(NaturalNews) Allergy seasons vary from region to region; some locations have more seasons than others. Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, often strikes many during an allergy season. The most common allergens found in several areas are ragweed and other grass pollens.
An allergic reaction common to Central Texas and other western states is cedar fever. It's a nasty reaction. The so-called mountain cedars are actually hardy juniper trees and bushes.
All the varied sources of pollen usually have specific peak pollination periods when pollen gets spread into the air by wind. When breathed in, the tiny bits of pollen act as irritants along mucous linings or they irritate the eyes on contact.
The body's attempt to remove these airborne irritants can result in too much histamine. Then the sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes of hay fever or cedar fever with overall irritable feelings begin, motivating a frantic quest for a workable antihistamine remedy.
Sometimes after rainy periods, mold spores from plant molds become airborne and spread to populated areas. When they are breathed in, bronchial tubes or lung air ducts get irritated, leading to bronchitis or asthmas symptoms.
Most hay fever or cedar fever sufferers and airborne mold victims head to doctors for allergy prescriptions or get what's available from Big Pharma's OTC (over the counter) choices. But pharmaceuticals have side-effects, even if they actually work.
Allergic reaction prevention and natural remedies
Most local weather services measure and report airborne pollen and mold counts. It's a good idea to check in with them over the internet if you're allergy prone.
It's also advisable to remain in air conditioned spaces with closed windows as much as possible during a high pollen or mold period. Make sure fresh, high quality AC filters have been installed.
A German study, published in the journal Allergy, demonstrated that a diet high in omega-3 sources, such as fish, eggs, ground flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and cold water fish oils has been proven to help the body resist allergic reactions.
Many allergy sufferers here in Austin, Texas; where there are high pollen and mold counts, have reported considerable success with acupuncture to boost their immunity to airborne allergens.
Here are three basic alternative remedies that are commonly available for airborne allergic reactions:
Stinging nettle leaf is a natural anti-histamine. It's a weed that grows wild, but should be handled with gloves since the leaf hairs cause stinging. Fortunately, stinging nettles are widely available with the freeze dried, chopped, hairless leaves in capsules.
Tinctures are also available. Apparently, a good dose to get relief is 300 mg. But since it's not a pharmaceutical drug, more can be taken without the drowsiness and dry mouth associated with pharmaceutical antihistamines.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits, apples, parsley, tomatoes, and teas. But for fighting off allergies, most need to resort to quercetin supplements. Quercetin works by suppressing tissue cells' production of histamine. A daily dose of 1,000 mg is recommended.
Warning: If pregnant or suffering from a liver disease, it's advised to avoid using high dose quercetin supplements.
Butterbur is derived from a weed common in Europe. It's now getting attention this side of the Atlantic as an extract.
A Swiss study published in the British Journal of Medicine found that four small doses of butterbur daily was as effective without side-effects as the drug cetirizine, used by pharmaceutical allergy medicines such as Zyrtec.
You may wish to investigate homeopathic or essential oil remedies specifically for the allergies common to your area at local herbal shops and health food stores.