Everything is bigger in Texas and unfortunately that goes for allergies too. The dry,
itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, brain fog, and general misery that Texans endure
every winter season is known as Cedar Fever. Ironically, Cedar Fever doesn’t actually
cause fever and Juniper tree pollen is to blame for the allergies not Mountain Cedar.
“Cedar” pollination season lasts from December until March. During this time the trees
release a literal mountain of pollen into the air. As the pollen travels through the air it lodges
in our sinuses and lungs. Our bodies treat the pollen as a foreign invader and our immune
systems reacts strongly to it. If you’re one of the many who suffer from these allergies,
fear not, as we present the many natural practices and supplements that can bring
fast relief.

1. Avoidance. Simply lessening your exposure to pollen is one of the most powerful tools
we have. The usual advice is to shower and wash clothes after being outdoors for any
extended time. It’s also a good idea to keep windows shut and consider using HEPA
filters at home to purify the air. Don’t forget that shoes and pets are hidden sources of
pollen contamination.

2. Wash your nose. Nasal sprays and Neti Pots are a great way to wash away allergens
from the nasal cavity altogether. In several clinical studies using Neti Pots were shown
to reduce nasal congestion, sinus infections, and improve overall quality of life greater
than prescription medications[1]!

3. Desensitize. Similar to how anti-venom and pharmaceutical allergy shots work feeding
a little bit of the pollen into the body actually desensitizes the immune system to the
allergen. You can do this for Cedar Fever by taking over the counter supplements or
drinking teas that contain Juniper. Another option would be sublingual homeopathic
remedies for Texas allergens as they work under the same principle[2].

4. Anti-Histamines. Histamine is a protein produced in our body that is responsible for all
the symptoms we associate with allergies. Most allergy medications are antihistamines
but their side effects can leave you just as woozy as Cedar Fever itself! Thankfully
there are natural supplements that work as antihistamines. In one study nettles were
shown to be effective in 70% of people at lowering allergy symptoms[3]. Other great
natural antihistamines are Bromelain, Quercetin, and Vitamin C. Look for
supplements that combine these for a powerful synergistic effect.

5. Immune Modulations are a special class of adaptogenic herb that rebalance our
immune systems. Reishi mushroom is one such adaptogen that has been found to
possess pharmacologically potent immune-modulating ability and has been
characterized as a wonder herb[4]. Astragalus may be the most powerful adaptogen of
all showing anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-tumor, and yes anti-allergy
activity[5, 6]. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study stated that Astragalus’s
ability to improve quality of life and lower seasonal allergy responses to pollen was
“striking”[7].

Our customers here at Sunflower Shoppe have been relying on us for over 40 years to help
them with their health and wellness goals! To learn more about allergies or any other health
topic, come in to any of our three locations and talk with a highly trained Nutrition Specialist.
We are ready to answer your questions.

[References]
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3904042/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21154351
3. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/2192379
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24948193
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813013006508
6. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/23397713
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19504468