Wellness Weekly 14: Allergies And Pesach Cleaning

By Idy Perl

(Achoo!) Welcome back to Wellness Weekly! This week we’re sniffing around some allergy facts and homemade reliefs to learn more about the seasonal allergies that leave so many of us sneezing and coughing as the weather becomes warmer.

 

Myth Buster

Myth: Flower pollen is the main cause of seasonal allergies or hay fever.

Truth: Although flowers do release pollen in the spring, seasonal allergies are usually caused by pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Those plants produce pollen that spreads in the wind and cause widespread exposure, unlike flowers which mostly get pollinated through insects. Trees are the first ones to release pollen, usually between February and March, followed by grass in the late spring and early summer.

 

Healthy Hacks

Seasonal allergies got you sneezing? Try this homemade solution for some nasal relief.

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 tsp table salt or fine sea salt (iodine free)

Pinch of baking soda (optional)

Boil the water in a covered pot for 15 minutes and then allow it to cool to room temperature. Add the salt (and baking soda) and stir until its dissolved. Store in a jar or airtight container and keep refrigerated no more than 24 hours.

You can use the solution as a nasal irrigation by holding your head above a sink and tilting it a bit forward and to the side before squirting the solution into the nostril opposite of the side you’re tilting your head. The water should come out of the opposite nostril, and you can then repeat on the other side.  

 

Wellness Wisdom

Although seasonal allergies are often called “hay fever”, they are neither caused by hay or a fever. The term was likely born when farmers working in hay fields in the mid-1800s got allergy symptoms in the spring and summer months. For a while it was believed that the smell of the hay was causing the symptoms, which coined the term hay fever. Although we now know that its not accurate, the name still stuck around.

 

Mind And Body Exercise

Cleaning and preparing for Pesach is an overwhelming and stressful task, to say the least. Stay on top of your stress by sitting down to make clear schedules and lists and remember to take breaks throughout the day. Even a 10-minute coffee break or walk around the block can clear your head and help you stay focused.

 

Sharing Is Caring

What are your tips and tricks for dealing with seasonal allergies?

Photo: Shutterstock