6/12/2019 Pollen Allergy : Prevention and Natural Remedies | Greater Kashmir

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Dr. RAIES AHMAD

Srinagar, June 12, 2019, 12:00 AM
UPDATED: June 11, 2019, 10:51 PM

Pollen Allergy : Prevention and Natural Remedies

It is an overaggressive immune response triggered by inhaling an irritant

Each spring, summer and fall, the tiny pollen grains are released from trees, weeds
and grasses. These small, light and dry pollen grains travel by the wind, by birds,
by insects or by other animals and fertilize other plants of the same species
causing misery for seasonal allergy sufferers. Pollen is one of the most common
triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as “hay fever.”
Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as “seasonal allergic rhinitis”.

Pollen allergy is an overaggressive immune response triggered by inhaling an

irritant known as pollen. Allergies to pollen, spores, mold, and dust affect the
respiratory system and the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose are inflamed,
causing various symptoms.

SYMPTOMS:

•Sneezing

•Nasal congestion

•Runny nose

•Watery eyes

•Itchy throat and eyes

Also Read | Pollen allergies giving tough time to people

(https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/health/pollen-allergies-giving-tough-time-
to-people/)

•Wheezing (breathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest)

•Headache
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•Pollen can also aggravate symptoms in asthma patients.
6/12/2019 Pollen Allergy : Prevention and Natural Remedies | Greater Kashmir

PREVENTION: There are certain actions which you can take to reduce allergic
reactions to pollen:

Limit your outdoor activities as this will lessen the amount of pollen allergen you
inhale and reduce your symptoms.

Keep windows closed during pollen season.

Using special HEPA filters in central air conditioning vents might help filter out
pollen from the air system.

Bathe and shampoo your hair daily before going to bed. This will remove pollen
from your hair and skin and keep it off your bedding.

Start taking allergy medicine before pollen season begins. Most allergy medicines
work best when taken this way. This allows the medicine to prevent your body
from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause your symptoms.

Also Read | Are poplars responsible for respiratory ailments in Kashmir?

(https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/todays-paper/op-ed/are-poplars-
responsible-for-respiratory-ailments-in-kashmir/)

Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.

Wear sunglasses and a hat. This will help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your
hair.

Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors.

Change and wash clothes worn during outdoor activities.

Dry your clothes in a clothes dryer, not on an outdoor line.

NATURAL REMEDIES :These simple natural remedies have been very effective for
allergy relief. Different people seem to benefit from different remedies depending
on certain genetic factors and which allergens you are reacting to, so it might be
worth trying more than one of these to see which works best for you ;

1.Honey: Consuming local honey from where you live will help your body adapt to
the allergens in the environment there. This is supposed to work like a natural
allergy “shot” and doesn’t seem to have a downside.

2.Stinging Nettle Leaf: Nettle (‘Soie’ in Kashmiri) leaf is another natural

antihistamine that can be very effective as it naturally blocks the body’s ability to
produce histamine. It grows in many places and can be made in to a tincture or
tea, but for allergy relief, capsules made from dried nettle leaves are the easiest
and most effective option. Nettle leaf can also be used in combination with other
herbs to make a soothing herbal tea for allergy relief. It is often mixed with
peppermint leaf and sometimes red raspberry leaf to make a refreshing allergy
relief tea.

3.Garlic:Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps ward off infections, viruses and
even allergies. Eating or juicing two raw cloves of this powerful antioxidant may
literally keep the doctor away. Some people choose to take garlic supplements
because they don’t want to smell like garlic, but the supplements do not work as
well as the real herb does, so don’t be deceived by this. Raw garlic eaten every day
will fight off all types of allergies because it boosts your immune system
immensely.

Also Read | 1/3rd population in Kashmir suffers from allergies: DAK

(https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/health/1-3rd-population-in-kashmir-
suffers-from-allergies-dak/)

4. Apple Cider Vinegar:Apple cider vinegar (a type of vinegar made from apple
cider that has undergone fermentation to form health-promoting probiotics and
enzymes) is an age old remedy that is often recommended for a variety of health
conditions. It is used for allergy relief with great success. Its ability to reduce
mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system makes it useful for
allergies. It is also said to help digestion, weight loss, and more so it is worth a try.
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5.Lemons:
6/12/2019As most of us know an alkaline body means better :balance
Pollen Allergy andand
Prevention immune
Natural Remedies | Greater Kashmir
function. Lemons and limes are excellent immune boosting little fruits and are
used for various afflictions, including allergies. Both of these little fruits are
loaded with vitamin C and immune-boosting antioxidants. Drinking lemon water
throughout the day detoxifies the body and rids it of impurities. Mix the juice of
one or two lemons or limes with olive oil to make a wonderful tasting dressing for
salads and veggie sandwiches.

6.Green Leafy Vegetables: Leafy greens (including spinach, kale, collard greens,
knol knoll etc) are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and
enzymes that aid detoxification and help reduce inflammation during allergies.

7.Probiotic-rich Foods: Probiotic foods support immune health and can help to
repair a damaged intestinal lining. Examples include yogurt, raw cheese, curd etc.
Many studies link the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced
incidence of allergies. Evidence is even emerging that a mother’s gut bacteria
during pregnancy and nursing can impact a child’s likelihood of getting allergies
throughout life, as can exposure to overly sterile environments.

8.Essential oils:Essential oils for allergies work by reducing inflammation and

improving detoxification of harmful bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and
toxins that can trigger an attack. You can use eucalyptus oil for seasonal allergy
relief in a variety of ways like several drops of eucalyptus oil can be inhaled via a
diffuser, or use it in your laundry detergent as an antimicrobial agent.

9.Bone Broth Bone broth, made from meat and chicken stock, is rich in many
minerals and amino acids that support the healing of leaky, thereby helping to
strengthen the immune system during allergy.

10.Breast Milk: Studies shows that exclusive breastfeeding seems to have a

preventive effect on the early development of asthma and atopic dermatitis.

11.Herbal Teas:Drinking herbal teas made with gingko, milk thistle, red clover,
stinging nettles, or yarrow. These herbal preparations may have anti-inflammatory
effects, which might reduce allergy symptoms.

12.Quercetin: Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid (found in onions, green tea,

apples, berries, Ginkgo biloba etc) is said to help stabilize mast cells to keep them
from releasing histamine. It is also a potent antioxidant that is said to help reduce
inflammation. It is best used as a long term remedy and many people start taking
it about 4-6 weeks before allergy season to help prevent allergy symptoms. As with
any herb, you should check with your doctor before using, especially if you have a
liver problem, are pregnant, or are on hormonal contraceptives.

Also Read | Ganderbal admin orders axing of female Russian Poplars

(https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/russian-poplars-ordered-cut-in-
ganderbal/)

13.Wash Your Nostrils: This remedy works by preventing the offending allergen (or
at least as much of it) from entering your airways. Using nasal saline irrigation
tools, such as Neti pots (a fluid-filled vessel that is used to flush or rinse the
sinuses and nasal passages with warm water. It is a specially designed small
container often made of ceramic or plastic that is shaped like a flattened tea pot).
Neti pots are a natural remedy for allergies and many respiratory conditions
because they help to clear the sinuses and remove congestion. Use of neti pits has
been shown to help improve quality of life in sufferers of respiratory illnesses and
cause little to no side effects.

Dr. Raies Ahmad is  HoD at KTC Hospital & Research Centre, Kashmir

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