Allergies, lets talk about them.
Fall is in the air in eastern North Carolina and that means cooler air, colorful leaves, ECU tailgates and — unfortunately — plenty of sneezing. No one likes being kept inside or having to walk around with tissues to what’s supposed to be a fun event. Thankfully there’s a few things that can help with seasonal allergies.
In this post we’ll go over why we’re sneezing so much, 5 natural tips on how to manage allergies in Greenville, and resources to learn more.
So sit back, grab your coffee or bourbon, we won’t judge (maybe a little), and let’s dive in to this 5-minute read.
Ragweed pollen and mold spores make allergy season especially tough in Greenville. If you’re tired of runny noses and itchy eyes ruining your favorite season, you’re not alone.
The Seasonal Landscape
Allergens are everywhere, but not every geographical area has the same allergens. Here in Greenville NC (and most of eastern North Carolina) ragweed pollen is one of the most common fall allergens, and just one plant can produce a billion grains of pollen per season according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Add in humid weather and fallen leaves, and mold spores also spike this time of year. Together, these triggers create weeks of discomfort for allergy sufferers across the Carolinas.
5 Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies in Greenville
So, how do we handle our Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (the technical term for hay fever or seasonal allergies)? Unfortunately, we can’t snap our fingers and make them go away. But, there are a few easy steps we can take to help manage our fall allergies fast.
1. Track Daily Pollen Counts
Stay ahead of your allergies by checking Greenville’s daily pollen forecasts. Local news stations and apps like Pollen.com can alert you when counts are high. On those days, plan indoor activities when possible.
2. Shower After Outdoor Time
Pollen sticks to your skin, hair, and clothing. A quick rinse (and changing into clean clothes) after yard work or outdoor activities can keep allergens
from spreading in your home.
3. Stay Hydrated
Water helps thin mucus, easing congestion and keeping your body better equipped to handle allergens. Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger can also soothe irritation.
4. Consume “Local” Honey
The research is torn on this one and unfortunately research money goes to drugs that make money, not natural relief. But, some studies have shown that eating a spoonful of true local honey, or even better local bee pollen, can help your body build up an immunity to local allergies.
5. Consider Acupuncture
Lifestyle shifts go a long way, but sometimes extra support is needed. Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce allergy symptoms and improve quality of life in clinical studies. At Emerald City Acupuncture, we’ve helped Greenville residents find relief from seasonal allergies naturally.
Closing
Allergy season in Greenville doesn’t have to control your life. By combining smart daily habits with natural approaches like acupuncture, you can breathe easier and enjoy the season.
Want to explore natural allergy relief? Book a consultation with Emerald City Acupuncture today and discover how acupuncture can help.
Learn More.
If you want to learn more about the treatment of allergies with acupuncture and the science behind it, I highly recommend this mini-review of the effects of acupuncture released by PubMed.
Click here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4479426/
