Seasonal Allergies got you all out of whack? You are not alone!!! The things that make springtime beautiful, are also the things that cause allergies to go soaring. Things are blooming all around us, and this can be more problematic for some than others. Did you know that Chattanooga is in the top 10 worst U.S. cities for allergies? Not surprising considering all the trees/weeds/etc. that we have fluctuating year-round, including, but not limited to pollen, mulberry, hickory, oak, ragweed, and Bermuda grass (Steel, 2021).
Two of the most common OTC medications for seasonal allergies are Allegra and Zyrtec. The main active ingredient in both is a man-made antihistamine which works by blocking a substance called histamine in your body. Histamine is a chemical that our bodies produce naturally and is a quite complex topic as it is connected to our gut and tied to many components of our body and overall health. [We will revisit histamine in its own blog post, but for now we will stay focused on how it impacts these pesky allergies!] Histamine is part of the inflammatory response our bodies produce if they feel threatened. It can be internal or external and impact different people in different ways. Therefore, when things start blooming, some people’s inflammatory response triggers that the new stuff they are breathing in may be a danger.
If you are looking for alternative options to the traditional OTC allergy medications, we have several things you may want to consider.
HistaBlock supports the respiratory system. Powerful antioxidants help support the health of the airway passages and mucous membrane. Stinging nettle, quercetin, bromelain and bitter orange offer natural help with seasonal allergies.
Seasonal Allergy (formerly ALJ) is a seasonal respiratory support. Herbs in this formula traditionally support the respiratory system. These herbs are traditionally used to help soothe irritated mucous membranes and support respiration.
Sinus Support is targeted respiratory support. Enjoy this safe, natural support for the sinuses, especially when seasons change.
Resp-X to soothe your sinuses for comfortable breathing. This natural herbal blend is a unique formulation containing the finest ingredients for the purpose of maximizing co-related benefits for upper respiratory tract wellness. Includes horseradish root to support normal airflow in the sinuses and lungs. Hyssop and thyme promote clear, open airways. Resp-X uses a synergetic Herbal Blend derived from ancient herbal knowledge and leading-edge science to support sinus decongestion and free, comfortable breathing.
We also have a plethora of bulk herbs that have traditionally been used to treat allergy type symptoms. Many of which are found in the supplements just mentioned. Ingredients such as nettle, mullein, burdock root, goldenseal, parsley, marshmallow root, alfalfa, slippery elm, and even bee pollen. Bee Pollen….for allergies?????? Yes, my friend, we have so much to talk about! Stay tuned.
Reference:
Steel, Ashley (2021) APA citation. The 10 Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies. Retrieved from: allergies/#:~:text=Chattanooga%2C%20TN,allergist%2Dto%2Dpatient%20ratio