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6 Superfoods to Keep Seasonal Allergies at Bay

Discover natural remedies for seasonal allergies you can find at the market and DIY tips to deal with the symptoms.

Life is full of small joys, one of which is being able to breathe through both nostrils. It’s underappreciated, but you’ll definitely miss it once seasonal allergies attack.

You’re not alone, though. The prevalence of seasonal allergies has steadily increased over the last 50 years. In Malaysia, constant exposure to pollen, dust mites, spores, and pet fur can trigger a physical reaction in some people.

The simple solution to this sudden allergic reaction is taking over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, some people experience minor side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. So, are there natural remedies for seasonal allergies? Read on to learn the best ingredients to free you from a runny nose and sneezing.


How to Cure Seasonal Allergies Naturally

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), seasonal allergies are preventable with several lifestyle modifications. Real Health Medical’s Chief Physician Chu I Ta – a featured expert on All Things Health –  explains that a Deficiency in Lung fei, Spleen qi, and Kidney shen can cause allergy flare-ups.

“Herbal ingredients can be used to formulate decoctions that correct body constitution imbalances. Thus, it can be considered to relieve allergy symptoms”, he explains.

If you want a more natural approach to calm your allergies, here are six dietary choices to help you.

1. Fermented vegetables

Kimchi and other fermented goods can provide allergy relief.

You’ve heard this many times: vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients — and you should add them to your diet. Taking it one step further are fermented vegetables such as kimchi and sauerkraut, which contain an abundance of gut-friendly probiotics. Research shows that a healthy digestive system correlates positively to immune health and the management of allergies.

For picky eaters, taking a daily probiotic supplement can also help relieve symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or a runny nose.

2. Tropical fruits

Love drinking smoothies? It’s time to add more fruits with antioxidative properties, like apples and oranges. Apples are a healthy source of quercetin, a plant pigment that acts as an antihistamine and can be beneficial in addressing mild seasonal allergy symptoms.

Meanwhile, oranges are a vitamin C powerhouse which helps block the release of histamine, thus preventing the onset of symptoms. One last enzyme that can soothe a stuffy nose is bromelain, which you can find in pineapples.

3. Spices

Yes, your fondness for spicy foods can actually fight allergies. Cayenne pepper, for example, can be a decongestant and lessen the mucous secretion in your throat and nose. If you prefer the flavourful nasi kunyit or ayam goreng rempah, you’re in luck! The main ingredient, turmeric, contains curcumin which inhibits histamine release and suppresses inflammation.

4. Poria

This fungus has long been used in alternative medicine and tastes delicious in soups and rice cakes. It’s believed that poria mushroom (fu ling, 茯苓) contains chemicals that can reduce swelling and modulate the immune system‘s function. Physician Chu explains how TCM usually uses poria to formulate a decoction called Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (金匮肾气丸). Its primary action is to strengthen Kidney yang (active energy). In addition, an animal study shows that Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan is capable of regulating the immune system and easing airway inflammation.

5. Astragalus


For thousands of years, astragalus (huang qi, 黄芪) has been used in TCM alongside other herbs to protect a person’s body against disease. Its root is a core ingredient of many TCM formulae, such as Yu Ping Feng San (玉屏风散) for replenishing qi and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤) for treating Deficiencies of Spleen Yang and Qi. Both formulas boast the dual effect of preventing and treating seasonal allergies simultaneously.

6. Jujubes

Warm and sweet-tasting, jujubes (da zao, 大枣) is the perfect addition to Gui Zhi Tang (桂枝汤), a decoction to soothe the skin rash due to allergens exposure. A combination of Gui Zhi Tang with tuina may also have a therapeutic effect on seasonal allergies in children. Jujubes can also be boiled to make a calming tea.

Manage Your Allergic Rhinitis at Home

On your next grocery trip, keep an eye on the abovementioned ingredients. You can also visit the nearest TCM store to purchase some herbs. Alternatively, Physician Chu recommends doing acupressure massage twice daily, around 1-2 minutes for each acupoint. Doing this will make you feel more relaxed and help ease seasonal allergy symptoms. A few of the points that can be worked on are cuan zhu (BL2, 攢竹), fei shu (BL13, 肺俞), tai yang (EX-HN5, 太陽), he gu (LI4, 合谷), and zu san li (ST36, 足三里).

It's possible to suffer from seasonal allergies all year round, but you can still enjoy the great outdoors and play with your fur babies. Use this guide to build your immunity and relieve any accompanying symptoms of allergies.

 Interested in trying holistic medicine for optimal wellness? Go to All Things Health Malaysia, a health and wellness companion for you to learn more about TCM, straight from the experts.

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