If you are living in the Prince George area, you likely have observed much of the snow is finally starting to disappear, but what you may have also noticed is something called snow mold.

Never heard of it?

Snow mold may sometimes appear as small black masses but usually looks like cobwebs along the grass. It does not stay around for long and normally when the weather gets warmer the sun kills it.

Snow mold is just one of the many culprits that can cause people to experience what is known as seasonal allergies.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

The usual symptoms are sneezing, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, itchy sinuses, throat or ears, and ear congestion.

Not fun.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms you, of course, are not alone and there are many that suffer.

But what can be done?

Here are some tips to help keep the symptoms of seasonal allergies at bay:

• Remove clothing that you have worn outside when you return home
• If the weather is dry and windy, try and stay in
• Rain is your friend, it helps to clean the pollen from the air
• Try and avoid the garden work and lawn care – maybe pass that onto a local teen who could use the work!
• Stick to using the dryer – hanging clothes outside will bring the pollen in with them
• If you must go outside when the pollen count is high, wear a mask

As well, there are some natural allergy remedies you can try:

• Exercise – getting your blood flowing can help the body regulate itself
• Apple cider vinegar is an amazing natural allergy remedy! It helps to cleanse your lymphatic system and slow mucus production. You can add a teaspoon to some hot water – and add a little local honey.
• An allergic reaction is your body trying to fight off a foreign substance. Try adding a tablespoon of local honey to your diet. Your body will start to recognize that the pollen is not a foreign enemy, and this will relieve symptoms over time.
• Bee pollen works the same way as local honey and can be purchased at your local health food store
• Probiotics help to boost your immune system
• Acupuncture
• A good Spring cleaning – need help? Give us a call

The allergy season has just begun, but if you put some of these natural defenses in place, you may be able to more easily sail through the season!