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Seasonal Allergies in Northeast Oklahoma

Along with the natural beauty of spring comes the pollen, mold, and spore counts that can make life miserable if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Spring is especially difficult because the body has become adjusted to the winter season when nothing is in bloom. As the weather warms, plants and trees of all kinds begin blooming and produce pollen particles. The pollen triggers an immune response in the body producing runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, headaches, swelling in the sinuses, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen glands. In fact, seasonal allergies can often feel like having a long-lasting cold.

In NE Oklahoma, common seasonal allergens include pollen from trees (maple, hackberry, pecan, hickory, red cedar, ash, walnut, mulberry, Bradford pear, and oak), grasses (Bermuda and Timothy grass), and ragweed in the fall. There can also be a rise in mold spores and mycotoxins in the Spring and Fall which can also cause many of the allergy symptoms.

The immune response happens when immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced and attached to mast cells and basophils which contain histamine. Over time, with repeated exposure, the mast cells and basophils release the histamine and along with cytokines and leukotrienes, cause the allergy symptoms.

Another important aspect of allergies is how well the body is detoxifying. Each person has a different level of toxicity depending on how clean they eat and the toxins in the environment they live. Current research on seasonal allergies has established that if the body is not detoxifying as it should, allergy symptoms can be worse.

Many over-the-counter allergy medicines contain histamine blockers. Unfortunately, anti-histamine drugs have several unpleasant side effects such as daytime drowsiness, nose bleeds, brain fog, headaches and dry mouth.

The main approach from a natural medicine perspective is to make sure the body is detoxifying by supporting the liver and by supporting the immune system.

Here are several ways to decrease seasonal allergy symptoms naturally:

1. Limit exposure.

Sometimes it is a good idea to give the body a rest from the constant barrage of airborne allergens. This can help an over-reactive system to calm down and re-set itself. To do this, make sure to limit your outdoor exposure on windy days or days where the pollen and spore count is high. Delegate lawn duties and make sure not to dry your clothes outside. If you do have to be outside, take a quick shower to wash off particles from your skin and hair when you return home. A high-quality air filter can significantly reduce the allergens in your environment. A popular and affordable air filter is the Aircillin Room Air Filter (https://amzn.to/4cjUr9r).

2. Use Food as Medicine.

To help inhibit histamine naturally, try adding antioxidant rich foods that contain quercetin, a substance that can decrease histamine release. Foods like onions, grapes, olive oil, apples, citrus, and blueberries. Other foods that can help reduce symptoms by supporting immune function are mushrooms, local honey, microgreens, fermented foods, tomatoes, ginger, and turmeric. Luckily there are many vendor offerings at the local Tahlequah Farmers Market such as J.H. Fungi, M3 Bee Farm, The Blueberry Farmhouse, Mizzfit Produce, Vang Garden, Burning Bush Refuge, Lee Farm, Grandma Yang's Farm, Wang Farm, and Illinois River Valley Nursery.

3. Herbal Medicines to the rescue!

Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to help humans find wellness. In addition to stinging nettle, other herbs that can be helpful during allergy season include butterbur (PA-free), turmeric, rosemary, chamomile, yarrow, garlic, ginger, astragalus, perilla, young ragweed, mullein, echinacea, goldenrod, astragalus, elderberry, peppermint and horehound. The best thing to do is consult with an herbalist because what might work for one person might not work for another. Herbs can be used as teas, tinctures, capsules and essential oils and do their best when started early and continued throughout allergy season. Some of the vendors at the market who can help you with herbal medicine include Clear Creek Wellness Center, Wise Cat Apothecary, and Longshadows Ranch.

3. Get Enough Sleep.

Seasonal allergies can take their toll on our body, making us feel worn down and fatigued. Anytime our body is struggling in this way it is especially important to get enough high-quality sleep to help the body recover. Make sure you are going to bed early enough to feel rested in the morning when you wake up.

4. Alternative Therapies.

Using therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy are great ways to help stimulate the body to health by balancing the system.

According to Dr. Camp at Longshadows Ranch, there are several homeopathic remedies that can help people deal with seasonal allergy symptoms including Allium cepa, Euphrasia, Phosphorus and Natrum muriaticum. She usually recommends a 30C strength to start. These can be purchased locally at Oasis Health Food Store and from Longshadows Ranch on market Saturdays.

One popular hydrotherapy treatment that is easy to use at home is the heating compress. You will need a blanket and a sheet to wrap up in and a pillowcase that is wet but very well wrung out. To do this therapy you want to take a hot shower or bath first. Then lie down on the blanket and sheet and put the wet pillow case on your chest. Wrap up and lie there until the pillow case is almost dry. Follow with a tall glass of filtered water. This therapy boosts immune function and clearing of allergen particles from the body.

Once symptoms are present, the following steps can help minimize the severity:

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • Keep home and car windows closed during peak season.

  • Avoid being outdoors during peak pollen times in your geographic area.

  • Wear a high-rated filter mask when mowing the lawn or working outdoors.

  • Periodically wash the nasal cavities using a Neti Pot or saline nasal spray.

Remember that when using any approach to seasonal allergies, what works for one person may not work for another.

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