Spring is upon us! I love this time of year when the color returns, the flowers start to open, and the daylight stays a little longer. What I don’t love is the pop of pollen that triggers all the annoying allergy symptoms! From itchy eyes to a runny nose, they make me miserable! I also don’t love using medications daily when there are less invasive ways to support my body. Here are some natural ways I fight off those pesky spring allergies.

*This is not medical advice. Please consult a trusted Health Professional before using these remedies*

Local Honey

For adults and children over one, consuming a teaspoon of raw, local honey can help expose your body to local pollen in small doses which may aid in managing the immune response your body has to those pollens. You can take the honey right from a spoon or mix it into hot tea.

Saline Rinse

The nasal passages are how a lot of airborne irritants (like pollen!) enter our bodies. Keeping those pathways clean and free of microscopic debris may help avoid an allergy attack! Use high-quality saline made with sterile water to irrigate your nasal passages once each day. You can use a small syringe or mist to irrigate a baby’s or toddler’s nose.

Probiotics

Health starts in the gut! Keeping your gut flora in balance can improve your health across the board and may help to lessen the severity of allergy symptoms. Look for a high-quality organic probiotic with live cultures. Eating fermented foods can help too! Babies and children can be offered fermented foods, live active cultured yogurts, or baby probiotics from brands like Mary Ruth.

Extra Garlic

Garlic has been said to have immune-boosting properties. By adding extra garlic to your diet you can do your body a favor and keep those allergy symptoms down. I love that garlic is completely natural, easy to find, delicious to cook with, and suitable for any child that is eating solid foods.

Herbal Tinctures

Herbal tinctures are my family’s preferred way to treat minor irritants and illnesses like seasonal allergies. Brands like Earthly and Spriggs are some that I have come to love and trust. Both have products that can be used for young children and even babies so we can avoid pharmaceuticals as long as possible.

Wishing you a happy and healthy spring!