4 Tips for Allergy Sufferers

Even though it is not spring, some people’s allergies are in full swing. Here in Hawai’i, the vog from the current lava flow is really getting to people and in our office, we've noticed a lot of patient’s coming in with itching, watery eyes, a cough and nasal/sinus congestion.

Here are a few things to try if you are an allergy sufferer:

Purify the air: Get a HEPA filter for your home. Alternatively, you could make a filter by soaking a bed sheet in water and baking soda (about 1 liter of water to 1 teaspoon of baking soda) wringing it out and hanging it somewhere air can pass through it. This helps to trap toxins in the air and keep you from breathing them in.

Make it rain: Fill up a spray or mist bottle with water and add 1 drop of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. Spray as needed to moisten the air you’re breathing into your lungs, help open sinuses and reduce your cough. Alternatively, you could do some deep breathing over a steam bath of the same mixture.

Add stability: Certain nutrients, like quercitin and vitamin C, help to stabilize the mast cells of your immune system which keeps them from releasing histamine. By acting as natural antihistamines, these nutrients help reduce allergy symptoms dramatically. Foods like citrus and green leafy vegetable have nutrients with natural antihistamine properties, however if you are an allergy sufferer, you may need a higher/supplemental dose.

Let it drain: Nasosympatico treatment can help to allow mucous build-up to drain from the sinuses making it easier to breathe. This is an out-patient procedure involving the application of a specialized essential oil mixture into the sinuses by a qualified healthcare provider. Your doctor can examine your sinuses to determine if you might be a candidate to benefit from this procedure or one like it.

Before beginning any new health habits, supplements or medications, you should talk to you healthcare provider.