The spring season is one of the favorite seasons for many people. We move from the cold to a warmer temperature, with sunny days and more hours of clarity, which brings joy to the spirit of many. However, for another part of the population this season is the worst of the year, due to the pollination of different plants that cause the dreaded spring allergy.
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Spring allergy

While it is true that pollination occurs throughout the year, it is in the months of high temperatures that it is most intense. Added to this is environmental pollution in urban areas, allergic reactions to pollen are even more intense.

Shade banana, olive, Birch, among others, are the plants that mostly cause allergies.

How does the allergic reaction occur?

In order for an allergic reaction to occur, first of all a process of sensitization to a certain allergen should be given.

An allergen is an antigen capable of producing an allergic response (Type I), in this case the allergen would be pollen.

This type of allergic response is a rapid immune reaction.

A few minutes after contact of the antigen with an antibody type IgE (immunoglobulin E) that are fixed to mast cells (defense cells), sensitization occurs.

This results in a specific IgE for that allergen (pollen).

When people are exposed to the same allergen again, IgE already recognize it and as a defense, generate an immediate response by activating mast cells, which release chemical mediators (histamine, ...).

Producing the different inflammatory symptoms of allergy: allergic rhinitis, urticaria, conjunctivitis, asthma, etc.

This defense mechanism is given to eliminate pathogenic antigens.

In the case of allergy antigens are harmless, but the immune system does not differentiate them and produces this unwanted reaction.

Common allergy symptoms

  • Conjunctivitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva due to pollen. It produces redness, itching and tearing.
  • Allergic rhinitis, liquid mucus accompanied by sneezing, nasal obstruction and itching. Often it is attached to conjunctivitis .
  • Others: dry cough, throat irritation, pollen contact dermatitis, etc.

Natural Methods for improving allergies

Naturopathy offers different methods to relieve the different symptoms that appear in spring allergic processes.

Some of them can be used as a preventive measure and others in the full allergic process.

Some of them are described below:

  • Phytotherapy:
It offers different medicinal plants that are beneficial to prevent allergies, such as:
    • Golden sun (Helicrysum italicum), helps stimulate the production of hydrocortisone, which has anti-inflammatory effect.
    • Nettle (Urtica dioica), helps to balance the production of mast cells, which are responsible for releasing histamine.
    • Maritime pine (Pinus maritimus), is used as a preventive remedy to reduce allergy symptoms.
    • Black currant (Ribes nigrum), its anti-inflammatory effect is due to the fact that it inhibits the release of histamine.
They can be found in the form of hydroalcoholic extracts and in tablets.

Infusions from different plants can also be prepared. For example, black currant, rose hips, golden sun and nettle are mixed in equal parts, and take 2 teaspoons of the mixture to prepare an infusion of 5 minutes (take 3 cups a day).

At the hepatic level, it may be convenient to drain the liver with:
    • Burdock (Arctium lappa)
    • Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)
    • Artichoke (Cynara scolimus)

  • Homeopathy

Specialists in this therapy recommend:
    • Allium cepa 30 CH, to relieve the symptoms of nasal and ocular itching.
    • Euphrasia, in drops for redness and itching in the eyes.
    • Nux vomica 4 CH, for sneezing that occurs upon awakening.

  • Nasal washes

Dissolving a teaspoon of salt in half a liter of water, a saline solution is prepared for carrying out nasal cleanings with the help of a rubber pear.

This saline preparation also serves to gargle if there is discomfort in the throat.

  • Application of compresses

A compress moistened in hot water is applied for a while and once it has cooled, it is changed to a cold one. This process is repeated for a few minutes. It serves to soothe inflammation in the nasal area.

  • Dietary supplements

Vitamin-based products are the most used to help in cases of allergy.
    • Vitamin C is the best result, but it is important that it is accompanied by natural bioflavonoids.
    • Vitamin A and minerals such as zinc, are used to prevent complications of allergic reactions (respiratory infections, sinusitis...)
    • Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic (Omega-6) obtained from borage or evening primrose, can help reduce inflammation. Also EPA (Omega - 3) fatty acids can exert this anti-inflammatory effect. It is advisable to take these fatty acids a few months in advance for a better result.
    • L-methionine, would contribute to liver detoxification, helping to eliminate the histamine responsible for the allergic reaction.

  • Bach flowers

These floral remedies can also contribute to the improvement of allergic symptoms.

Either alone or in combination with other floral remedies Crab apple (wild apple tree) turns out to be the most indicated for its purifying effect.