Many people suffer from seasonal pollen allergies. The sneezing, coughing, and discomfort can rob you a genuine feeling of well-being and what’s worse is a potential illness called OAS or Oral Allergy Syndrome.
Most people haven’t heard about Oral Allergy Syndrome or OAS. This condition can be life threatening and occurs in about 60% of individuals that have pollen allergies. OAS occurs when raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts are eaten during pollen seasons. This also occurs in people who have no food allergies at all, which is why they tend not to associate the allergic reaction to the food itself. A cross reaction occurs because the body mistakes the proteins in the raw foods as being the pollen present in the environment. Most people might experience tingling, itching, or burning sensation in the mouth, lips, throat, or ear canals, when they eat the raw food. Some people have a more serious reaction that can lead to hives and anaphylaxis/closing of the windpipe. This actually happened to me after eating a handful of red raspberries. Within 10 minutes of ingesting these berries, I had to call 911. I was quickly placed on oxygen and had to get an Epipen shot. One thing that I did before my windpipe began to close was to take quick release benadryl. Always have an action plan in place, so you are ready for emergencies. You may have to try the following during pollen seasons: avoidance of the food, drinking veggie or fruit juices that have been flash pasteurized or pasteurized, eating frozen foods once they are prepared, and peeling/cooking the food. Heat tends to denature the proteins so the body no longer detects it as being the offending pollen. Please do as much research as possible to protect you and your family members that have severe pollen allergies.
After doing my own research about this topic, I have put together a partial list of possible cross reactions that could occur during pollen seasons:
If you are allergic to Birch Tree Pollen or Trees in general you might react to the following:
potatoes, carrots, cherries, celery, apples, pears, plums, peaches, parsnips, kiwi, hazelnuts, apricots, nectarines, prunes, peppers, fennel, parsley, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, wheat, buckwheat, peas, dill, cumin, peanuts, lentils, spinach, honey, anise, berries, and coriander.
If you are allergic to grasses you might react to:
tomatoes, potatoes, peaches, kiwi, melons, oranges, and celery.
If you are allergic to Ragweed you might react to:
melons, bananas, cucumbers, zucchini, dandelion greens, chamomile tea, and honey
If you are allergic to Mugwort you might react to:
celery, potatoes, peaches, kiwi, melons, and oranges
What can you do to take care of yourself?
- See your doctor/get on a medication recommended by your doctor.
- Have an emergency plan, in case a cross reaction occurs. Plan this with your doctor.
- Use air conditioning and do keep your windows closed during pollen season.
- Reduce stress, so you are less immune compromised.
- Exercise indoors. Do pilates, yoga, indoor biking etc. Always consult your doctor.
- Find another place for your shoes. Try not to place them in bedrooms.
- Do some research. Find out what pollens are in your area and when the peak during the day.
- Stay indoors when the pollen peaks. For example; birch pollen peaks in the spring, usually from noon -6:00pm.
- Use saline nose sprays or neti pots to keep nostrils and sinuses clear.
- Have the softest tissues available.
- Ask your doctor about using a product to thin mucous, if that is needed.
- Ask your doctor or allergist about allergy testing and allergy shots.
- Ask your doctor about taking supplements such as Omega-3’s and vitamin C, for they have been shown in research to combat asthma.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of water.
- Essential Oils For Allergy Sufferers
Breathe Easy Steam Inhalation- Find a “breathe easier” blend from your local store. This may include: basil, niaouli, Eucalyptus, pine, rosemary, lavendar, and cedarwood.
- Fill a sink or bowl with hot water.
- Place about 5-8 drops in the water. Cover you head with a towel and hang your head over the bowl. Do this for a about 10-15 minutes.
- Play soft instrumental music while you are inhaling the fragrant steam.
Breathe Easy bath
- Find a “breathe easier” blend from your local store. This may include: basil, niaouli, Eucalyptus, pine, rosemary, lavendar, and cedarwood.
- Place about 8 drops in the bath water.
- Play soft instrumental music while you bathing.
Breathe Easy Sniffy
- Find a “breathe easier” blend from your local store. This may include: basil, niaouli, Eucalyptus, pine, rosemary, lavendar, and cedarwood.
- Place about 2-3 drops on a tissue.
- Place in a baggie and leave in your purse or pocket to sniff throughout the day.
- Always use caution when using essential oils. Never touch your eyes when handling essential oils. Always rinse your finger tips, if you touch them directly. If you do get some in the eye, dip a cotton pad or Q-tip in sweet almond oil, then wipe the eye. Never use essential oils on children, highly allergic individuals, or pregnant women without consulting a doctor.
- Pure essential oils are for external use only.
- Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
- Use only the highest quality essential oils on the body.
For more information: www.sandiee.com or email Sandiee: pr@sandiee.com
Written by Sandiee
BIO: Sandiee has been both a scientist and a certified teacher. Her credits include both an AA and a BA degree in biology, as well as, extensive studies in both mathematics and chemistry, a masters degree in teaching, and she is currently working toward a doctorate in Holistic Health.
She also has earned two certificates in spirituality, health, and healing from the California Board of Registered Nursing and she is also a trained certified hospice family care giver through a chapter in Central New York.
Sandiee is an author. Her book Butterfly Soul is now available at www.sandiee.com.
Currently, Sandiee is pursuing a career in guiding people to embrace change and realize their purpose in life. For more information go to www.sandiee.com or send an email to: pr@sandiee.com; Many of the photographs used by Sandiee are by Mike Pulsifer can be found at this link: http://pulsifer.smugmug.com/
