TWD: Conquering Seasonal Allergies + Biodiverse Gardening
Watch the discussion between Dr. Karen Williams + Dr. Kelsey Crow by clicking here.
From Dr. Karen Williams:
Spring is here and so is allergy season.
So many people are already feeling the shift in weather through allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion. Symptoms may be managed or prevented altogether by following a few easy tips.
Acupuncture is great at both preventing seasonal allergies and helping to manage symptoms, such as nasal congestion, if they have already started. A study in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy showed that acupuncture was effective at significantly reducing nasal symptoms with no side effects Its ideal to begin acupuncture a month before your symptoms typically start to prevent them from being severe. However, if your symptoms have already begun, acupuncture can still be quite effective.
Saline irrigation flush with a Neti pot can wash away pollen and other irritants that found their way in through the nose. Be sure to use water free from bacteria such as distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled.
Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Close windows in your home when pollen counts are high and use air conditioning, if possible, to remove moisture from the air to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Wash your bedding once a week in hot water can reduce your exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen and animal dander. Also, change clothes when you get home in case allergens attached onto your garments.
Showering before bedtime can remove any allergens that may be lingering on your skin or in your hair.
Try incorporating one tablespoon of raw local honey every day by stirring into tea, coffee or a smoothie According to a study published in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, researchers discovered that patients consuming honey daily reported 60 % fewer symptoms. Local honey is defined as honey harvested within a 25-to-30-mile radius of your residence.
Ideally the best way to handle seasonal allergies is a matter of finding the root cause. Then you can take the necessary steps to address them. If you’re unsure of the cause you can try the ideas mentioned above and making some changes to your diet.
Most of the immune system resides in your gut, so it important to keep the gut flora healthy to boost your immune system.
Common food sensitivities to gluten, dairy and sugar can lead to unhealthy, unbalanced gut microbiome. Adding probiotics or fermented food such as yogurt, kombucha or sauerkraut can be helpful in treating hay fever (allergic rhinitis). An elimination diet may also be helpful in identifying if certain foods cause inflammation, leading to worsening seasonal allergy symptoms.
Vitamins and supplements can also boost your immune system. Here is a list of some known to do so:
Vitamin D
Vitamin C 2,000 milligrams daily to reduce histamine levels.
Stinging nettle is considered a natural antihistamine. This can be brewed into a tea and is rather tasty.
Quercetin stabilizes the release of histamines and helps to control allergy symptoms. It’s naturally found in broccoli, cauliflower, green tea, and citrus fruits.
From Dr. Kelsey Crow:
Some other natural remedies to add to the list Dr. Karen added are chiropractic adjustments to the sinuses and upper neck to help with drainage, as well as facial guasha.
It is time to start your gardens! Here are some tips to growing biodiverse organic produce this year.
Create a fence of lettuce around your garden to keep the local wildlife away from your food source.
Plant flowers around your gardens to distract insects with sacrificial plants, help with pollination and attract healthy insects. Examples include:
Nasturtiums to draw aphids away from tomato plants.
Marigolds to also support tomato plants by attracting pest away.
Yarrow to attract a beneficial wasp called trichogramma. This wasp is a stingless parasitic wasp that kills other insets that eat your garden. You can buy this wasp online if you wish.
Planting Garlic and Onions are not only delicious and used in your own diet they can be used to keep pest away. This same concept can be used for herbs as well, basil is good at this.
Spray garlic essential oil as a natural pesticide.
If you are not wanting to garden yourself, help support local farmers by attending farmers markets or eating at food venues that support local.
Kansas City- Brookside Farmers Market is the only all organic farmers market in the metro. Overland Park Farmers Market was voted the best farmers market it the United States last year. Over The Rainbow Community Garden located just south of the city is also a wonderful source to help local kids through scholarship opportunities and has plots you can rent for growing your own produce.
New York- Saratoga Farmers Market, Spa City Farmer's Market, and Glens Falls Farmers Market are wonderful sources to support local.
Take-home acupuncture points to help with allergies:
LI 20- Located on the lateral border of the nasal ala. It unblocks the nose and helps dispel wind.
Bi Tong- Highest point of the nasal labial groove. Used for nasal obstruction and rhinitis.
Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel tapping, especially over the ribcage to help with coughing.