Seasonal allergies are highly common, affecting billions around the world. More than 50 million Americans suffer from them every year. While seasonal allergies aren’t restricted to certain areas, some regions are more likely to cause them. The Bay Area is one of them. Those living in the Bay Area are at a significantly higher risk of developing seasonal allergies, not just due to its year-long warm climate but also because of widespread greenery.
The Bay Area undergoes three phases or seasons of pollen spikes during a year . Moreover, there is a lot of grass and significant weed growth in many areas, both are known allergy triggers. A Stanford Medicine research study recently reported that the allergy season in the Bay Area has increased by two months due to changing weather patterns.
While there are several over the counter antihistamines available for seasonal allergies, many people do not find them helpful and prefer to use alternative therapies, herbs and nutritional supplements to benefit their immune function and lower their histamine response. They are effective and do not have the common side effects of allopathic allergy medicines that often cause drowsiness, which is another major reason why many people avoid using them.
Alternative Treatments for Seasonal Allergies
If you’re one of those people who want to avoid using antihistamines, here are some viable alternatives:
Herbs
Herbs are an excellent natural remedy for seasonal allergies. Here are some of the most tried and tested ones:
✔ Perilla – An herb from the mint family, perilla helps with sinusitis, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and allergic asthma.
✔ Stinging Nettle – Contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, analgesic, and antioxidant properties.
✔ Sea Buckthorn – The bright orange-colored berries of sea buckthorn contain over 190 nutrients.
These include organic acids, vitamins B complex, C, and E, and provitamin A. They also have superoxide dismutase enzyme, which is vital for respiratory health. This herb is not only great for seasonal allergies but also for chronic coughs and breathing disorders like asthma.
✔ Quercetin - A plant pigment, antioxidant flavonoid found in onions , berries and broccoli…known to have protective abilities and combat toxicity, inflammation and histamine response.
Herbs and Supplements are available, efficacious and easy :
You can find them available as one single herb or best use is in combination with several herbs and nutritional supplements. They come in capsule form or powder for ease of administration.
Acupuncture:
Reported as a potential antidote for seasonal allergies, the ancient TCM therapy of acupuncture has been shown to offer quick relief from its symptoms. It’s believed to do so by regulating the cytokine profile of Th1 and Th2 immune cells. Try acupuncture for seasonal allergies if you frequently suffer from them.
Contact Jenny Crissman for Quick Relief from Seasonal Allergies in Oakland and East Bay Areas
Jenny Crissman is one of the most renowned TCM experts in Oakland and East Bay areas.
She is not only a pro at acupuncture but is also an herbal medicine expert. Dial 510-595-0700 to schedule an acupuncture session with her and to get more recommendations for herbs for seasonal allergies.