Have you been sneezing lately, with itchy eyes and a runny nose? When you suffer from these symptoms you already know that allergy season is here. Windblown pollen from native trees, specifically from juniper trees, is the main culprit here in the Rim Country and surrounding areas.
What can we do about it?
If it is all possible, spray down your yard to prevent the pollen from staying airborne. Stay inside on windy days. When you do go out, wear a dust mask and glasses. This can protect your nose and eyes from flying pollen. When you come back inside, take off your mask and glasses, wipe your face and hair with a moist paper towel to remove any pollen that came home with you, or take a shower.
Herbal Solutions
A few years after moving to Rim Country I developed allergies to juniper. I have never suffered from any type of allergy in my entire life. Now, here I was, sneezing, itching, and just plain uncomfortable, day and night. After trying several natural remedies to no avail, I made an essence for myself (watch the video to get the real story). The next day I took three drops under my tongue and within a few minutes all the symptoms were gone, actually just seconds. I handed out my remedy bottle to friends and neighbors who suffered from juniper allergies and other early blooming trees as well. Relieved from their allergies too, they eagerly shared it with their friends. Not all, but most of them got relief quickly. For the ones whom the allergy drops did not work they just needed to take it more often or in conjunction with a couple of nettle leaf capsules.
Since we live in juniper land some folks have been taking the Rim Country Tree Mix year around. It is not just the pollen from the juniper that gets to people, inhaling the smoke from burning juniper wood coming from our fireplaces in the winter can trigger these allergies. I have also seen persistent rashes caused by junipers, especially when coming in contact with the bark of juniper.
Herbal Remedies To Help You Cope With Seasonal Allergies
Over the years I have witnessed the positive effects of nettle leaves in many people suffering from seasonal allergies, or any other type of allergies. I always carry a few capsules of nettles with me wherever I go, just in case I run into friends complaining of seasonal allergies. They often feel relief within 20 minutes after taking 1-3 capsules. The stinging hairs on nettle leaves have sharp polished spines that contain histamine and formic acid and act as an antihistamine when taken internally. Nettles have no known side effects, unlike many over-the-counter antihistamine preparations.
Rosehips
Vitamin C can be helpful during allergy season. Rosehips are reported to have up to 60 percent more vitamin C than lemon or oranges. Unlike ascorbic acid, the vitamin C in rosehips does not make your body acidic.
The herbs in Aller-Eaz have traditionally been used by people experiencing watery eyes and runny nose due to allergies.This formula may have a drying effect, and is specifically for allergies with discharge.
The herbs in Clear Head have been traditionally used by people experiencing watery eyes, runny nose, and post-nasal drip due to allergies. This formula may have a drying and anti-histamine effect. In addition many herbs in this formula have been used for coughs.
The herbs in Sinus Drain have traditionally been used to alleviate symptoms associated with sinus infections, as well as strep throat by gently cleansing out built up mucus in the respiratory system.
This essence is known to clear and cleanse the sinuses, as well as enhance other sinus and allergy medicines. This essence raises the vibration in the sinus cavities, (the sinus cavities surround the eyes and into the forehead).
Sinusalia is a homeopathic remedy to relieve nasal congestion, sinus pain and headache due to the common cold or allergies.
Inhaling Essential Oils
For people who do not want to take anything internally, aromatherapy offers a fragrant solution. Eucalyptus and/or peppermint essential oils work the best for allergy symptoms, helping you breathe a little easier. Mountain Air is a blend made with essential oils and works great too. This blend is known to support healthy respiratory function and to encourage deep breathing. The scent is wonderful, and can be inhaled even if you don't have allergies or a cold. One of our customers uses Mountain Air in her office to keep the air clean and fresh. She says that everyone always gathers around the desk to inhale the lovely scent. Add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser in the car or at home, or place 2 drops on each side of your pillow before going to bed at night. Steaming your face with essential oils added to hot water can help as well.
Neti Pots have been used since ancient times. It is a nose washing devise (it looks like a little tea pot), and can be used daily to:
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Remove mucus and pollution from the nasal passages and sinuses.
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Relieve allergies, colds and sinusitis.
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Beneficial in the treatment of headaches and migraines.
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Alleviate anxiety, anger and depression.
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May remove drowsiness, making the head and sense organs feel light and smooth.
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Neti Pots may also be helpful with eyesight.
Instructions For Nose Washing
Fill Neti Pot with warm, filtered water and add a ¼ heaping teaspoon of unrefined salt, such as New Zealand salt, Himalayan salt, Celtic salt, etc). Put the Neti Pot up to one nostril. Tilt your head slightly, aiming the other nostril down a bit. Relax. (This is the hardest part to explain.) If you are calm, the water flows right through. But if you aren't, it just won't flow. The first time it may take some time before any water goes through. It seems to have something to do with that reflex where you can't swallow and breathe at the same time. If you keep breathing through your mouth, relaxed, the water should gently flow through the nose on its own. Be gentle, do not force it. Repeat on the other side.
Infused Salt for your Neti Pot
An infused Salt Rinse for your Neti Pot which helps keep colds and infections at bay!
- Contains a potent blend of 5 essential oils
- Plus mineral-rich, French certified organic Atlantic Sea Salt
- Helps fight allergies, colds, flu and infections
This powerful blend of organic essential oils helps fight infections and drains mucous. Great for chronic sinus conditions, and if used over time it is known to help rejuvenate sinuses.
Get relief from dry nasal passages. Whether you live in an arid climate or suffer when the air is dry in the winter, this blend of oils hydrates your sinus cavities and decreases the chance of infection. I love this oil blend and I use it every night to keep my sinuses moisturized and healthy. It is known to:
- stimulate the cilia to maintain proper levels of mucous
- great for the dryness that accompanies some colds
- contains oils that reduce inflammation and congestion
- great for use on airplanes!
Written by Leilah