Breathe easy this allergy season

allergies

As flowers bloom and trees blossom, the wheezing and sneezing begins for many. But you can tackle seasonal allergies with natural remedies that won’t leave you foggy and tired. You’ll find a plethora of products, from tea to natural sinus spray, at PCC.

Studies have shown the nettle plant helps relieve inflammation caused by allergic reactions and clears congestion in the nose and chest. Nettle seems to relieve hay fever symptoms by interfering with the release of histamine, the inflammatory compound that can cause such discomforts as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

allergy products

Products to alleviate allergies

Oregon's Wild Harvest features organically cultivated, freeze-dried nettle. Freeze-drying has proven to be an effective method of capturing and preserving the naturally occurring compounds that are present in the stinging hairs of nettle. You’ll also find Aller-Aid with Quercetin, a unique blend that includes nettle, vitamin C and quercetin — a flavonoid that inhibits the production of histamines. Additionally, Oregon’s Wild Harvest offers an extract of Mullein Leaf and a compound elixir of Horehound, which traditionally are used for respiratory support and lung health.

Herb Pharm offers a liquid herbal extract of an Eyebright/Nettle Compound. You also can sip your way to relief with Traditional Medicinals Organic Nettle Leaf tea.

In addition to nettle products, you’ll find other allergy relief aids in our health and body care departments. The Allergy ReLeaf System from Herbs Etc. soothes temporary respiratory, digestive and skin irritation and the Kick-Ass Allergy line from WishGarden Herbal Remedies features blends designed specifically for adults, pregnant women and kids.

You’ll also find Boiron’s homeopathic Sabadil, which addresses upper respiratory allergies, helping to relieve runny nose, cough, irritated eyes and sneezing or Sinusalia, which helps relieve sinus pain that may be associated with allergies.

If you prefer sinus sprays, the Himalayan Institute has a Neti Mist Sinus Spray that’s 100 percent all-natural and uniquely formulated with ingredients to help soothe and decongest your sinuses. Their Neti Stik Aromatherapy Inhaler contains an energizing blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, menthol and lavender essential oils, and it fits easily into your pocket or purse for quick relief.

More about: allergies, health and body care products, health concerns, honey

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Honey historically used for allergies

Honey produced by local honeybees may help ease seasonal allergy and hay fever symptoms.

The bees collect the same pollen that often cause allergies, and small amounts of this pollen will be found in the honey they produce. So when you consume a small amount of this honey, it can work like an allergy shot — it slowly builds up your tolerance to the allergens, decreasing your symptoms.

It's important to start out with very small amounts of local honey first. Try taking a quarter of a teaspoon a day. Over time, this amount can and should be increased, to two to three teaspoons a day.

PCC carries local honey from High Country Honey in Darrington, Wash.

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