The Season for Sneezin’ and Wheezin’

Spring has sprung here at The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township New Jersey, and the storage facility has been buzzing like a beehive. Our storage tenants are shuttling to and from their rental spaces like there’s no tomorrow! Time to open the office window and get some fresh….ah,ah,ah,CHOO – Allergies!  Yes, ’tis the Season for Pollen and Sneezin’ !

Just yesterday, one of our long-time customers, Lois, walked into our storage rental office to rent a moving van, wearing a surgical mask.

”You sick?” I asked.

“No – allergies” she replied.

I asked her what  type of medication she was taking for her allergies.

”No doctors for me – I’m all natural” .

Turns out Lois takes a combination of bee pollen and something called Nettle Leaf to relieve her symptoms. Lois completed her storage unit rental and drove off.

That got me wondering about what other natural treatments might be available to all of us allergy sufferers.

I did some research…

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an amazing natural allergy remedy, as it can help reduce mucus production and cleanse your lymphatic system. The quick and dirty approach is to swallow a tablespoon. For a more palatable option, try adding a tablespoon to a cup of hot water with a small bit of honey.

Local Honey

Allergy symptoms are your body’s reaction to a substance it deems hazardous to your health.

Unfortunately, you can’t simply tell your body that grass and pollen aren’t bad for it. But you can help your body learn that the local habitat isn’t deadly by giving your body small doses of the grass and pollen that are irritating it.

Local honey contains trace amounts of the very pollen that could be making you feel sick. It can help naturally reduce your allergy symptoms over time. Start administering it to immediately begin seeing results.

Bee Pollen

Like honey, bee pollen contains the natural substances of the bee hive locale. It offers an alternative way to introduce these substances into your immune system. It tastes great sprinkled on fruit or tossed in salad and offers a bit of a sweet crunch. Google your local farmer’s market or search for “local honey farmers” to find products close to your home.

Exercise

The last thing you probably want to do when you feel crummy is workout, but researchers have found that moderate to intense activity for just 30 minutes can result in substantial allergy relief. Relief occurs because exercise produces an anti-inflammatory effect in your nasal passages, helping to naturally reduce allergy symptoms.

Typically, an indoor workout will most likely be more beneficial as it will reduce re-exposure.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treats a wide variety of health issues, including depression, digestive issues, general pain, muscle weakness, and immune deficiency. 

Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf can help naturally block your body’s ability to produce histamine, which can provide allergy relief naturally. You can get it in capsules or buy the leaf whole, which is my preference. Steep it with peppermint leaves and a small amount of honey to create an herbal tea that will be tasty and beneficial.

Water

Hydrate like it’s your job. That sounds simple, right? You’d be surprised how many people are dehydrated! Being dehydrated can make you tired and make it difficult for you to get a full night’s rest. It can cause headaches, breakouts, and bloating. And, it can heighten any allergy symptoms you’re experiencing. The more water you can drink, the better you’re going to feel.

So, there you have it – some tips to help you manage your allergy symptoms this spring,  courtesy of The Storage Inn. As for me, it’s time to head home, and curl up on the couch, with a nice apple cider vinegar, honey, and Nettle Leaf cocktail – Cheers!