Springtime is finally here! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, the rain is coming and going, and the season of vitality is in full swing. Speaking of rain, though, we all know the saying ‘April showers bring May flowers’, but unfortunately for us victims of allergies and hay fever, this also means the presence of pollen and cold-triggering symptoms. I myself struggle with the chemical-shift that lingers in the air, causing constant sneezing, annoyingly runny noses, and throbbing headaches. As a self-proclaimed allergy specialist, I have assessed various methods that remedy the predictable predicament I find myself in every March. From scientific facts to holistic treatments, here is my guide to surviving seasonal sickness and exhausting ailments.  

Firstly, let’s get the facts straight. “Allergies” are defined as symptoms that occur when a foreign substance enters our body, and we react accordingly. This of course varies from person to person; some people have specific allergies that are often pretty detrimental to their health. For example, people with a diagnosed allergy like a peanut allergy will experience an immediate and often severe reaction to the substance entering their system. Allergies usually refer to various symptoms that flare up in and around certain environments and subjects. I have noted that around March every year I get a sinus infection. In my experience with various doctors and allergists, I’ve come to the conclusion this illness is typically caused by the influx of chemicals and substances that are released as the Earth defrosts. Of course, I have experimented with methods that quicken my recovery and ease my ills, and I’m here today to share them with you.

One thing the doctors will always be adamant about is sleep, and I believe that is truly the best remedy. Below I have some helpful tips from mayo clinic, the website I always checkout for my medicinal questions: 

• Reduce your exposure to the outdoors: stay inside! Take a nap and make sure you avoid inflammation-inducing environments, such as dry, windy days. 

• Keep your space clean and dust free: wash your sheets and consider an air purifier. Sometimes even opening your windows can be super refreshing, even though it’s a bit paradoxical considering the previous bullet point. 

• Take an allergy medication: I have been taking Allegra every day for a while now, and it’s definitely helped my day-to-day symptoms. I’ve noticed the days I stop taking it I sneeze more often and am prone to headaches. Speak with a doctor though and at your own discretion! 

• Sinus rinses: personally, this is my last resort option, but I know plenty of people who swear by this. Netty Pots are a fan favorite and can get the job done if you’re feeling a bit stuffy.  

These are just a few recommendations from the doctors, and even if you try them and don’t find much success, it still may feel good to take care of yourself. I know trying new things always helps my peace of mind.

Now, I’m no doctor, but I have been through a few trials and errors that have eventually led me to my own, fool-proof, personal self-care plan. 

1. I always take as much time as I need to recover. One thing in our society that is not emphasized enough is simply slowing down, especially when our priorities all circle back to being efficient and achieving as much as we can in as little time possible. Accepting the fact that bed-rotting for 24 hours was necessary for me was literally life changing. 
2. Aromatherapy showers. I use a eucalyptus spray from CVS (‘Steam Shower Spray’ is what it’s called) and it is always super relaxing and acts as a decongestant. I come out feeling super fresh and revived, and it always makes me feel cleaner and virus-free. 
3. Lots of liquids! I know it’s a bit corny, but I swear fresh-pressed juices like green smoothies or 100% orange or citrus juice always helps my body feel like it’s getting the nutrients it needs. I love to drink Pedialyte and lots of water whenever I am feeling super dry and congested, I’ve noticed it even helps balance out my energy especially when I’m feeling particularly exhausted.  
4. Lastly, my favorite remedy is spicy food. I got this hack from celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain. Technically, he spoke about eating spicy Sichuan food as a cure for a hangover, but I found that a bowl of noodles and vegetables in a spicy broth always soothes my throat and often decongests my nasal passages. It’s also generally just comforting and delicious.  

I’d like to reiterate that I am no medical professional; but I am very well-versed in taking care of myself when my body goes on to attack foreign chemicals and substances. I hope you take my tips with a grain of salt, and even try them for yourself if you’re up to it (or in this case NOT up to it). Stay healthy and happy, Pace!