Springtime Sniffles--Rx Naturally and Enjoy Pets, Trees, and the Great Outdoors!

 Goodbye Springtime Allergies... Hello, Tea and Honey

By Cal Orey

‘Tis the season in the sierras when pesky allergens pay us a visit. Dander and dust, and tree pollen are “High” according to Accuweather… Rather than losing the dog or cat or moving to the desert, home remedies come to the rescue. So if you’re wondering what to do to tame a scratchy-sore throat, cough, sniffles, and topped off with SAD due to the transition from cold to warm days and nights, you’ve come to the right place! It’s the time to turn to teas and honeys in your kitchen cabinet.

* SNEEZING (Stop the sniffling): Dealing with annoying sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion is no picnic, thanks to seasonal tree pollen. But honey may come to your rescue.

What Honey Rx to Use:  Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be within a 50-mile radius from where you live).

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  By taking the honey cure, you may lose your allergy symptoms. It’s worth the effort and is less pricey than a visit to the doctor or an allergist. Honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens—and help you breathe easier. Honeycomb may line the entire breathing tract.

* COUGHS (Cease the tickle.) Coping with a cold can be annoying, but coughing which can be caused by seasonal allergies, and that spells dander and dust. If you’ve got a pet or dust bunnies, think a scratchy throat and a hacking cough.

What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew 1 12-ounce cup of black or white tea. For an extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Repeat as necessary.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific:  Tackling a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to discover why you are coughing—and then it’s time to be proactive and deal with the problem with other tricks, too. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s time to get an air purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with honey to your diet repertoire—soon you’ll be doing the happy dance without stopping to cough.

 * SORE THROAT (Treat the pain.) Before a cold you can get a telltale sore throat. Not to forget allergies with other allergens. Rather than run to the doctor for an allergy medication, why not take an alternative route and turn to tea?

What Tea Rx to Use:  Chamomile is a good pick. Put 1 teaspoon or tea bag of the herbal tea of your choice in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for a few minutes, then strain. Add honey to taste.

Why You’ll Feel Tea—rrific: Chamomile can reduce swelling and inflammation, due to flavonoids. Also, honey boasts anti-inflammatory benefits, too. That means the less pain, and relief.

* SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (Blast the blues.)  Now this isn’t an allergen but feeling down and sluggish with SAD, coined by Dr. Norman Rosenthal, is another monster to face. Since our sunshine is less than more right now, due to a long winter-ish season tea is on the list come early spring.

What Tea Rx to Use: Brew 1 cup of hot water and use 1 teaspoon green tea leaves or tea bag. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times per day.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Green tea has 45 milligrams of caffeine (which can give you a physical and mental burst of energy). But also, green tea contains L-theanine—a compound that enhances brain chemicals including serotonin and that can give you a calming sense of well-being. A bonus: It can rev up your metabolism, fill you up and not out. Read: Lose unwanted pounds and body fat to be healthier come May and into the summer.

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cookbook Club.) Orey’s new book is Soulmates with Paws. Website http://www.calorey.com