After a long winter, many people look forward to seeing trees bud and flowers bloom. But for those with allergies, this season often brings sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Taking steps to care for your health during allergy season can help prevent most symptoms, so you can enjoy being outside, gardening, and soaking up the sunshine.
During allergy season, your body often makes more histamine. Histamine is a chemical released from certain cells when you have an allergic reaction or immune response. It widens blood vessels and makes them more permeable, which can cause swelling, warmth, and redness. Histamine can also irritate nerves, leading to itching and pain.
There are several ways you can help your body balance histamine levels and reduce inflammation. Berries like blueberries, cherries, and raspberries, as well as mango, are rich in bioflavonoids. Taking vitamin C may also help lower histamine levels in the body. On the other hand, some foods play an opposite role. Strawberries, tomatoes, chocolate, wine, bananas, and shellfish are best avoided during allergy season.
The stinging nettle
(Urtica dioica),
despised and feared by many,
is a perennial herb known as a rich source of nutrients such as chlorophyll, protein, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K1, potassium, chromium, and zinc. These nutrients increase vitality, support healthy skin, bones, joints, and help keep the immune and respiratory systems strong. Nettle leaves also contain flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin, which help the body better manage histamine levels. To reduce allergy and hay fever symptoms, try infusing it in equal parts with Chamomile, Ribwort, Eyebright, and Ground Ivy.
