Spring is upon us, and the best allergy products will make sure your respiratory tract is prepared. Instead of letting seasonal allergies get the best of you, you may want to invest in some of the internet’s most popular (and viral!) products that’ll both up your health and make surviving allergy season a breeze — no sneezing included.
But first, what are they? “Seasonal spring allergies are an immunologic response to allergens that occur in the spring season, the most common being tree pollen in early spring and grass pollen in later spring into early June and summer,” says board-certified allergist and Hilma medical advisor Dr. Neeta Ogden. “These allergens trigger a reaction involving antibodies and allergic cells that leads to classic symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose and cough.”
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Dr. Madiha Saeed, author of “The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease,” says an estimated 30% to 40% of the world’s population and over 50 million Americans suffer from some sort of allergies, with that number increasing.
The good news is that you don’t need to hide indoors this allergy season. From HEPA air purifiers to spa-worthy essential oils, here’s exactly what experts recommend adding to cart for an extra spring in your step.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, zippered allergen-resistant pillow covers can help reduce dust mites and keep symptoms at bay. These SureGuard Pillow Protectors are waterproof and hypoallergenic, and can go right into the washing machine for a good cleaning. Plus, they have an 80% 5-star rating on Amazon with over 10,000 reviews.
When allergens get trapped in your nasal passage, they contribute to sneezing, itching and all-day discomfort. Instead of trying to blow said allergens out of your nose via dry mucus to no avail, Ogden recommends lubricating your nasal cavity with a saline solution. This viral sinus rinse kit contains everything you need to feel relief: an easy-squeeze 240-milliliter rinse bottle with a cap to fit any nasal opening and 50 premixed packets of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to be mixed with sterilized warm water.
Looking to give your household surfaces some anti-allergen TLC? Treat upholstery, laundry, carpets, mattresses and so much more to this fresh-scented formula that works to neutralize up to 97% of the likes of dander and dust mites for easier breathing year-round. The spray covers surface areas of up to 500 square feet and, when diluted with water, up to eight loads of laundry.
According to Saeed, low humidity in your environment can contribute to dry skin, which is never fun for allergy sufferers (or anyone, really!). For a humidifier that feels as soothing on your respiratory tract as it does on your parasympathetic nervous system (it truly does look like decor plucked straight out of a boutique yoga studio), look no further than this sleek tower unit that releases a fine cool mist into areas of up to 370 square feet. It also comes with three essential oil inserts to personalize your space, with a pleasant scent that’ll help calm those allergy-induced stress headaches. And remember: “Regularly cleaning your humidifier is important to reduce the chances of mold growth,” Saeed says. “When using a humidifier, use demineralized water, as the minerals in the water can increase bacterial growth.”
Not keen on introducing pharmaceuticals into your anti-allergy routine? Between its thermal and immune-boosting properties and its comfy construction, this drug-free option could be your ticket to a less blocked and stuffy nose. It truly can’t hurt.
Sunglasses will not only help keep harmful sunrays out of your eyes but also protect them from exposure to irritating pollen. Saeed recommends investing in a solid pair, especially during the morning when grass tends to pollinate earlier in the day and on sunny, dry and windy days when pollen counts tend to be higher. Coming in every, ahem, shade under the sun, these Underscored-approved Goodr polarized UV-protected shades are your ticket to happier eyes during allergy season.
Believe it or not, allergens can get trapped in your hair and follow you around like a dark, stuffy shadow wherever you go. This is why Ogden recommends washing your hair before bed for maximum relief. The addition of lavender aromatherapy in this shampoo and conditioner set doubles as a wind-down tool for falling asleep — even in an allergy-saturated environment.
Proud plant parents, this one’s for you. “I use houseplants as a cost-effective way to detoxify the air and reduce pollutants,” Saeed says. “I use snake plants, aloe and English ivy in my house, as they’re easy to manage.” For an on-trend look that’ll also do wonders for your respiratory tract, grab this prepotted live indoor snake plant you’ll cherish for years to come (with proper water and sunlight, of course).
To reduce inflammation and improve detoxification associated with seasonal allergies, Saeed recommends essential oils like eucalyptus and frankincense. This 30-pack of soothing scents has you covered on that front — and tons more — offering additional therapeutic and soothing oils like ylang-ylang and peppermint you can incorporate into a diffuser or skin care product of your choice.
Blowing out dried mucus (aka boogers or snot) is your respiratory system’s way of naturally trapping and ridding itself of irritants, so you definitely don’t want to suppress this important mechanism. Since you’ll be sniffling away anyway, make it that much more soothing on your delicate skin with these fragrance-free tissues infused with healing coconut oil, aloe and vitamin E.
Saeed recommends you “clean your carpets regularly with a HEPA or water-capture vacuum cleaner with environmentally friendly cleaning agents,” so if you’ve ever been meaning to upgrade your vacuum situation, the time Is now. Complete with a HEPA filter and dual brush roll to trap allergens at the source, as well as LED headlights to enhance visibility while you navigate around your hardwood or carpeted flooring, this upright vacuum is a step in the right direction for your stuffy nose.
If you suffer from year-round allergies, Saeed recommends switching from curtains to blinds. These cordless blinds are child- and pet-safe, easy to install with all included hardware and easier to wipe down, preventing any allergens from getting trapped in their material.
(Not-so) fun fact: “Indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air,” Saeed says. That’s why she suggests investing in a quiet air purifier that removes close to 100% of harmful particles. This expert-approved option keeps you breathing easy with its ability to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, its built-in air quality sensor and its automatic cleaning mode to take the guesswork out of the appropriate fan speed required for your unique environment.