Wellness

Introduction 

Springtime brings us endless blooms, warmer weather, new signs of life and tremendous shades of green as the trees begin to awake from their sleep. However, as beautiful as Spring can be, it also comes with its challenges. Allergies caused by pollen, pet dander and dust seem to become an overwhelming nuisance and these seasonal changes can often interfere with our skin and overall wellness. That said, you can always find light at the end of the tunnel by using a few hacks and making simple routine changes that make a world of difference as we transition into the warmer months.

How To Sniff Out The Problem 

As we come out of Winter, it can be easy to mistake your sniffles and sneezes as the beginning stages of a cold or flu, but often the real issue at hand is caused by allergies. The common symptoms of allergies usually include watery eyes, a runny nose and an itchy sneeze that never seems to go away. Being able to tell the difference between allergies and a flu can make a huge impact on your overall wellness and comfort, and here’s exactly how you can do just that. 

1. Understanding your allergies

Like most issues in life, there is often a root cause behind them, and allergies are no different. Typically, allergies are your body’s response to harmless substances such as pollen, dust and mold, all of which commonly occur during the Spring. Everybody’s body is their own, and people have different triggers which impacts the way their body reacts to these substances. This is why it’s important to understand your triggers in order to avoid any unwanted sniffles and irritation. 

2. Allergy vs. Cold: Spotting the Difference

Although allergies and colds manifest with similar symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and congestion, it’s generally quite easy to tell them apart. The easiest way to spot the difference is by looking at the timeline. If your symptoms last longer than a week, then it’s most likely allergies that are plaguing your wellness. An allergic reaction is usually accompanied by sneezing and itchy eyes, but minus the fever, lethargy and body aches that are attached to the common cold or flu. 

3. Common Allergy Triggers

Certain nuts can trigger allergies.

As we mentioned before, the biggest culprits responsible for those nasty allergies are pollen, pet dander, mold and dust. They have a negative effect on your wellness and so an allergic reaction is your body’s way of staving off these substances. Certain foods such as nuts, eggs, and shellfish may also trigger allergic reactions. Performing a simple blood test through your healthcare provider can help you find out if you have any allergies, and also help you to understand your triggers and avoid them wherever possible. 

The Power of Prevention

Now that we’ve determined that getting to know your specific triggers and allergies is the best way to beat your allergies, it can also be helpful to know that prevention is better than treatment when it comes to your allergies. 

1. How to Allergy-Proof Your Home

Preventing the onset of allergies starts in your home, where you’re likely to spend a lot of your time. The air that you’re breathing can have a huge impact on your wellness, so clearing the air in your home is a great place to start. You can make a small investment in an air purifier which helps to trap dust and pollen or make use of plants with air-purifying properties such as snakeplants, lilly flax or spekboom potplants. In addition to clearing the air, keep the windows closed during windy days, regularly wash your bedding in hot water to eliminate dust mites and use an allergy-proof pillowcase to avoid triggering an influx of the sniffles. 

2. Nutrition and Lifestyle Hacks

Healthy food, healthy body.

Your diet plays a huge role in your wellness, skin health and it also affects your body’s ability to fight off allergies. This is why it’s important to eat plenty of foods that are rich in antioxidants. Leafy greens, berries, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and vegetables are all types of food that can give your body an antioxidant boost from within. Furthermore, drinking an appropriate amount of water everyday makes a big difference, and staying clear of processed, oily and fatty foods are amazing, yet simple lifestyle hacks that can improve your overall wellness. 

3. Staying Ahead of Allergy Season

They say that those who fail to plan, plan to fail, and the same can be said for allergy season. We know that prevention is the best form of medicine, and so preparing for allergy season can help you fight off your symptoms before they even arrive. To manage allergies, it’s important to avoid known triggers when possible, use medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays, and keep living spaces clean to reduce exposure to allergens. In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended to help improve your wellness.

Kitchen Cabinet Cures

If you missed the prevention stage, and you’re playing catchup with your allergies and seasonal wellness, fear not, because there are many items and treatments you can use, which may already be in your home. Many common ingredients, like honey, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar, have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can help reduce your symptoms.

1. Keep The Sniffles At Bay With Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful home remedy that can be used for a number of things, including your overall wellness, skincare and allergic reactions. When it comes to allergies, the water vapor created from adding apple cider vinegar to boiling water can be especially beneficial. Inhaling the vapor can help remove mucus and clear out your nasal passages. While this doesn’t completely cure your allergies, it certainly makes breathing a little easier. 

2. A Spoonful of Honey The Sniffles Away 

Ancient cultures have been using honey as a natural remedy long before modern humans, and still today it can play a huge role in your wellness routine. Honey, potentially has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A spoonful of honey a day can help you build up a tolerance towards pollen, however the best way to do this is to start in the winter before spring and its multitude of pollen arrives. Finally, honey can also be helpful in clearing the throat and nasal passages. 

3. Spice Away The Sneeze – Turmeric tea 

Much like honey, turmeric is a powerful natural remedy that humans have used for centuries. You can easily add it to your diet as a spice, or boost your seasonal wellness by drinking it as a tea. It can help reduce symptoms of a sore throat, water eyes and help to clear congestion. Spice away your sneeze with turmeric and help keep your body balanced and your allergies at bay. 

Essential Oils for Easy Breathing 

Essential oils can be a potent weapon in your arsenal when fighting off seasonal allergies. They are derived from natural substances like leaves, twigs and the flowers of certain plants. Certain essential oils can help make breathing through allergies more comfortable as well as having the added benefit of aiding in soothing your senses. 

1. Peppermint Essential Oil 

Not only is peppermint essential oil known for its cooling, soothing effects, but it also can help clear congestion and make breathing more comfortable. Adding a few drops of this oil to your diffuser can help to ease your sinuses and clear your air passages. Many people also use it topically, first diluting it with an appropriate carrier oil and then applying it directly to the chest area in order to open up your airways more effectively. 

2. Lavender Essential Oil 

Calm your allergies with lavender.

Lavender essential oil is popular for its calming, floral fragrance and is a staple amongst aromatherapy enthusiasts. However, it can also be used for enhancing your overall wellness routines, thanks to its medicinal properties.  Inhaling lavender oil can reduce sneezing, congestion, and other allergy symptoms. The best way to use it for fighting off allergies is to diffuse lavender in your bedroom for a peaceful night’s sleep, free from bothersome symptoms. 

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil 

Eucalyptus essential oil has long been considered as a natural remedy for respiratory issues and it’s because of that that it can be used in the fight against allergies. It has a woody, herbaceous scent and helps open the airways and reduce mucus buildup. When diffused or used in a steam inhalation, eucalyptus oil can provide relief from allergy-related congestion, allowing you to breathe easier. 

Conclusion

As we make the shift out of winter and the spring blooms become more abundant, allergies can become an irritating side effect on our wellness. However, by recognizing your triggers and incorporating preventative measures, along with natural remedies from your kitchen and essential oils, you can significantly reduce the impact of allergies on your daily life. Remember, prevention is always the best strategy, but there are plenty of ways to ease symptoms if they do arise. So, embrace the beauty of Spring without the discomfort of seasonal allergies, and let your body thrive with the right care and attention.