By Bonnie Jenkins, Advanced Natural Wellness

Despite the recent snow that blanketed everything east of the Rockies, allergy season is beginning to blossom. And that means the onset of sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and post-nasal drip for more than 50 million Americans who suffer from allergic rhinitis – better known as hay fever.

There are a number of different allergens in our environment. From dust mites to animal dander, allergens are everywhere. But this time of year, it’s the pollen that tickles our noses. But before you head to the drugstore to stock up on symptomatic relief, check out what Mother Nature has to offer.

Immunity in Overdrive

Spring allergies are a result of pollen that can appear anytime from January to April, depending on the climate and location. Pollen is tiny powdery grains released from flowering plants, which are carried by the wind or insects and serve to cross-pollinate other plants of the same type. But when pollen is present in the air, it can also land in a person’s eyes, nose, lungs, and skin to set up an allergic reaction.

During an allergy attack, the body’s defenses become over stimulated. The key players in allergic reactions are mast cells and basophil cells. Mast cells line the blood vessels in the connective tissue of the lungs, inner eyelids, gut, ear, nose, throat, and skin. Basophils are a type of white blood cell. Both types of immune system cells release histamine (a chemical that sets off the allergic response), leukotrienes, and other inflammatory agents.

Stop the Sneezes

Among the most maddening things about seasonal allergies are the sneezing fits and those itchy, watery eyes. But when you start sneezing and can’t stop, try stinging nettles. While most gardeners consider this a pesky weed, it can be an effective antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent when taken as a supplement. It’s so effective that it often works within 15 minutes to stop symptoms – which is why it’s my number one pick during allergy season. Simply take two freeze-dried nettle supplements – the equivalent of 900 mg. – as soon as the itching or sneezing starts.

Butterbur is another effective herb to thwart allergies. In one study, a group of Swiss researchers showed how just one butterbur tablet taken four times daily was just as effective as a popular antihistamine drug in controlling allergy symptoms – without the traditional drowsiness that sometimes occurs with over-the-counter or prescription allergy drugs. In a second study, presented at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, a group of British researchers put their stamp of approval on butterbur’s effectiveness in quelling the symptoms of grass allergy. Take 50 to 100 mg. twice a day with meals.

Long Term Relief …

Stopping symptoms as soon as they start is important. But getting to the root of the problem is key to managing allergies on a long-term basis. That’s where nutrients like quercetin and vitamin C come in.

There is evidence that quercetin may control the release of histamine and other chemicals that help initiate the allergic response. But it also stabilizes cell membranes and dampens inflammation, which can congest allergic nasal passages. This antioxidant-rich flavonoid is found in apples, onions, and black tea. But for long-term relief, it’s important to start taking 100 to 500 mg. of quercetin two to three times a day as soon as allergies hit – and take it daily throughout allergy season. Unfortunately, quercetin’s absorption isn’t that great. Adding a bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple) supplement may boost how much histamine-blocking quercetin gets into your system.

Vitamin C is another excellent antihistamine that helps rebuild healthy mucous membranes. It also prevents histamine release and increases the detoxification of histamine. A study found that taking 2,000 mg. of vitamin C daily lowered blood histamine levels 38 percent in healthy adults in just one week. People with low levels of plasma vitamin C seem to have higher levels of histamine, so ongoing use of vitamin C to achieve sustained levels appears to optimize the overall benefits.

One Last Thing …

Of course, popping supplements isn’t the only thing you can do to prevent hay fever symptoms. Stay indoors on windy days or when pollen counts are high. Close the windows and use the air conditioner if necessary.

Wash bedding regularly and bathe before bedtime so pollens stuck to your hair and skin won’t cause irritation while you sleep. And, refrain from hanging laundry outside to dry during the pollen season, since pollen can be transferred into your house – and your closet – when you take the clothes inside.

Eating fresh produce and whole grains and cutting out sugar can reduce flare-ups and keep symptoms from becoming too severe. If you live in a pollen hotbed, consider using a neti pot to flush out nasal passages. It may take some getting used to, but once you’ve mastered your neti, you can wash away pollen as often as necessary.

Research Brief …

Suffering from that last winter cold? Forget vitamin C! The vitamin that actually seems associated with a reduced risk of colds and other upper-respiratory infections is vitamin D. A new study analyzing data on 18,883 participants in a nationwide nutrition survey reports that those with the lowest blood levels of vitamin D were 36 percent more likely to have recently suffered a cold than those with the highest levels of the sunshine vitamin.

These findings align with recent research suggesting that vitamin D is important to the immune system. Even moderate levels of vitamin D deficiency were linked to increased risk, and those with asthma and COPD were especially affected.

So, if you suffer from frequent colds or upper respiratory infections, try some D. Most doctors now recommend 1,000 to 1,500 IU of vitamin D daily – and just shine on that next cold!

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References:

Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA. “Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” Archives of Internal Medicine. 2009;169:384-390.

Kelly G. “Bromelain: A literature review and discussion of its therapeutic applications.” Alternative Medicine Review. 1996;243:57.

Middleton, E. et al “Quercetin: an inhibitor of antigen-induced human basophil histamine release.” Journal of Immunology. 1981;127: 546-550.

Mittman P. “Randomized double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.” Planta Medicia. 1990;56:44-47.

Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group. “Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis.” British Medical Journal. 2002;324:144-146.