Natural and Sustainable

To alleviate cold germ induced allergies, turn to vitamins, herbs, yoga, omega-3s, and more.

1. Take Your C: Vitamin C has emerged as an anti-allergy agent for many years now and now you may need it more than ever. Allergy sufferers should take 200 milligrams of vitamin C daily. The presence of an antioxidant like vitamin C might therefore decrease the severity of allergy attacks and colds.

2. Dress For Success: Cotton and wool fabrics attract more tree pollen as the trees loose their leaves for the winter than a cotton-poly blends. Since pollen can collect on skin and hair, a post-outing shower will also reduce the level of allergens in your home.

3. Butter Up: An ingredient in butterbur (Petasites hybridus) inhibits histamines and leukotrienes (chemicals released after allergen exposure that make you itch, sneeze, or stuff up). Butterbur is as effective as cetirizine (Zyrtec®). 50 mg. of butterbur twice daily works as well as 180 mg daily of fexofenadine (Allegra®). Other herbs used for relief are infusions of nettle and elderflower (1 tsp. each to 2 cups water, taken daily for three months). For congestion, place five to 10 drops of chamomile essential oil in 3 cups of hot water, and inhale for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse Out: The passages in the nose are quite narrow and the lining is very tender; therefore, it takes only minor swelling and irritation or a little extra mucus to plug you up. Nasal irrigation rinses mucus and debris out of the nose and clears the passages. Use a spouted Neti Pot to apply a saline solution of 1/4 tsp. of salt and 1/4 tsp. of baking soda dissolved in 8 ounces of lukewarm water; you can buy the pot (with instructiuons) at health-food stores. If you find the technique tricky, try Nasopurek, a product that supplies the saline solution in a squeeze bottle for easier application.

5. Breathe and Pose: Yogic breathing methods held clear mucus from the nose. Also, Yoga reduces asthma attacks and improves pulmonary function. Using medication, chest-opening postures, and breathing techniques have been found to lead to better results then beathing along. Attacking the problem from three angles, relaxation, the mechanics of how the chest wall works, and learning to be a more effective breather, seems to make more sense. Yoga for Asthma, and interactive CD-ROM by yoga master B.K.S. Lyengar, can be use by people with allergies or winter cold sufferers.

6. Hide Inside: Cold and allergy suferers are advised to stay insdie with doors and windows closed furing peak pollen hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Equip your ventaliation system with an allergy-grade filter to resude exposure and symptoms. Air cleaners ar ledd effetive by can still heko; choose one with a sustantioal colume of sirglow and a HEPA (high-efficiency particalate air) filter.

7. Eat Your 3s: Certain foods like vegetable oils and baked or fried goods provoke an inflammatory response, potentially exacerbating allergies. But a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (cold water fish, flaxseeds) seems to reduce that chain reaction.

These natural responsees can reduce allergic reactions and colds and flus. Because chronic conditons can and may lead to asthma, consult a specailist if symptoms continue or get worse. To find an allergist near you, visit American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. You can also sign up with the National Allergy Bureau to receive e-mail alerts about pollenb and mold couts in your area.

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*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Use greener cleaners in your how, car and RV or boat. Baking soda and viegar will clean just about anything. Use the “old school” method and put a little elbow grease into your cleaning. Your family and pets will be healthier and your furniture and fixtures will last longer too.