5 Ways to Naturally Fight Cedar Fever

Austin's infamous "cedar" season is upon us, and if you're an Austin allergy sufferer now is the time to start combating those pesky symptoms. And no, that doesn't mean chopping down all of the cedar trees in the area. Actually, "cedar fever" is a misnomer because the pollen that attacks with a vengeance from December to February comes from a juniper tree -- often called "Ashe Juniper" and also known as "Mountain Cedar" in Central Texas.

Whatever you call it, "cedar" allergies are hard to fight. Over-the-counter medicines can help treat your runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes, but they often leave you in as much of a mental fog as the allergies themselves. We've gathered a list of the best natural alternatives to fight your "cedar fever" when the side effects of allergy medications just aren't worth it.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to treat allergy symptoms. Specific points can target the sinus passages in order to ease the over-accumulation of phlegm, as well as boost your body's defensive qi (Wei Qi) which is in charge of preventing pollen and other allergens from entering your body in the first place.

2. Lymph Drainage

Lymph drainage through facial cupping can quickly relieve acute congestion, runny nose, and sinus headache. Facial cupping is the use of gentle suction cups on the face, neck, and collarbone that works to relieve symptoms by speeding up the natural flow of lymph fluids directly to the lymph nodes. This encourages detoxification of the body.

3. Herbs

Herbal remedies can help bolster your allergy relief between acupuncture appointments. Our favorite herbal tincture, Easy Breather by Herbalogica, is Chinese formula that specifically targets nasal congestion. It can be taken in a single dose for acute allergic reactions or added to your water bottle for slow release of symptom-easing herbs throughout the day.

4. Essential Oils

Essential oils can be a powerful tool for opening up airways and are particularly useful at night when congestion can cause discomfort and keep you from sleep. We like a mix of eucalyptus and lavender oil either placed in a diffuser or on an eye pillow. This blend will help open up the nasal passages, as well as promote relaxation, lulling you into a restful night's sleep.

5. Diet

Diet plays in important role in the treatment and prevention of allergies. Foods that increase dampness, such as dairy, sugar, and cold or raw foods, tend to cause mucus build-up. Excess mucus can cause a stronger allergic response and lead to bronchial ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Avoid these dampness causing foods and add ginger or cinnamon to your diet as often as possible throughout the season. In general, patients have better and longer lasting results if they make these changes to their diets.

If you suffer from "cedar" allergies, Rx Acupuncture is running an allergy treatment special through the month of January. This therapeutic package includes a 60 minute combination treatment and herbal tincture to take home. Click Here to learn more.