Get ahead of the allergy season
So we are all happy that the weather is done being minus whatever degrees. We can start thinking of gardens, weed paper and picking out flowers for the porch.
Unfortunately for some, it is also time to start stocking up on tissues and Sudafed. It seems a cruel joke in the northern regions that as soon as the temperatures get milder, the head congestion begins.
Well, it turns out that we may be able to help ourselves enough to reduce or eliminate the dreaded seasonal allergies and head congestion.
There are a number of strategies in relation to diet that have been shown to improve or eliminate the seasonal respiratory issues.
The first suggestion is to eliminate dairy products for the time being. Dairy contains the very mucus we are trying to reduce. In fact, there is no dietary need in humans for dairy products.
I realize that many of us love ice cream, yogurt, and cheeses, so I have no illusion that you, dear reader, will go cold turkey on my advice. I am suggesting that you eliminate dairy while you are addressing these allergy and cold issues.
If you are going to still choose any dairy, make it either raw or organic, or better, both. Raw dairy actually has beneficial bacteria (when not heated), and organic at least eliminates pesticides and hormones: both of which will aggravate any condition you may already have.
Another suggestion is to consume raw (unpasteurized) local honey and bee pollen.
And even better is to combine the honey with real cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon). The combination of honey and cinnamon has been well documented as a natural antibiotic. One tablespoon of honey and one-half tablespoon of cinnamon consumed daily is said to prevent a wide array of diseases.
The local honey and pollen acts like a preventive immunity booster against local allergies by exposing your body to small doses of the pollen, you become accustomed to it, and your immune system does not react so violently with histamines: the things that cause the rashes and puffy eyes.
Another strategy I learned of recently, and I utilize it in my own home, is to pick up some dried eucalyptus at a craft store, and hang a branch in the shower. I hang mine over the shower head. The steam vaporizes the plant蘑菇视频 oils, and breathing it in has tremendous benefit for the lungs.
In fact, I purchase Dr. Bonner蘑菇视频 Eucalyptus Oil soap, and as I spread it on my chest, I breathe deeply to spread the healing plant vapors throughout my head and lungs.
Ever heard of a Neti Pot? There are spinoffs of it as well; it looks like a mini tea pot but the nozzle fits in your nostril. It is filled with clean lukewarm water, and chemical free salt such as Himilayan Pink Salt.
The pot is held in one nostril, and the head is tilted to allow the saline to flow in one nostril and out the other 鈥� thereby flushing the entire nasal pathways in the head. This is super refreshing. I do this whenever I feel the initial symptoms of head congestion. It has prevented the symptoms from progressing, and allowed my body to naturally clear itself of the toxins and respiratory irritants.
Lemon with filtered water and baking soda is an incredible overall detox and body alkalizer, and lemon is known for cutting mucus.
In case you don鈥檛 know, an acidic body is a fertile ground for cancer and any number of illnesses. The mixture of baking soda and lemon alkalize taken first thing in the morning on a empty stomach also cleanses the all-important liver.
When our bodies are dripping mucus, they are trying to detox 鈥� the morning cocktail helps that right along!
Ear candles are inexpensive and easy to do at home. They are thin burnable tubes made of bees way.
When you insert the hollow tip into the ear, the burning end creates a suction that removes earwax 鈥� this is very helpful for helping to clear the head congestion, as the ears are connected to the nose and throat.
Ear candles can be purchased online on sites such as eBay. Some spas will 鈥渃andle鈥� you for a fee of around $30 to $50. Much cheaper to do it yourself. You just need the candles, a lighter and a metal pie tray to protect your head against any dripping wax. Instructions are available for free on the Internet.
If you have access, a sauna is a fantastic detox. If not, a little exercise that makes you sweat is always good to release some water based toxins. You may also take activated charcoal pills with lots of water.
The last suggestion is environment: smoking, cleaners, carpeting, chemical exposure at home or work.
I should not even need to state how much smoking will destroy your respiratory defenses.
If you work or live near smokers, or frequent bars, consider isolating yourself from these hazards, at least until your ailment is gone.
If you don鈥檛 know, new carpeting is highly toxic.
If you are going to replace carpet, do it in warmer weather so you can leave the windows open for a few days, and try to stay out of the house 鈥� this includes any animals you have.
If you work in a place with harsh chemicals, wear appropriate protective gear, and avoid exposure where possible. Choose non toxic home cleaning products, of which there are increasing options. Better yet, make your own cleaners, such as vinegar and lemon juice.
Hopefully you found all or some of these strategies helpful. I apply them all myself, and have found these, in conjunction with cleaner eating have greatly reduced the length and severity of my allergies and colds.