What is the Best Natural Allergy Relief?

Spring is in the air here in Bend, Oregon.…& so is the pollen count!  For anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies, or who has chronic sinus conditions (which can be exacerbated by living in a very dry climate): I’m writing this article for you.  Last fall, I accidentally discovered a natural allergy remedy that has been so effective, it has virtually eliminated my sinus issues ~ which had kicked up when I moved to Bend (a SUPER DRY climate).  Read on to find out what I have found is the best natural allergy relief, & in addition to this particular supplement that has been super helpful, I’ll also list several other ways to open up the sinuses & keep you breathing freely.

Spring allergies affect more than 50 million people each year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

What is the Best Natural Allergy Relief? How to Get More Energy Naturally with Proper B VItamins, Girl Who Travels the World

Spring is wildflower season in Oregon…..which I LOVE ~ but can also wreak havoc on those of us who suffer from allergies! This article will help you discover (hopefully) some new natural remedies to keep allergies at bay.

List of Natural Allergy Relief Remedies…

For years, the only thing that worked for my allergies when they got bad was Claritin-D.  The problem though, in using it long-term, is that it can have other, unwanted side effects ~ that for me included constipation….which is NOT an option long-term!  And other decongestants such as Benadryl, Sudafed, & Drixoral make me SO loopy that I really can’t function on them whatsoever.  So, I really had to search out other options to help with allergies & sinus issues. 

The following list is written in order of importance, meaning, the things that I find help my allergies the absolute most are listed right up top.

1. The #1 thing I do every day to help my allergies is take Stinging Nettle Root (Urtica Dioica).  You may never have heard of it, but stinging nettle is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in North America, Europe, & Africa.  It works to reduce hay fever by acting as an anti-inflammatory; it actually blocks histamine receptors & stops immune cells from releasing the chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.  Essentially: stinging nettle is a natural antihistamine.  When I take it, I can literally feel my sinuses open up within five minutes ~ it’s quite a miracle, really.  Give it a try if you are a long-time allergy sufferer & let me know how it works for you!  (Side Note: I originally used Stinging Nettle for quite a different purpose ~ to relieve relentlessly itchy skin that I was dealing with last fall. And it ABSOLUTELY worked for that as well! Another miracle.)  This plant has many potential uses & benefits, which also include lowering blood sugar & blood pressure.  If you’re curious if it will affect any of your other medications, please consult your doctor before adding it to your routine. 

Dosage: Personally, I take two of the NOW Food’s Stinging Nettle Root Extract in the morning, & two at night.  This keeps my sinuses clear all day & while I sleep at night.  Another great one to try is Mt. Angel’s Quercetin Zinc formula, which also includes Vitamin C, Vitamin D. & Stinging Nettle ~ all of which combine to create a potent anti-inflammatory cocktail.  Similar to Stinging Nettle, quercetin has anti-allergic & antihistamine properties.

Stinging Nettle acts as a natural antihistamine by blocking histamine receptors, in addition to being a natural anti-inflammatory.

2. EXERCISE, particularly cardiovascular exercise.  On days when I don’t get things moving & engage in some form of cardio (hiking, running, dancing, walking the dog, doing a 30-minute high-intensity video on YouTube, etc.), my sinuses are worse.  That’s just a fact.  Nothing stimulates your lymphatic system, gets your body oxygenated, & opens up your sinuses like exercise.  Something to consider: buy a trampoline.  Jumping on a trampoline is not only a quick, fun way to get a workout in ~ but it’s also one of the BEST ways to stimulate your lymphatic system, & increase lymph circulation.  How does this help your allergies?  If your lymph system is clogged or not draining properly, it can affect your sinuses, aggravating allergy symptoms.  And as your lymph system is directly related to your body’s immune response: the benefits go beyond simply alleviating allergy symptoms.

Jumping on a trampoline for as little as 10-15 minutes per day is enough to stimulate your lymphatic system, increase lymph circulation, & provide yet another natural way to help alleviate allergy & sinus symptoms.

Stinging Nettle

$25.60

Quercetin/Zinc/Stinging Nettle

$49.99

Trampoline

$299.99

What is the Best Natural Allergy Relief?

3. INCREASE HUMIDITY in your home!!!  For me, this is HUGE.  When I traveled throughout South America for many years, to places like Cartagena & the Galapagos Islands: I had virtually ZERO sinus issues.  I’m convinced that the reason for this is the higher levels of humidity found in these places; I just know my sinuses are happier in a more humid spot.  But the problem is: I live in Bend, Oregon now where the average humidity hovers around 10-15%!? 

There are a couple ways to increase humidity in your home: buy small humidifiers to place throughout your home, most importantly in your bedroom.  You can also buy a whole-house humidifier, which saves you from having to re-fill your small humidifiers daily.  In this way, you can keep your whole house at the humidity level of your choosing, ideally somewhere around 30%.  Your plants will be happier (& you’ll need to water them less!), your dry hands will be happier (especially in winter), & of course, your sinuses will be happier.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal relative humidity for humans’ health & comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity.  

4. Invest in a High-Quality Air Filter, particularly if your allergy issues stem from things like pet dander, pollen (it can travel up to 300 miles!!??!), off-gassing of chemicals from things like your carpet, paint, furniture, etc.  Though it sounds odd, indoor air is actually far more polluted than outdoor air, by two to five times MORE, according to the EPA.  One of my best friends has two cats, & their family has varying allergy levels to the cat dander: she said that the Germ Guardian HEPA Air Filter has been a total game-changer for the whole family, & their reduction of allergy symptoms has been dramatic.  

The air INSIDE our home is actually far more polluted than the air outdoors, & according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), it’s 2-5X more polluted.

Humidifier

$29.97

Germ Guardian HEPA Filter

$84.99

Whole-House Humidifier

$559.99

What is the Best Natural Allergy Relief?

One final, natural way to help open up your sinuses is to engage in Wim Hof breathing every morning (30 BIG breaths in & out, in fairly rapid succession).  I’ve written an article about Wim which you can read here, & if you type his name into Google or YouTube you’ll be able to find ALL kinds of information on him, & try out his breathing technique right alongside him….which is great, because he’s quite entertaining & HIGHLY energetic!

What other natural allergy remedies do you use or have you found to be the most helpful?  I love discovering new ideas in the natural health space, so feel free to share what has worked for you in the comments below…

xoxo Noelia

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How to Relieve Allergies Naturally with Stinging Nettle, Girl Who Travels the World