Plants have sex! And while much of this is invisible to us, it’s going on, and basically the trademark of this season!
Wildflowers are the chicks… and with the sun coming out the seed-bearing plants (or male equivalent) are getting “twitterpated.” Without restraint, they’re sending pollen out into the air hoping to “get lucky” and join with a flower (or two).
And we want plants to have sex. In terms of maintaining our food supply, genetic variation is a good thing! Therefore, plants have evolved strategies to share their genetic material as far and wide and with as many flowers as possible. Pollen is spread by one of three methods: wind, animals, or water. And the seed-bearing boys know that the more they make, the better the chance they will have to find a mate!
Unfortunately for us, the many losers in “plant procreation” often hit a human before they can find their flower… and then… ALLERGIES HAPPEN.
Pollen gets into your eyes, nose, mouth… and our bodies literally freak out. In reality, this yellow powder won’t harm us (it’s really just feeling down and lookin’ for a friend), but our inner immune systems act like overprotective parents ready to shoo (or achoo) all the potential “suitors” away.
It triggers a substance called histamine and immediately… sniffle, sneeze, scratch… eyes are red.. boogers flow. Pollen is kicked out before he could even get a high five or shoulder to cry on. But the sneezes don’t seem to end… because once one allergen is kicked out, another is waiting to come on in.
Most over the counter medications will help calm your symptoms. They will subdue the sneezes or get your sinuses to temporarily chill.
However, to keep the sniffles at bay, you will always have to take a drug because your body doesn’t learn how to adapt to this harmless yellow dust.
Luckily, in the world of natural medicine, there are a ton of ways we can subdue an overactive immune response before it even starts!
Read below for a few holistic tips on how to breathe free this allergy season!
- Eat an anti-inflammatory, mucous free diet.
Mucous is one of the ways we push out pathogens when our body is under attack. Unfortunately, however, during an allergic reaction, this production goes on overdrive. In order to counteract this hyperactive response, eating an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding mucous forming foods will do the trick.
EAT MORE: Garlic, lemons, green leafy vegetables, fermented foods, fresh berries & tons of probiotics!
- Neti Neti Neti
Practitioners of Ayurveda have been doing it for centuries, and even today this practice remains widely popular to alleviate rhinitis in both allergies & the common cold. The theory behind it is: if something’s making you feel bad, flush it out!
Basically, you mix a little salt into lukewarm water & give your sinuses a rinse. Getting rid of pollen and other debris will stop the sniffles before they start!
You can purchase a neti pot at most local pharmacies or health food stores. It’s a simple investment that will provide lasting relief.
- Essential Oils
Essential oils are basically the immune system of plants. And when our line of defense isn’t doing the trick, we can borrow from our flower friends for a little extra support.
Here are a few of our top sniffle stoppers:
- LAVENDER: decreases inflammation, calms stress & inhibits histamine
- LEMON: high antioxidant properties & an excellent cleanser
- PEPPERMINT: antispasmodic and soothing for nasal passageways
While there are a handful of other natural allergy remedies, small adjustments in your diet & self-care regimens can make a big difference.
So as plants start to spread their pollen via the birds and the bees (literally), know that with a little bit of pre-emptive planning, you can stay sniffle-free, holistically!
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