Spring in North Carolina is gorgeous! But for some, the beautiful blossoms wreak havoc on sinuses. I call it the annual “pollening,” a season when eyes water, cars are covered with yellow film, and drug stores advertise BOGO specials on antihistamines.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options for managing seasonal allergies. Kate Thompson, a nurse practitioner and owner of LKN Wellness, shared these helpful tips while I worked through my annual sneezing fits.
Natural remedies boost your immune system and help with symptom management. The downside is that symptoms won’t disappear with a few doses. Patience and planning are essential. Why? The more inflamed your body is before allergy season, the more it reacts to the yellow haze.
Kate emphasized, “Sometimes people have no idea how much inflammation is inside their bodies! Then, it erupts with a vengeance because of triggers like pollen.” Proactive approaches are key to optimizing healthy outcomes. Natural remedies can effectively keep symptoms at bay when used as long-term treatments (before and during pollen season).
Over-the-counter and prescription medications relieve symptoms quickly and require less maintenance than natural remedies. However, they may have side effects, especially when used for an extended period
1. Saline nasal wash can be used as a single treatment or to create a clean “canvas” for nasal sprays. You don’t have to get fancy. Ignore the marketing claims that kids and babies need children’s versions. Normal saline is safe for everyone!
2. Xlear: Kate says her patients love this natural Xylitol nasal spray for minor sinus congestion and drainage symptoms. If you’re a nasal spray novice, watch this YouTube video on how to use them properly.
3. Flonase Sensimist: This is a gentler OTC pharmaceutical option than traditional Flonase for reducing nasal cavity inflammation.
4. Neti-Pots + Humidifier + Saline Nebulizer Treatments: Contact your medical provider to learn about safe nebulizer mix-ins for added benefits.
5. Earthley Wellness Products: Sinus Saver and Cough Be Gone
6. Essential Oils: Kate says the R.C.™ Essential Oil Blend by Young Living is her favorite. Mix a few drops with coconut oil and apply to your chest or feet.
7. Natural Antihistamines: Orthomolecular Natural D-Hist and D-Hist Jr.
8. Boiron AllergyCalm™ On the Go Pellets
9. Hyland’s Seasonal Allergy Relief + Genexa Kids Allergy Care
10. Immunity Boosters: BIORAY products, Mary Ruth’s Vitamin C, local elderberry, and local honey
11. Short courses of allergy medications: Allegra, Zyrtec, and Xyzal can be paired with natural remedies. Look for dye-free options.
12. Immune-Boosting IV Infusions: Immune-boosting infusions deliver nutrients directly to the cells. They’re excellent for active infections and immune shielding. Kate offers these infusions at her office or as a convenient home visit.
Most importantly, drink plenty of water and eat clean, organic, whole foods as often as possible. Added sugars increase inflammation, so cut back or eliminate sweets. Your body functions best with healthy fuel instead of processed food and chemicals.
Whether you choose holistic or pharmaceutical options, conquering seasonal allergies requires some maintenance and takes at least a few weeks to control symptoms. If you haven’t found relief with the above remedies, contact your primary care provider.
Prefer an integrative approach? Kate is accepting new patients of all ages at LKN Wellness in Mooresville, North Carolina. She blends traditional allopathic medicine with homeopathic, alternative, and complementary therapies and would be honored to help.
Want a customized plan and empowering support on your health journeys? Mint Nutrition offers a free consultation call. Plus, their services are in-network with most insurance carriers. Let’s keep it healthy this month and the rest of 2024!
Danielle Ratliff is your go-to guru for stress-free marketing solutions. As the creative mind behind Joyful Rising Writing & Marketing, she specializes in crafting compelling brand messaging, user-friendly websites, and digital campaigns for overwhelmed small business owners. Danielle was an empowering wellness guide during her earlier chapters as a Registered Dietitian, owner of Serenity Now Massage Therapy, and holistic health radio show host. Beyond the small business realm, she enjoys exploring nature and creating joyful memories with her wife, bonus son, and furkids. Connect with her on LinkedIn or reach out at [email protected].
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