Natural Treatment Options for Ragweed Allergies

By HelloLife

A Seasonal Affliction

Ragweed allergies are common in the U.S. The plant is found in almost all fifty states, and is the leading contributor to hay fever. Prevention may be the best line of defense when it comes to treating allergies, particularly if your symptoms are mild. An aggressive plan of treatment is not usually recommended unless the symptoms are debilitating. Mild or natural supplements and tips offer some comfort and relief.

Prevention

From late summer to early fall, the ragweed shrub releases pollen into the air. People that are allergic suffer from runny noses, itchy, watery eyes, sinus pain, congestion and sneezing. More severe developments such as asthma and eczema can occur. Following are some tips for preventing symptoms from occurring:

During these months, avoid contact with shrubs growing by riverbanks, abandoned lots, and in wooded areas or grassy plains. Ragweed shrubs are identifiable by their broad, deep-toothed leaves and grow in clumps.
Opt to stay indoors when the count is high. Turn on the central air or air conditioning, being sure that doors and windows are closed.
Use air conditioning in the car as well to filter out pollen.
Watch the weather channel to track the pollen count.
Go for a run after work; pollen counts are higher in the morning.
Vacationing abroad during these months may be an option, but research the area for its pollen count before purchasing tickets.
Avoid dairy products, sugar and white flour as these tend to produce mucous.

Herbs, Vitamins and Minerals

Despite your best prevention strategies, you may end up suffering from ragweed allergies anyway. Over-the-counter medications are available, with varying degrees of success. Following are some natural remedies you may want to try to reduce symptoms and promote a healthier immune system. Caution is advised as with any treatment option, especially if taken over the long term; talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns:

Butterbur. The extract of this plant has been used to combat the effects of histamine. Anti-histamines are commonly used to treat hay fever, but a negative side effect is drowsiness. Butterbur reportedly does not have this side effect.
Glucosamine in the form of MSM. Glucosamine is more commonly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also recommended for hay fever symptoms.
Vitamin C and garlic. When your body is warding off allergens, it is important to support your immune system. Raw garlic is best, but supplements are acceptable.
Raw onion should be taken at the onset of sneezing. A tender nose, itchy throat, and eyes sensitivity to light are hay fever symptoms that are said to respond to the consumption of raw onion.

A Note about Gardening

Ragweed commonly plants itself in your garden. When gardening, wet the soil and pull out the young ragweed shrubs by the roots. The plant also does not like clove oil, a natural ingredient which you can spray directly on to the plants. Do this when it is not raining or windy to protect your flowers or vegetables. If the plant is mature, it can be cut down. It might help to wear a dust mask as well.

In Conclusion

Ragweed allergies can be a nuisance, and even cause more serious problems such as asthma and eczema. Prevention is key; there are natural treatment options for ragweed allergies as well. Be sure to consult your health care provider about seasonal allergies.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hay-fever/DS00174/DSECTION=10

http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9⊂=19&cont=267

http://nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/media/in_the_news_view.jsp?id=239