Winter is the official flu season that people associate with congested nose, sore throat, temperature, muscle ache, etc. BUT!
For some people, the other seasons (mainly spring and autumn) can be no better in terms of stuffy nose, watery eyes, and itchy throat. Or in other words, the spring allergies are waiting around the corner as soon as the seasonal viruses disappear.
Those allergies usually start when the nature around us gives them a sign: blooming trees, grass, flowers, bushes, and other plants. The main triggers are the tiny plant particles, which fly around like dust during spring and autumn, or the so-called pollen. [1]
As the particles are so small (sometimes even invisible), we may inhale some of them while we breathe. According to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the body can recognize the “inhaled” pollen as a threat and overreact by releasing histamine in the blood. This immune response is associated with various symptoms, including nose congestion, watery and itchy eyes, and a tickly throat. [2]
This condition may last as long as the pollen particles continue to fly in the air. But as such seasonal allergies can significantly decrease our overall wellbeing and quality of life, many people decide to treat the allergies either with special medications or with holistic remedies.
This article will look into various methods, which have the potential to speed up the recovery from seasonal allergies!
Let’s dive in!
Drink water
During the allergy seasons, improper hydration may lead to more pronounced symptoms. Evidence suggests that the body releases more histamine when it’s dehydrated or when it doesn’t receive enough water daily. [3] Therefore, if you don’t hydrate yourself regularly, you may bear a risk of worsening your allergy symptoms.
The recommended daily water intake depends strongly on your overall health condition and body needs. The main rule to support proper hydration is between 4 and 6 glasses of water per day. However, if you take certain medications or suffer from kidney, thyroid, liver, or other diseases, it’s important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider. [4]
Take care of your nose
When the pollen enters your nasal cavity, the nasal mucus “captures it” i
n order to prevent it from getting into the sinus and lungs. However, as it is an allergen, the nose starts producing more mucus under the influence of histamine to get rid of the pollen particles. As a result, you might experience stuffy and runny nose (or the so-called rhinitis.) [5]
In that sense, a review paper on the effects of “Saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis” suggests that cleansing your nostrils with saline solution may positively impact pollen allergy symptoms. By getting rid of the existing mucus, nasal irrigation can remove the pollen particles from your nose and help you to decongest it. [6]
If you decide to try this method, it’s important to educate yourself on how to do it correctly and safely. The FDA shares some guidelines: [7]
Try antihistamine herbs
Evidence suggests that there are some herbs, which can help with neutralizing the effect of the histamine in the blood and relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. [8] Such herbs include:
- Chamomile
- Nettle
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Echinacea
The consumption of tea prepared with those herbs could have a positive effect on relieving pollen allergy symptoms like nose congestion, watery eyes, and itchy throat.
Conclusion
As every person is unique, our bodies respond differently to seasonal allergens like pollen. Some people might experience only mild symptoms, while others might need special medical attention due to complications.
For that reason, the holistic methods presented in this article should be consulted with your healthcare provider, as she/he will take into account your overall health condition and wellbeing.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and I do not aim to give any medical advice. The information presented in this article is based on research and aims to give information about the topic.