Breathe easy this allergy season
This article was originally published in April 2011
As flowers bloom and trees blossom, the wheezing and sneezing begins for many. But you can tackle seasonal allergies with natural remedies that won’t leave you foggy and tired. You’ll find a plethora of products, from tea to natural sinus spray, at PCC.
Studies have shown the nettle plant helps relieve inflammation caused by allergic reactions and clears congestion in the nose and chest. Nettle seems to relieve hay fever symptoms by interfering with the release of histamine, the inflammatory compound that can cause such discomforts as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Discover our top product picks for allergy relief »
Honey historically used for allergies
Honey produced by local honeybees may help ease seasonal allergy and hay fever symptoms.
The bees collect the same pollen that often cause allergies, and small amounts of this pollen will be found in the honey they produce. So when you consume a small amount of this honey, it can work like an allergy shot — it slowly builds up your tolerance to the allergens, decreasing your symptoms.
It’s important to start out with very small amounts of local honey first. Try taking a quarter of a teaspoon a day. Over time, this amount can and should be increased, to two to three teaspoons a day.
PCC carries local honey from High Country Honey in Darrington, Wash.