By Valerie Macon
Each spring, usually early March, the infamous “cloud” of pollen descends over the Triangle, turning everything yellow overnight. Pine pollen, the tree pollen associated with this yellow dust, typically peaks for about three weeks, coating cars, houses, sidewalks and floating in puddles. It gradually declines during April, but then grass and weed pollen start up in June and July. If you suffer from allergies, this means misery—sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffy noses, and headaches. While many sufferers turn to typical treatments like over-the-counter antihistamine medications, immunotherapy shots, nasal sprays and nasal irrigation, there are natural alternatives.
Natural Solutions
Erica Tyler, owner of The Vine Natural Health Shoppe, has been a lifelong learner of herbalism, nutrition, and naturopathic remedies. I spoke with her about some of the advantages of natural remedies, as well as effective alternatives to over-the-counter medication.
“There are so many natural remedies that are effective, safe and well-tolerated,” she says. This is not the case for many OTC medications for allergies. Recently, we heard about some popular OTC decongestants and antihistamines with the active ingredient phenylephrine being taken off the shelves in 2023 because the FDA found them to be ineffective.
She discusses the issue, stating, “We experience two allergy seasons. In the spring, we encounter the yellow pollen, a particulate and irritant that we inhale and affects our mucous membranes. Even individuals not typically allergic may experience irritation. In the fall, we contend with leaf mold, among other allergens. There are natural things one can do to manage these challenges.”
Erica likes nasal irrigation using a neti pot. Although saline is beneficial for cleansing the nasal passages, given the abundance of yellow pollen in this area, using a solvent proves more effective. One of the most effective treatments is eucalyptus. The oils in eucalyptus possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, transforming the process into more than just a rinse—it actively works to soothe inflammation. One of Erica’s preferred nasal washes contains thyme oil, eucalyptus, and wintergreen. This solution not only rinses out pollen and alleviates symptoms but also addresses post-nasal drip. It is particularly beneficial for individuals prone to sinus infections.
She recommends that when you come inside during allergy season, take a shower. Avoid settling on the couch or getting into bed before showering and changing your clothes. In addition to washing off the pollen, consider hanging eucalyptus in the shower or adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the corner of the shower. The steam generated will assist in alleviating inflammation in your sinus cavity, making it easier to breathe. Erica also suggests diffusing eucalyptus oil throughout the house during allergy season, as it helps purify the air and reduces inflammation.
Bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, has proven effective in thinning mucus and reducing inflammation, again beneficial to those suffering from frequent sinus infections. This enzyme not only addresses specific symptoms but also reduces the likelihood of individuals with chronic sinus issues developing infections triggered by allergies.
Nettle has also been used in the treatment of seasonal allergies, and it is exceptionally rich in minerals. Astragalus, a root extract, is another anti-inflammatory agent that aids in mucus thinning. Both substances offer additional benefits beyond treating seasonal allergies. For instance, astragalus contains compounds that may enhance the immune system and assist in fighting infections.
Apple cider vinegar (raw, living apple cider vinegar infused with herbs—often including nettle) is used in the treatment of seasonal allergies due to its mucus-thinning properties. Additionally, it serves as an immune booster.
“Local raw honey is also fantastic for seasonal allergies,” she explains. “It has to be local, unprocessed, and sourced from within just a couple of miles away. Seasonal allergies react to your environment, so you want the honey and bees to be from the same area for it to be effective.”
“I love the natural healing world because you have so much freedom with how you use these things,” Erica says, highlighting the diverse selection of herbs on her shelves. She points out their potential for crafting soothing teas to alleviate symptoms. “If you’re not a tea drinker, then you can diffuse the essential oil, or do a chest rub—just make it work for you.”
Erica expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “I find it truly exciting. While you should always consult with your doctor before trying or changing anything, these herbal and natural remedies have been age-old practices that have stood the test of time, proving both safe and effective, which is why we continue to embrace them, and they’re not at risk of being removed from the market.”
Environmental Solutions
I spoke with Justin Crawford of Green Home Solutions, who shared some interesting ways to minimize spring allergens in the home.
“The problem,” he explains, “is that any time you open and close doors or open windows, pollen and other allergens are entering your home. During spring, many people open their windows, allowing more of it in than normal. No matter how closed your house is, some outside air will get in. Just going in and out of the house, you create a vacuum where air gets sucked in.”
He advises that it is important to determine if there are additional places that allow air infiltration, like windows that are not tightly sealed. Also, if your house is on a crawlspace, this is often a source of bad air in the house. Anywhere from 40-60 percent of the air in your house comes up from the crawlspace, so you want that to be a healthier space than it typically is. Places where the pipes and cables go into the house should be tightly sealed.
Another thing Justin recommends is air filtration with a HEPA air filter for inside the home. HEPA, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air filter, is a type of pleated mechanical air filter that can remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This will filter your average particulate. These filters are available in portable units or can be installed in your HVAC system to filter all the air that passes through your house. Justin also advises running your air conditioner during this season, which helps filter the air, and to regularly change your air filters. The same advice applies for the inside of your car as for inside the house: keep the windows closed, run the air conditioner, and if you have a cabin filter, make sure that is clean.
Another recommendation is probiotics. Probiotics are a clear protectant that are applied to the inside walls and surfaces. It is a living bacterium that uses pollen as a food source. As long as there is a food source, it multiplies and continues to spread. It not only deals with pollen, but dust-mite feces, and other things that cause illness. It can be sprayed inside the HVAC system so that it circulates throughout the house.
There are devices that can be set out in a room that will spray probiotics into the air at set intervals, so the air is continuously treated. Some devices will treat 800 square feet at a time.
Some sprays can be applied to anything without staining or leaving residue.
These probiotics that you apply to the surfaces and the air in your house are the same bacteria found in yogurt. They are a natural product and are people and pet friendly. Most probiotics will stay active for about three months.
As we navigate seasonal allergies brought on by the inevitable yellow cloud of pollen each spring, these time-tested natural remedies and environmental practices offer us a path forward to breathe freely.
