Natural Allergy Solutions That Actually Work
September is right around the corner, which means ragweed—the biggest autumn allergy trigger—will soon become a problem.
Of course, autumn is when cold season begins too. Then add the COVID-19 layer on top of it… is it any wonder why people get confused, worried, and anxious over every single cough, sniffle, and sneeze?
Is it a Cold, COVID, or Allergies?
It’s easy to overanalyze symptoms of illness, especially since colds, COVID, and allergies do have a lot of overlap. There are, however, a few distinct differences that can help you figure out the cause of your symptoms.
When in doubt, you should definitely talk to your doctor and/or get tested to rule out COVID. But generally speaking, these are the signs and symptoms of each so you can make better informed decisions about next steps to take for treatment.
Symptom |
COVID-19 |
Cold |
Allergies |
Cough |
Usually |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Muscle aches |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Never |
Fatigue/tiredness |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Rare |
Sneezing |
Rare |
Sometimes |
Usually |
Sore throat |
Usually |
Usually |
Rarely |
Runny or stuffy nose |
Usually |
Usually |
Usually |
Fever |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Never |
Gastrointestinal issues |
Sometimes |
Never |
Never |
Nausea or vomiting |
Sometimes |
Never |
Never |
Loss of smell or taste |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Itchy nose and eyes |
Never |
Rare |
Usually |
If you have COVID or a cold, there’s not much you can do at home other than rest and treat symptoms until your body fights off the viruses. (Of course, if you need medical attention for COVID, seek it immediately!)
Allergies are completely different. Simply put, they are the body’s response to harmless foreign invader…such as pollen. The body’s overblown reaction to allergens serves no purpose other than to make us feel a bit miserable.
Stinging nettles is a medicinal herb that inhibits histamine receptors and prostaglandin formation. In one study, allergy sufferers rated a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettles much higher than placebo in reducing symptoms.4
It comes in many forms (tea, tincture, extract), so follow the specific dosing instructions on the product you decide to buy.
Probiotics. Up to 80 percent of our immunity originates in our gut. So it makes sense that taking a probiotic supplement can help prevent and treat allergies. A great high-quality probiotic product to try is Newport Natural Health’s Microencapsulated Probiotic. Not only does it include several different strains of beneficial bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, it also contains prebiotics, which feed the bacteria and keep them healthy and nourished.
Nasal Irrigation
Along with taking one or a combination of these supplements, become familiar with using a neti pot daily during allergy season. You won’t regret it! Nasal irrigation has been shown to minimize allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing—and fast.
To use a neti pot (which you can find online and at all pharmacies), fill the pot with one cup of warm distilled/filtered (not tap) water. Mix in ¼ teaspoon of table salt. Stand over a sink, tilt your head to one side, and insert the spout into your upper nostril. Pour the solution into your upper nostril and allow it to drain out of your lower nostril.
Repeat on the other nostril, then blow your nose to fully clear your sinuses.
This is basically what happens:
When those who are sensitive to pollen inhale it, their bodies react by releasing antibodies into the bloodstream. The antibodies combine with mast cells, which store histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins—all inflammatory chemicals in the body. The antibodies send the message to release these chemicals, and allergy symptoms begin.
Histamines are what cause congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy/watery eyes, while leukotrienes and prostaglandins are more to blame for airway constriction common in allergies and asthma.
Here’s the good news…
Unlike viruses, there are things you can take that not only prevent allergies from developing, but also lessen severity of symptoms if you do get them.
There is one important caveat though. Managing allergies effectively requires that you start taking certain supplements before the growing season starts and pollen permeates the air. So, this means if you’re a fall allergy sufferer, NOW is the time to start, so that your body is prepared for when allergy season is in full swing.
Supplements for Allergy Prevention & Relief
Quail egg powder should be your #1 go-to for treating existing allergy symptoms, including stuffy/runny/itchy nose, watery/itchy eyes, and asthma. In one clinical trial, 43 people were exposed to common allergens, including grass and tree pollen. They then immediately took two tablets of either a proprietary quail egg extract or placebo. Those who took the quail egg experienced significant relief from nasal symptoms and itchy/watery eyes within just 15 minutes.1
This impressive allergy fighter is the main ingredient in Newport Natural Health’s Breathe EZ product.
Butterbur is an herb that stacks up against one of the top-selling antihistamines on the market. In a study that compared butterbur to the antihistamine Zyrtec, both treatments were similarly effective, but butterbur didn’t produce the drowsiness and fatigue felt by two-thirds of those taking Zyrtec. In another study, 90 percent of butterbur users saw significant improvement in their symptoms and rated the herb’s efficacy and tolerability at 80 percent and 92 percent, respectively.2-3
Typical dosing is 50 mg twice daily.
Quercetin works by preventing mast cells from releasing histamine, and decreasing production of inflammatory leukotrienes. Typical dosing is 400 mg twice daily on an empty stomach, taken with a digestive enzyme like bromelain to help with absorption.
Minimize Your Exposure
Finally, it’s a good idea to do what you can to reduce your overall exposure to allergens. It’s hard, but not impossible. Here are some tips:
- HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are designed to trap pollen. Use them in your home and vacuum.
- Indoor plants are Mother Nature’s “air filters.” Nearly all indoor plants clean the air, but some of the best options are aloe vera, spider plants, snake plants, weeping figs, philodendrons, peace lilies, and bamboo palms.
- Avoid opening windows.
- Take your shoes off before entering your house. Rinse them off outside or in your laundry room sink.
- Shower before going to bed to wash away pollen trapped in your hair or on your body.
There’s no doubt that allergies can be miserable. Be proactive and take preventive measures now, so that you can lessen the effects and enjoy the fall months with nary a sneeze.
References
- Benichou AC, et al. A proprietary blend of quail egg for the attenuation of nasal provocation with a standardized allergenic challenge: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Food Sci Nutr. 2014 Nov;2(6):655-63.
- Schapowal A. Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. BMJ 2002 Jan 19;324(7330):144-6.
- Kaufeler R, et al. Efficacy and safety of butterbur herbal extract Ze 339 in seasonal allergic rhinitis: postmarketing surveillance study. Adv Ther 2006 Mar-Apr;23(2):373-84.
- Roscheck B Jr, et al. Nettle extract affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res 2009 Jul;23(7):920-6.