Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, with the budding twigs spreading out their fans, birds hopping and playing around, and escaping from the winter blues. But, spring is also a season when your children get allergies. One of the biggest spring allergy triggers is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. When they get into the nose of someone who’s allergic, they send the body's defenses haywire. Up to 40 percent children have pollen allergies, and seasonal allergies are most common in United States.
What are the symptoms of spring allergies?
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin rashes
I have a toddler in my home and I would rather prevent her suffering from allergies than taking medicines once she is affected.
Spring Health Check
Spring clean out. In the early spring make sure you clean up your home, throw open the windows and let fresh air come in. Wash the curtains,sweep and scrub floors. Remember to do a complete spring cleaning.
Be an early bird. This will provide good energy levels and also the needed Vitamin D.
Exercise. Practice Sun salutations or yoga and boost yourself. Sign up your kids for swimming lessons, it is a good exercise.
Get dirty. And let your kids get dirty, too. Getting dirty can be exposure to common bacteria, and common bacteria are good for you! Be sure to wash clothes after being outside. And don't forget to take a bath after playing outside.
Flush sinuses with nasal saline every night.
Remember to eat healthy, organic, freshly prepared food.
Visit your pediatrician if you notice any allergy symptoms.
Ayurveda Spring Allergy Remedies
Consume a teaspoon or more of raw, unprocessed local honey every day morning. Follow this throughout the spring.
Serve plenty of herbs and spices with meals, especially ginger, garlic, basil, mint leaves, cumin seeds, coriander etc.
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine—sources include citrus fruits like lemon, grape fruit and oranges. Have cruciferous vegetables, papaya, bell peppers, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries etc. Think fresh, clean and unprocessed.
Turmeric milk, or golden milk, at bed time is a good option for children. It provides immunity and is good for mental development as well.
Use of essential oils is also recommended. 1 or 2 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil in a suitable carrier oil like jojoba oil and apply in nostril and bottom of feet at bedtime.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also naturally anti-inflammatory—sources include walnuts, flax seeds, sardine and salmon.
Is there anything that should be avoided? Of course, yes, minimize or limit dairy products, eggs, root vegetables like potatoes, sugar, deep fried processed foods.
Drink plenty of warm water. Boil water with cumin seeds and filet and drink often.
Another popular home remedy is 1 tsp of organic apple cider vinegar (with mother), 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp honey. Drink this thrice daily.