In Austin, the term “seven year itch” has a different meaning. You see, with all our beautiful trees and dry weather, the Hill Country is famous for unleashing a tornado of allergens onto its people every spring, and legend has it that Austinites begin to suffer the effects of those allergens after living in the region for seven years. I know it sounds silly. I didn’t believe it either until I experienced the sudden and severe onset of allergies myself three years ago, seven years into my residence here.
When that time of the year rolls around, our first instinct is to run to the pharmacy and stock up on every variety of antihistamines available. But after a few weeks on the stuff, side effects like drowsiness, constipation and anxiety kick in, proving that relying on strong allergy medication for long periods of time is no way to live.
Now that we’re finally in the #CSBungalow (full reveal post coming soon!), we’re thrilled to have daily access to our Lennox iComfort S30 thermostat and SL280V Furnace. Together, these two systems create the perfect temperature while guaranteeing some of the cleanest air possible, providing a haven for ultimate comfort – a godsend to allergy suffers. This has got us thinking about other simple, effective and natural ways to manage allergies.
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1. Shower Frequently
One of the easiest, most effective ways to keep allergy symptoms at bay is to shower often. Both in the morning and at night is best, but if you don’t have the time, a shower before bed is crucial for keeping pollen off your body and out of your bedsheets. Make this a rule for yourself, and you’re likely to wake up to cleared sinuses instead of headaches and sniffles.
2. Do a Regular Sinus Rinse
During allergy season, irrigating your sinuses daily can mean the difference between feeling like yourself, and being bed ridden. Simply dilute a saline solution or apple cider vinegar into distilled, boiled or bottled water, then use a store-bought device like a Neti Pot to rid your sinuses of any and all allergens you may have breathed in throughout the day.
3. Allergy Proof Your Home
When the air outside is full of allergens, creating a comfortable and clean atmosphere at home is more important than ever. Shutting windows, vacuuming often and keeping pets out of the bed are the first step; taking control of your air is the real game changer. Lennox iComfort S30 Ultra Smart Thermostat is the ultimate controller for precise comfort, and with its Allergen Defender feature, you’re guaranteed the cleanest indoor air possible. It monitors the air quality and pollen levels of your local zip code, and automatically cleans your home’s air when outdoor levels are high. Truly the Austinite’s dream. If you are concerned about your indoor air quality, you can visit the Lennox Health Climate Solutions™ page to determine the best solution for your home.
4. Eat Local Honey
When you eat honey that is local to your area, you’re ingesting local pollen. Yes, it’s the same pollen that’s causing allergies, but much like an allergy shot, over time you may become more resistant to it, and as a result, less sensitive to seasonal allergies.
photo from the free people blog
5. Try Hollistic Supplements
A visit to your local health food will offer up dozens of natural remedies for your seasonal allergies. A few worth trying:
- Stinging Nettle — This perennial is most commonly made into a tea, which is said to be a terrific natural remedy for allergies.
- Eucalyptus Oil — Add eucalyptus essential oil to boiling water for a steam bath that will relieve congestion caused by allergies.
- Sinupret — An herbal supplement effective in clearing sinuses and boosting immune support.
- Bromelain — A natural anti-inflammatory that’s a favorite for allergy treatment.
