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It’s that time of the season: Midterms are ramping up and so are the sneezes erupting through class, followed by the inevitable “Sorry, I have really bad allergies!” Though there are definitely benefits to Cal Poly SLO being located in the center of beautiful mountains and blooming flora native to the Central Coast, the Spring allergens are most certainly not fun to deal with.
It may be difficult to make it a priority during the busy time of the school year, but it’s important to take care of your health, especially when it’s being bombarded by pollen every time you step out of the door!
If you’re suffering from the sneezes, I’ve compiled a list of things that may help alleviate some of your symptoms or at least make you feel a little bit more relaxed. I’ve decided to split them between categories of Medical Treatment, Edible “Remedies,” and Lifestyle Practices. It’s important to note, however, that though these tools and tips have been known to calm some peoples’ seasonal allergy responses, some may work for you better than others. So, consider trying some out!
Medicinal Treatments:
These are more familiar forms of treating allergy symptoms, especially with their popularity among pharmaceutical clientele.
- Allergy Pills
Name brands like Claritin, Allegra, and even generic allergy pill brands have active ingredients that act as an antihistamine. A histamine response is what your body produces to attack an allergen, so taking pills to quell the allergic response can help lower the symptoms.
- Nasal Sprays
Nasal Sprays for allergies can be great to target runny, itchy, and congested noses. Some work with steroids, antihistamines, and decongestants, depending on what your symptoms require. A lot of nasal sprays can be found at your local pharmacy store over the counter, though some may need a doctor’s note to receive a prescription.
- Nasal Rinses
Okay, I know this one sounds gross, but nasal rinses are seriously so helpful in flushing out mucus, hydrating the sinus area, and keeping your snoz clean! There are a few different methods to this madness, including a neti-pot, squeeze bottle, and battery-powered kits that do the work for you. They all include directions for boiling water or using distilled water and some sort of salt-mix in order to keep your body healthy. Check out The Strategist’s article ranking the different options!
Edible “Remedies”:
Are there things I can eat to make me feel better? There sure are! However, I call these “remedies” because while most of these will alleviate your symptoms, they will not eradicate your allergies completely!
- Honey
While there’s not much scientific evidence that honey helps allergy symptoms, there is some belief that honey local to your area may carry pollen that you’re already sensitive to, thus desensitizing your immune system when ingested. Plus, if you’re experiencing a sore throat from a runny nose or post-nasal drip, honey will totally soothe your throat.
- Bee Pollen
Again, scientific research is still being collected on the effects of bee pollen on allergies, but many people have experienced lessened symptoms after ingesting local bee pollen for multiple months. It may be beneficial to start adding a spoonful of bee pollen to your breakfast a few months before the Springtime allergies hit. This way, your immune system can become desensitized to the allergens before they come in full bloom! For those of you who haven’t tried it, bee pollen are these little pellets of pollen, nectar, and bee saliva that dissolve on your tongue. I recommend just a bit on top of some yogurt, an acai bowl, avocado toast–and even just a spoonful! But, beware, this is definitely an acquired taste that some people cannot stand.
- Tea
The warm fluids, sweet aroma, and natural properties of tea is super helpful for sneezy people. The steam of pretty much any warm liquid will be beneficial for nasal irritation and congestion— though it’s believed that Green, Ginger, Mint, Lemon, and Licorice will make you feel better. When in doubt, check your local grocery aisle for a box of tea that says something along the lines of “Allergen Relief,” and I bet you’ll find something!
- Chicken Soup
Not to be a stereotypical grandma, but have you tried a bowl of soup? When I’m sick, no matter the symptoms, chicken soup always seems to be a magical fix. The steam, the natural oils, and whatever other veggies and noodles you may put in are super helpful in filling your body with the nutrients it needs to overcome irritation and aggression towards your immune system. If you don’t eat animal-based products, try some veggie broths instead!
Lifestyle Practices:
These small practices, if incorporated into your daily regimen, can be extremely helpful to overall health, and may even alleviate some of your allergy symptoms.
- Gua Sha
Although popularized on social media a few years ago, Gua Sha is an ancient East Asian medicine practice that has been proved to alleviate congestion, facial puffiness, and even assist lymphatic drainage. Using tools–often jade, quarts, or even metal–in a variety of shapes and sizes to scrape and sculpt your face, neck, and décolleté area can be extremely relaxing, and I find it helps with my congestion! It’s suggested that you pair oils with it, so I like to use oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender to help with my allergies, too. Side note: this may make your skin red and irritated at first, so take some time to try this out when you don’t need to leave your home!
- A Quick Yoga Flow
I love to start my days with a quick yoga flow like this one, to stretch my muscles, open up my airways, and start circulating my blood flow. This can be especially beneficial to your respiratory system which can be impacted by congestion or coughing. By regularly practicing yoga, you can focus on your breath, bodily abilities and general health every day! Check out YouTube videos for guided yoga practices specifically focused on allergies, like this!
- Steamy Showers
It seems like steam is your best friend when it comes to congestion and sore throats, so start (and end) your sneezy days with a warm shower! The heat may relieve some swelling in your sinuses and relax your muscles. For extra relief, try shower steamers, soaps or adding some essential oils to mix for added aroma.
All in all, seasonal allergies suck, but these remedies and tools can help you alleviate your symptoms and hopefully make you feel better. Plus, once you find some tricks that work, you can integrate them into your daily routine. So to all my sniffly readers out there, keep drinking water, washing your hands, and try some of these tips to feel better! Oh, and please, cover your sneeze!