Talking About Green

With more than half of the population subject to allergy symptoms from a variety of sources (and those are just reported cases), it’s no surprise that there are a whole host of medical and commercial treatments on the market to alleviate symptoms.  And yet, if you’re of a mind to live a lifestyle that is suited to sustaining our environment, then many of these options may not appeal to you, since they not only feature pollution and waste in the manufacturing process, but may also contribute to the contamination of ecosystems (as a portion of the pharmaceuticals ingested by humans are prone to entering the water supply as waste).  But your wants and needs don’t have to be at odds.  There are plenty of ways to address your allergy symptoms without compromising your eco-ideals.  Here are a few to try out.

1. Natural and herbal remedies.  Whether you suffer from sinus and respiratory symptoms or skin irritations (or both) as a result of exposure to allergens, you may find a number of natural remedies to sample.  One herbal treatment that may help to combat both problems is butterbur, an herb found (and widely used) in Europe.  Studies have shown it to be just as effective as common antihistamines for treating mild to moderate allergies (when taken daily).  As for itchy rashes or hives, you may want to try topical treatments like soothing oatmeal baths or rinses with common household items like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.  And oils like tea tree or even coconut may help.
2. Buteyko breathing.  If this method of breathing retraining can be used to help extreme respiratory issues like asthma and sleep apnea, then there’s no reason you can’t also employ it as a means of reducing allergy symptoms.  There are several exercises that may help to clear nasal passages and return your breathing to normal.  It might not work for everyone, and you will almost certainly have to practice it with some frequency, but it’s definitely worth a try.
3. Neti pot.  The neti pot is a system of nasal irrigation which, as you may have guessed, requires you to rinse your sinuses (generally with a saline solution that includes water and non-iodized salt).  It’s easier than it sounds; you simply place the spout of the pot in one nasal opening, tilt your head forward and to the side, breathe through your mouth, and pour.  It rinses out not only nasal blockages, but also the allergens that are causing your symptoms.  And it can be used as often as needed.
4. Desensitization therapy.  This generally involves introducing allergens into your system frequently and repeatedly through the use of shots, but if you’re taking a greener tack, talk to your doctor about other, less wasteful forms of exposure that could leave you allergy-free for life.
5. A clean house.  Whether you’re switching to green cleaning solvents, employing a Ladybug steam cleaner regularly, or installing air purifiers complete with HEPA filters, there are likely many steps you could be taking when it comes to ensuring better air quality in your home.  Of course, a good first step is to stop allergens from getting in, so think about contacting your local power provider to send someone out for an energy audit.  This is designed to find areas where the bought-air is leaking out (allowing you to cut back on energy consumption), but sealing these cracks can also keep allergens outside, where they belong.