Allergies: breathe, nature is with you!

Seasonal allergies, often associated with hay fever, are a real headache for many of us, especially with climate change. While antihistamine medications are often the immediate comfort solution, they don't always treat the underlying cause and can sometimes cause drowsiness. So, why not turn to nature and its treasures for a more sustainable and gentle approach? Here are some practical tips for living better with seasonal allergies and reducing symptoms.

Prevention: diet and lifestyle habits

Our daily lives greatly influence our allergies. Adopting a healthier diet and taking care of one's general well-being can reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

• Reduce consumption of dairy products, sugar, and tobacco, which can promote inflammation.

• Engage in regular physical activity and strive to reduce stress, which can amplify allergic reactions.

• Getting enough sleep is also crucial for an optimal immune system and effective allergy management.

• Regulate your body with oligotherapy: A course of magnesium (300 mg of elemental magnesium per day, to be increased if necessary) can be beneficial. Magnesium inhibits degranulation and histamine release, and it is also a bronchodilator, which helps to better manage allergies.

Practical tips to support your well-being

• Nasal hygiene: Daily nasal rinsing with saline solution helps reduce the accumulation of pollen in the nasal mucous membranes and thus decrease allergic symptoms.

• Immune system strengthening: Preparing the body with a course of herbs such as nettle, echinacea, or blackcurrant before pollen season can make all the difference.

• Stress reduction: Stress plays a major role in aggravating allergies. Incorporate relaxation moments such as yoga or infusions of lemon balm and ashwagandha to calm your nervous system.

Plants to prioritize for allergy relief

Nature is generous and has a lot to offer to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are some essential plants to incorporate into your routine:

• Plantain: With its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, it helps reduce the hypersensitivity of the immune system and acts as an expectorant. A plantain decoction can be an excellent solution for hay fever symptoms.

• Stinging nettle: A true ally against pollen-related allergies, nettle helps limit the production of secretions and soothes coughs. Consuming nettle in tea or tincture, before and during pollen season, is a natural way to defend oneself.

• Elderflower: This plant with antihistamine properties helps soothe respiratory inflammation. An elderflower infusion is a gentle remedy.

• Blackcurrant bud: An excellent remedy to support the immune system and prevent allergic symptoms. In the form of gemmotherapy, it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and can help regulate the body's reactions to allergens. A course before pollen season is ideal for strengthening our body before the onset of attacks.

• Olive oil: Preventatively, olive oil applied to the nostrils from February forms a protective barrier against pollen, thus reducing symptoms.

In case of an allergic crisis

If, despite everything, you experience an allergic crisis, here are some tips to help relieve the symptoms:

• Aromatherapy to relieve allergies: Essential oils of tarragon, eucalyptus, or thyme are valuable allies. Tarragon, an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, can soothe allergic symptoms. Inhale a few drops of essential oil on a tissue for immediate relief. As for eucalyptus or thyme, their inhalation helps clear the airways and soothe inflammation.

• Soothing tea: Combinations of nettle and blackcurrant, chamomile, or mullein are perfect allies for relieving coughs and inflammation.

  • For those who wish to easily enjoy these benefits, we also offer a blend of plants for hay fever tea to prepare yourself, inspired by plants traditionally used to support the respiratory tract during pollen season.

• Green clay compress: Applied to the forehead and cheeks, green clay decongests your sinuses and reduces inflammation.

• Rosemary honey: A grandmother's remedy to rediscover! Taking two spoonfuls of rosemary honey for a few days can effectively soothe hay fever symptoms thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Hydration and rest: Drinking plenty of water, as well as ginger and turmeric infusions, helps your body eliminate toxins and regain its balance. And most importantly, rest, your body needs it!

These practical tips are designed to support you gently, kindly, and with a touch of nature in your daily life. Nature has everything it takes to soothe allergies; you just need to learn to listen to it and use it wisely. Plants, such as plantain, nettle, elderflower, and blackcurrant, offer a natural and effective solution for preventing and treating seasonal allergies. By combining their use with healthy lifestyle habits, you can not only reduce allergic symptoms but also strengthen your immune system. The preventive approach is essential, but these plants can also provide immediate relief during crises. Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any plant-based treatment, especially if you are on medication.

Sources:

• Faire soi-même ses remèdes naturels, Magazine Plantes & Santé
• Et si vous appreniez à vous soigner vous-même ? – Manuel pratique d’autonomie – pour une santé 100 % naturelle, Sophie Lacoste, Éditions Mosaique-Santé
• Les secrets de mon herboristerie, Caroline Gayet, Michel Pierre, InterÉditions
• Manuel de l’apprenti herboriste, Abby Artemisia, Éditions Eyrolles
• Les recettes les plus efficaces de la pharmacie à base de plantes, Dr JJ Pursell, Vital

In no case should the information and advice offered on the MerveilleNature website be considered a substitute for a consultation or diagnosis formulated by a doctor or health professional, who alone are able to adequately assess your state of health.