5 Ways to Beat Allergies

1. Eat Local Honey…yep it works!

Video made possible by Andrea Beaman, thanks!

2. Clean Your Nose

The Neti pot naturally cleanses and refreshes the nasal passages to help relieve allergy symptoms. A simple saline solution works well to wash out allergens and thin nasal mucous, but you can boost the effectiveness of the wash by adding a tonic of goldenseal and freeze-dried nettles. The goldenseal acts as an astringent and has some anti-microbial properties. Try a Neti Pot cleanse once or twice daily.

3. Diet Check

Follow a low-protein diet and try to eliminate milk and milk products. Excessive protein can irritate the immune system and keep it in a state of overreactivity. The protein in cow’s milk is a frequent offender. Vitamin C-rich foods have been shown to unblock clogged sinuses, so load up on grapefruit, oranges, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Research suggests that quercetin–found in black tea, green tea, apples, red onions, and berries–inhibits the release of histamines, which trigger itching, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. And pineapple and papaya contain bromelain, a mixture of enzymes thought to improve seasonal allergy symptoms. (Another reason for yummy fruits!)

4. Don’t stop to smell the flowers.

I know they’re pretty, but sniffing a daffodil or tulip could aggravate your symptoms. Fragrances and pollen from star jasmine, narcissus, gardenia, and lily of the valley are most likely to make you sneeze. Allergy-friendly plants and flowers include gladiolus, periwinkle, begonia, bougainvillea, iris, and orchid, says Clifford Bassett, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.

5. Leave your shoes at the door.

Don’t blame it on the dog for bringing allergens into the home. Pollens can hitch a ride inside on shoes, so take them off either before stepping foot indoors or immediately upon entry.

Doctor Oz spoke shares some other great tips here.

Have any other ideas you’d like to share? Please do!