We try to keep it positive here on the FL, so pardon while I take a whine break–there’s a little man or three dancing around my sinus cavities, throwing pepper, spraying water, and generally wreaking Gremlin-like havoc.

It’s unclear to me why this September ragweed allergy slam is a surprise anymore, but every year it’s shocking how incredibly down, disoriented, itchy, sneezy, exhausted, and generally awful I feel. All I want to do is sleep or time-travel to the first frost. Wah. See? Whiney.

Anyway, I just read an article that made me feel a little bit better: Six Natural Allergy Remedies. It says “Studies have shown that during ragweed season, allergy sufferers often experience a general sense of fatigue — especially mental fatigue — and are more prone to feelings of sadness.” Check! And that “People who suffer from allergies also are up to 14 times more likely to experience migraine headaches than those who don’t have allergies.” Color me part of that number.

The article suggests a few natural remedies that I will try once the Claritin I just popped kicks in. Things like taking quercitin, getting cozy with the neti pot, avoiding foods I’m mildly allergic to (any allergy can get more severe when your whole system is on overload), and boning up on the omega-3s (hello, walnuts!). I’ve also read that it’s good to avoid watermelon and chamomile during allergy outbreaks–they have potentially triggering ingredients.  

I’ll let you know how it goes. Do you get fall allergies? How do you deal?

[Image via: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/2006-08-01/Six-Natural-Allergy-Remedies.aspx]