Seasonal Allergies in a Shifting Climate

Here in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, where I live, we experienced an unseasonably warm winter with very little snow. As beautiful as that has been, it has also caused many trees to bud early, resulting in an unusually high pollen count. This has been triggering seasonal allergies for many people—including those who have never experienced them before.

Typical allergy symptoms can include sneezing, watery, itchy, swollen, or dry eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, post-nasal drip that irritates the throat and causes a cough. Some people also experience skin reactions such as eczema flare-ups or rashes.

Around my household, I like to support the body naturally whenever possible, and I want to share a few things that may help during allergy season.

When I’m experiencing allergies, I often do a steam inhalation with essential oils. I bring water to a boil, remove it from heat, and add a drop each of peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, and lavender essential oils. I place a towel over my head and gently inhale the steam. Be sure to keep your eyes closed, as the oils are potent. Ease yourself in slowly, as the steam is hot and the essential oils can strongly stimulate the nasal passages, helping to open them, break up mucus, and soothe irritation.

I also keep eye drops in multiple places—my purse, car, home, and workspace—for itchy or irritated eyes. I personally use Systane Ultra, which I find very helpful during flare-ups.

Although I haven’t personally had much success with a neti pot, many people find them very effective during allergy season. If you choose to use one, it’s important to ensure the saline solution is sterile and to follow proper technique. It’s worth mentioning because, while it’s not for everyone, many people swear by it. If you prefer not to use a neti pot, I personally use these Allergy Relief Nasal Spray from St. Francis Herb Farm.

Diet can also play a role in how we experience seasonal allergies. This is something I pay attention to, especially when traveling, as I try to support my immune and digestive systems as they adjust to new environments, by including local honey and yogurt.

It can also help to be mindful of high-histamine foods, which typically include fermented, aged, processed, or leftover foods. Common triggers include aged cheeses, cured meats like bacon and salami, fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi, alcohol (wine and beer), soy products, shellfish, and certain fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, and citrus.

While there is often advice to stay indoors during allergy season, I also believe it’s important to stay connected to nature whenever possible. To help reduce exposure, pollen levels are typically lower between 4 a.m. and noon, making this a better time to be outside. Wearing a hat can help prevent pollen from settling in your hair. Going outside after it rains can also be beneficial, as rain helps clear pollen from the air. On dry, windy days, it may be helpful to limit time outdoors, as pollen is more easily circulated.

When you return home, consider showering and washing your hair, and changing into clean clothes. Wash or refresh anything you wore outside, as pollen can easily cling to fabric. I love hanging laundry outside in spring and summer, but during high allergy days, it may be best to dry clothes indoors.

Spending time near water can also be gentler on the system than being in heavily wooded or grassy areas where pollen levels are higher. Even with allergies, I don’t believe in avoiding the outdoors altogether—there is too much beauty in this season not to connect with it.

At home, I use an air purifier and keep non-pollen-producing plants such as snake plants, rubber plants, and spider plants to help support cleaner air. I also smudge with white sage, which I use as part of my personal practice to energetically clear space. On days when smoke feels too intense, I use a smokeless smudge spray so I can still support energetic clearing without irritation.

I also love opening windows and doors to refresh the home, though on high pollen days it may be better to limit this so pollen doesn’t enter the space.

I hope this helps.

All my relations.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

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