sore throat. Honey is also delicious, and supporting your local beekeepers is a beautiful thing!
*Note that honey is NOT safe for your child until they are at least 1 year of age
INVEST IN A NETI POT
If you haven’t already tried this one, it’s worth a shot! Neti pots or other nasal lavage systems utilize a saline (salt + STERILE water) solution to essentially rinse the sinuses. This process can soothe and moisten dry, irritated nasal passages and help clear congestion. This practice is best used once or twice daily AS NEEDED for symptom relief. Like anything, you can have too much of a good thing here! Routine prolonged use can actually strip some of your nasal cavity’s protective properties and may increase risk of sinus infection.
*ALWAYS USE STERILE WATER IN YOUR NASAL RINSE.
