Treat yourself!
SNEEZING: coat the inside of your nose with jojoba oil. This will catch all the pollen prior to entering you respiratory tract. You can add lavender or rose oil for a sweet smell, which will also decrease any inflammation present. Apply a small amount 2-3 times a day.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE: download this handout (first, second) and use acupressure to encourage lymph flow and toxin removal.
ITCHY DRY THROAT: add 2-3 leaves of culinary sage + 3-6 dried goji berries to your water bottle. You can just add more water throughout the day. This combination will help bring moisture to your throat and ease discomfort.
CHINESE HERBS: make sure you have this formula in your home, as it will help combat allergy symptoms + boost your defenses. Use "Ouchie" in the checkout for 10% of your order. I believe they are also offering 20% off your first order (just wait, a pop-up should appear :))
Avoid alcohol, sugars, and dairy products. Reach for kombucha and fermented foods instead. 70% of your immune system is found in your Gut. Healthy microbes will help keep your immune system strong. Dairy and sugars kill your healthy microbes, and worsen any congestion.
himalayan sea salt + eucalyptus steam
- add 3/4 cups of himalayan sea salt to 2 cups of distilled water
- bring to a boil for the salt to dissolve
- add fresh eucalyptus leaves or 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the salt water
- cover the pot and take of the burner
- place on a solid surface and remove remove the pot cover
- place a big towel over your head, and lean over the pot
- inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes with your eyes closed
You can repeat this several time a day. If you prefer evenings, add 1 drop of lavender to allow you to sleep soundly; if you have severe congestion, add a handful of dried thyme.
Immune boosting + Congestion clearing
Sinus relief + congestion clearing
Essential Oil roller
To help ease a sinus headache by clearing congestion:
- use 3 to 4 drops of eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint oil
- use a carrier oil such as vitamin e oil
I like to keep my oils available, therefore I use glass rollers, as they fit nicely into pant pockets or a purse. You can find your own online, or any health food store should carry empty glass rollers (Jimbos, Pharmaca, Whole Foods, etc).
Apply your EO mix as needed on the back of your neck, temples (avoid proximity to the eyes!!!), chest, and soles of the feet (at night).
cupping therapy for respiratory health
Cupping will also help boost your immune system and strengthen your respiratory health. It is great for anyone who has a lingering cough, allergy induced bronchitis/asthma, or rhinitis.
This approach to boosting immunity has been used for centuries, and it remains one of the best approaches to combating allergies.
Make sure you schedule a cupping session with your acupuncturist if allergies are getting the better of you!
