Photo by adjustafresh.

Imagine this.  You’re a bucket filled with water which represents all of life’s many insults on your system.  I don’t mean the underhand comment from your boss. I mean the 8 krispy-kreme doughnuts by lunch, the polluted cities we live in and the generally low quality food and water we ingest.  In essence, the bucket is full.  Now when we are living our lives in this state, the addition of a single drop of water causes the bucket to overflow.  The body is overloaded as it were, and the immune response is hyperactive, mediated by IgE immunoglobulins.  The symptomatic relief is directed at both preventing the water from spilling out, and emptying the bucket.

I used to suffer from debilitating seasonal allergies which were 100% resolved with acupuncture (heres the wonderful lady who helped me) and homeopathy.  The following over the counter products will help tame the reactive immune system and will often be needed on a continual basis during allergy season.

1. Quercetin – Antioxidant with antihistamine & anti-inflammatory properties found primarily in apples & onions.  Difficult to absorb, so usually combined with bromelain.
2. Bromelain – Proteolytic enzyme found in pineapples, useful for reducing the sinus inflammation accompanying allergies (take on an empty stomach).
3. Vitamin C - Everyone’s favorite everyday natural anti-histamine.
4. Stinging Nettles – Plant with anti-histamine properties.
5. Food sensitivities - Eliminate common food allergens during allergy season to reduce your total inflammation;  wheat, dairy, corn, soy, citrus, peanuts, tomatoes and potatoes.
6. Netti pot - Cleanse out pollen allergens from your sinus cavity with saline. (how to video posted under my videos – bottom right column of the blog)
7. Fish oil – Powerful anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
8. Air purifier – You spend SO much time indoors, and a lot of that sleeping.  At the least get one for the bedroom.  Make sure it has a HEPA filter, a little more expensive but worth it to reduce the amount of allergenic pollen floating around
9. Probiotics - Almost 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.  The correct bacterial balance will help to normalize your immune system and the subsequent immune reaction.
10. Homeopathy – safe, fast relief. Here are the most commonly used remedies and when to use them.  Look for a 6C or 30C dose.

• Allium Cepa – lots of watery discharge from the eyes with burning discharge from the nose.
• Arsenicum album – obstructed nose with burning watery discharge.  Tendency to effect the right side.  
• Euphrasia – extremely irritated eyes, with burning discharge from the eyes.
• Natrum muriaticum – whitish ‘egg white’ discharge, worse in the open air.
• Nux vomica - lots of sneezing and discharge, especially in the morning.
• Pulsatilla – terrible itching and tearing of the eyes, watery discharge which does not burn.

Some great, high quality products to get you started and relieve your symptoms today:

• Thorne Research - Quercenase
• Vital nutrients Aller-C
• Eclectic Institute Freeze dried nettles with quercetin
• Ancient Secrets Nasal cleansing pot
• Carlson Laboratories Fish oil
• HEPA filters
• Seroyal HMF forte probiotcs

Simple tips you can do everyday:

• Change into fresh cloths when you come inside.  Pollen tends to stick to your clothing.
• Eat whole fruits high in Vitamin C:  Guavas, currants, orange, lemon, grapefruit, peaches, kiwi, papaya, strawberries.
• Vacuum everyday, eliminate floor rugs and throws during this time.
• Keep windows closed.
• Change sheets frequently.
• Drink plenty of water.

For a long term holistic solution:

• Move to a desert!
• Find a Naturopathic Doctor
• Find an Acupuncturist

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.