Spring is here and many of us are struggling with seasonal allergies. Here are some great natural remedies!!

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is thought to control the body's release of histamines and other chemicals that have an effect on the body's immune response to allergens. Specifically, it has been shown to reduce sinus pain and congestion caused by allergies. When combined with Vitamin C and grapeseed extract, the ability to reduce pollen allergy symptoms also increases significantly.

Foods with Quercetin:
Fruits and vegetables -- particularly citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, tea, and red wine -- are the primary dietary sources of quercetin. Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries, and dark berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, rose hips, and bilberries are also high in flavonoids including quercetin.


Nettle (Urtica dioica): Many people swear by nettle for relieving hay fever, including Dr. Weil, who uses the herb himself. In 1990, the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, conducted a double-blind study of the efficacy of a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle on allergic rhinitis. The group treated with the nettle preparation fared moderately better than their placebo-treated counterparts. A decoction made of the leaves or roots is said to ease bronchial constriction.

Here's a great recipe for allergies (full of quercetin and Vit C!!) from Laura Knoff's VEGGIE WOMAN'S GUIDE TO HEALTH, cookbook. Laura will be appearing on Dishin Nutrition within the next few weeks!!
Check out her book at http://www.labryshealthcarecircle.com/

Rose Hip Spread
1 cup dried rose hips (purchase dried, cut, de-seeded rose hips from the bulk herbal section of your local health food store or you can find them online at herbal stores).
Pure Water
A Wide Mouth Pint Jar

Sort through the rose hips to remove any residual seeds and stems. Half fill the jar with these cleaned rose hips and cover them with enough pure water to fill the jar. Cover and shake gently to wet the hips. Place the covered jar in the refrigerator for at least 3 hrs. When ready to eat, the hips are moist and soft, not crunchy. To make a smooth sauce, blend this thoroughly in a blender. Enjoy the slightly tart taste as a substitute for jam or jelly. You can add stevia to sweeten or cinnamon and ginger to spice it up! Eat with green apple for extra quercetin!!

My favorite supplement for allergies is D-Hist. It contains nettle and quercetin, along with other co-factors!!! Check it out. There is even a product for kids! Works great!

http://astore.amazon.com/mintnutrition-20/detail/B000UBEKO6
http://astore.amazon.com/mintnutrition-20/detail/B000UBKCCA

A series of detoxes can also do wonders for your allergies. Check out this blog post i wrote about DETOXES!!!

http://www.localbizblogs.com/dietmakeover/2008/04/27/spring-cleaning-nature-s-detox