It’s allergy time in Texas and a ‘discouragin’ word is being heard by many people who are feeling stuffed up right now. Maybe cedar isn’t an issue where you live, but likely something in the air is causing you or someone you know despair.
I am always telling the nasally challenged about quercitin and I usually get a perplexed look like I’m speaking a foreign language. Quercitin is simply a plant based compound from foods such as leafy vegetables, broccoli, red onions, peppers, apples, grapes, black tea, green tea, red wine, and some fruit juices. Quercitin stops the release of histamine from certain immune cells, and since histamine can make you sneeze, tear up, or itch, limiting its release is a good thing. For hay fever, take 300 – 400 mg twice a day.
The formula I use when allergens are very high is “BCQ” from Vital Nutrients. The initials stand for boswellia, curcumin, and quercitin. Curcumin is a component of the spice turmeric (curry) and has been found, per one research report, to have the capability of improving nasal airflow and modulating immune response in patients with allergic rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes). Boswellia, or frankincense, has been studied in laboratory animals and clinical trials showing that this herb can reduce certain inflammatory conditions.
Another herb that is helpful to add to an allergy regime is Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica) which was found in a prospective, double-blind, comparative study to have significant benefit. Stinging Nettle helps to control histamine. According to one source, the recommended dose is 300–500 milligrams of stinging nettle supplements daily, but those taking lithium, sedatives, blood thinners, or medication for diabetes or high blood pressure should check with their health practitioner to avoid adverse interactions.
Not to be forgotten is the simple, but miraculous, Neti pot (or other method of washing the nasal membranes with salt water). A Neti pot can be easily purchased and provides a system for washing the offending pollen off of the nasal membrane to prevent an allergen from creating misery.
So “at home on your range”, here’s hoping there are no “discouragin’ words” due to allergy symptoms, and that even if the “skies are sunny all day” and the pollen is high you can still feel good.
