Fred Ott’s Sneeze, from http://commons.wikimedia.org/

by Britt Santowski

Two years ago, I listened to a call-in show and got a wealth of information. It was CBC Almanac, and the topic of the day was managing seasonal allergies.

Since then, I eat a tablespoon of flax seeds (whole, mixed in with Chia seeds for fun, and sesame seeds for taste) a day, from the beginning of spring till the end of summer.

I used to be an itchy-eyed sneezing mess, but now I manage just fine.

So I put the question to other Sooke Mom’s (via Sooke Mommies on Facebook) and with their permission, I’m sharing their suggestions as well.

Emily H. recommends a much tastier option than mine: “Eat local honey – it builds antibodies to the allergens found in local flora.”

Suzanne H. has a different approach entirely: “Acupuncture! Naturally boosts the immune system resulting in a reduction in allergy symptoms.”

And finally Ailsa W. offered a most delicious-sounding recipe that she has on hand all summer long: “My fav spring anti-allergy mix is using local honey, lemon, mint & lavender. They all need to be fresh & used in as many ways possible. I usually make a lemonade-iced tea with green tea, fresh lemons, muddled mint, a bit of honey & lavender… delicious!”

If you have anything to add, feel free to leave a comment below!

Additional Resources

• The four seasons of hay fever (a CBC article, 2011)
• Allergies getting you down? by Dr. Clare Craig (a Nanaimo blogger, 2011)