- Seasonal allergies in the Pacific Northwest are driven by high exposure to tree, grass, weed pollens, and mold, leading to immune overreactions and inflammation in susceptible individuals.
- From a naturopathic perspective, allergies reflect deeper imbalances involving gut health, chronic inflammation, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition.
- Lifestyle factors—especially chronic stress, poor sleep, and diet—can worsen symptoms by increasing inflammation, disrupting immune regulation, and elevating histamine responses.
- Certain medications, including Pseudoephedrine, Oxymetazoline, Diphenhydramine, Propranolol, and Ibuprofen, may unintentionally exacerbate symptoms through rebound congestion, dryness, or airway sensitivity.
- Effective naturopathic care focuses on root-cause support through anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress management, environmental control, and therapies like homeopathy and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, reach out to Blossom Natural Health, we can help you develop a personalized plan that supports your body’s natural ability to adapt and thrive—no matter the season.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies—often referred to as allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”—are a common concern for many patients in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). With its lush vegetation, mild climate, and long growing season, this region creates the perfect environment for airborne allergens. From a naturopathic perspective, seasonal allergies are not just an isolated immune response but a reflection of broader imbalances involving the immune system, gut health, stress levels, and environmental exposures. Addressing these root contributors can significantly reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
A Naturopathic View: Why Do Allergies Develop?
Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless environmental substances such as pollen. This overreaction triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, leading to symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, throat irritation, and fatigue.
In the PNW, allergy seasons can begin as early as late winter and extend into fall.
Common regional allergens include:
- Tree pollens (February–May): alder, birch, hazelnut, oak
- Grass pollens (May–July): ryegrass, timothy grass
- Weed pollens (July–October): ragweed, nettle
- Mold spores (year-round, especially fall and winter due to damp conditions)
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), pollen exposure is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergic rhinitis, affecting millions of Americans annually.
From a naturopathic standpoint, allergies often arise from a dysregulated immune system. Rather than responding appropriately to threats, the immune system becomes hypersensitive. Several underlying factors contribute to this imbalance:
- Gut health dysfunction: Approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. Dysbiosis (an imbalance with the gut microbiome) can promote inflammatory responses and increase allergic sensitivity.
- Chronic inflammation: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and inflammatory oils can prime the immune system toward hypersensitivity.
- Environmental burden: Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, and indoor allergens can compound immune stress.
- Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are more prone to atopic conditions such as eczema, asthma, and allergies.
The Impact of Lifestyle and Stress
Lifestyle factors—especially chronic stress—play a major role in the severity and persistence of allergy symptoms. When the body is under prolonged stress, cortisol regulation becomes disrupted. While cortisol initially suppresses inflammation, chronic stress can lead to cortisol resistance, resulting in heightened inflammatory responses.
Research published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has shown that individuals experiencing high stress levels report more frequent and severe allergy flares. Stress can also:
- Weaken the gut barrier (“leaky gut”), increasing immune reactivity
- Disrupt sleep, impairing immune regulation
- Increase histamine release, worsening symptoms like itching and congestion
Other lifestyle contributors include poor sleep, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, all of which can exacerbate inflammation and immune imbalance.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis: An Important Distinction
Not all nasal symptoms are caused by allergies. Non-allergic rhinitis presents with similar symptoms—such as congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip—but without an immune-mediated allergic response.
Triggers for non-allergic rhinitis include:
- Strong odors (perfume, cleaning products)
- Weather changes
- Smoke or air pollution
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Certain medications
Unlike allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis does not involve IgE antibodies or histamine release. This distinction is important because treatments differ. While antihistamines may help allergic rhinitis, they are often less effective for non-allergic cases. Naturopathic care focuses more on reducing irritant exposure, supporting mucosal health, and balancing the nervous system.
Naturopathic Treatment Approaches
A naturopathic approach to seasonal allergies emphasizes treating the root cause while providing symptom relief. This includes a combination of nutrition, lifestyle modifications, homeopathy, and targeted therapies such as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).
1. Nutrition for Immune Balance
Diet plays a foundational role in regulating inflammation and immune function.
Anti-inflammatory foods to emphasize:
- Leafy greens, berries, and colorful vegetables (rich in antioxidants) • Omega-3 fatty acids (wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, walnuts)
- Quercetin-rich foods (onions, apples, capers), known for natural antihistamine effects
- Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir) to support gut microbiota
Foods to minimize:
- Refined sugar and processed foods
- Dairy (in some individuals, it may increase mucus production) • Alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate and exacerbate symptoms A study in Nutrients (2020) highlights the role of dietary antioxidants and polyphenols in modulating allergic inflammation and reducing symptom severity.
2. Nutrition for Immune Balance
Simple daily habits can significantly influence how the body responds to allergens.
- Stress management: Incorporate mindfulness practices, yoga, or breathing exercises to regulate the nervous system
- Sleep hygiene: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support immune repair • Environmental control: Use HEPA filters, keep windows closed during high pollen counts, and shower after outdoor exposure
- Regular movement: Moderate exercise supports lymphatic flow and immune resilience
3. Botanical and Nutritional Support
- Quercetin: Stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine release • Vitamin C: Natural antihistamine and antioxidant
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Supports mucus clearance
- Stinging nettle: Traditionally used for allergic symptoms
4. Homeopathy
Remedies are selected based on the individual’s unique symptom picture rather than the diagnosis alone.
• Allium cepa: for watery eyes and burning nasal discharge
• Sabadilla: for sneezing and itchy nose • Natrum muriaticum: for chronic hay fever with headaches
5. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
SLIT is a modern, evidence-based therapy. It involves placing small doses of allergens under the tongue to gradually desensitize the immune system.
Benefits of SLIT include:
- Reduced symptom severity over time
- Decreased reliance on medications
- Convenience of at-home administration
- Favorable safety profile compared to allergy shots
Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology supports SLIT as an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Medications That May Worsen Allergy Symptoms
While medications are often necessary and helpful, some commonly used drugs can exacerbate seasonal allergy symptoms by drying mucous membranes, increasing congestion, alter immune and histamine responses, or heightening airway sensitivity.
- Decongestant overuse (e.g., Pseudoephedrine, Oxymetazoline): Frequent use —especially nasal sprays—can lead to rebound congestion, making symptoms more persistent.
- Older antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine): These can overly dry the nasal passages, thickening mucus and impairing sinus drainage.
- Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol): May increase airway reactivity, particularly in individuals with asthma or respiratory sensitivity.
- NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen): In some individuals, these can worsen respiratory and nasal symptoms.
- Hormonal medications: Oral contraceptives and other hormone therapies may increase nasal congestion by affecting blood flow in nasal tissues.
- Anticholinergic and certain antidepressant medications: These may contribute to dryness of mucous membranes, reducing the body’s ability to clear allergens effectively.
From a naturopathic perspective, awareness is key—patients should not discontinue medications without guidance but may benefit from supportive strategies to reduce side effects.
Bringing It All Together
Seasonal allergies are more than just a nuisance—they are a signal that the immune system is out of balance. In the PNW, where environmental exposure to pollen and mold is significant, a proactive and holistic approach is especially important.
By addressing diet, gut health, stress, and environmental factors, patients can often reduce their sensitivity to allergens. Integrating therapies such as nutrition, lifestyle, homeopathy and SLIT provides additional tools for both symptom relief and long-term immune modulation.
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, reach out to Blossom Natural Health, we can help you develop a personalized plan that supports your body’s natural ability to adapt and thrive—no matter the season.
Take a Closer Look at Your Heart Health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and many people do not realize they are at risk until problems have already developed. While routine blood work is an important part of preventive care, it does not show the condition of your blood vessels. A CIMT screening helps fill in that picture by using ultrasound to examine the carotid arteries in your neck and look for early signs of plaque buildup or thickening.
At Blossom Natural Health, we want to help patients make informed decisions about their long-term health. That is why we are offering a carotid ultrasound screening through our partnership with VasoLabs. This simple, noninvasive ultra sound test is quick and painless, and it provides a detailed report that you and your doctor can use to discuss your individual cardiovascular risk and next steps.
A CIMT screening may be a good option for adults over 40 and for anyone with risk factors such as:
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• tobacco use
• overweight status
• metabolic syndrome
• family history of heart disease or stroke
• erectile dysfunction
• psoriasis
• high-fat diet.
Even if you feel healthy, these risk factors can add up over time.
Our next screening event will take place on Friday, May 15, with an investment of $349. Appointments are limited and should be scheduled through the front desk. If you are interested in taking a proactive step toward better heart health, this is a great opportunity to learn more about your risk and gain helpful insight for the future.
During the fall and winter months many of us experience depression or depression-like symptoms due to decreased exposure to sunlight. From fatigue, poor concentration and irritability to food cravings, weight gain and unhappy thoughts, the lack of light can really take its’ toll.
A light box specifically made to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Major Depression and sleep disorders can be a really effective and low cost way to treat these conditions and symptoms. The box works by increasing levels of serotonin, melatonin and vitamin d, therefore increasing mood, energy, concentration, happiness, etc. Multiple studies have shown light boxes to be effective with minimal side effect and fast results.
What to look for in a good light box
-The light box should be 10,000 lux
-Look for a low UV option
-There should be a filter (usually a plastic screen) to diffuse and filter out UV rays
-It should come with manufacturer’s instructions that tell you the correct way to use it, including how far away to sit from the light box.
Light box best practices
-Use daily during the fall and winter months
-Use it within one hour of waking up in the morning – early morning is best
-Allow 20-40 minutes for use
-Generally sit within 16-24 inches from the box (but always follow manufacturer’s instructions)
-Your eyes should be open, but not looking directly into the light
-Work with your health care provider to ensure the best results for your specific condition or symptoms
Want to know more?
Check out these great articles on light box therapy!
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-light-therapy-and-is-it-right-for-you-5097392
https://www.verywellmind.com/best-light-therapy-lamps-4172537
]]>This year why not take a little time for yourself too? Take care of yourself by resetting and normalizing your system. It’s been a long summer of fun and indulgence and sometimes we need a little help to get ourselves back on track!
Sign up for a 14 day VegeCleanse Detox program with Blossom!
Why do the VegeCleanse with Blossom?
-VegeCleanse is an easy way to recover and reset from a summer full of food and lifestyle indulgences
-This is a group detox, which means support, accountability, and daily inspiration
-Access to an exclusive wellness app to help you keep track of your detox
-Everything you need for the detox is individually packaged and ready to go to make it easy
-Meal Plans and Shopping Lists are included
-We are here to support you and answer any questions
Ready to get your health back on track?
Our group detox program begins on September 12.
Call us at 360-834-2732 to get started!
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Now that you’ve completed that strenuous athletic workout, marathon, bike race or mudder event, how can you enhance your post workout recovery naturally? The answer for many athletes is adaptogens!
Adaptogens have the ability to address:
Sports-related injuries
Muscle and endurance building
Overexercising
Stress
Top 3 Adaptogens for post work out recovery include:
Ashwaganda – Increases oxygen supplies throughout the body, aiding significantly in recovery.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Protects the body from physiological and metabolic damage caused by intense exercise. Brings the body back to a state of homeostasis.
Ginger and Turmeric – Powerful anti-inflammatories that aid in recovering from the pain and inflammation that go hand in hand with difficult workouts.
Want to read more about adaptogens and post workout recovery? Check out this great article from Organic India.
Ready to try some Organic India Adaptogenic Teas?
Come on in to Blossom today or give us a call at 360-834-2732!
Currently at Blossom we are offering 20% off ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diets. But what exactly is a fasting mimicking diet and is it worth it? A fasting mimicking diet allows you to take in specifically designed nutrients and calories while still convincing your body it’s fasting. So yes you get to eat real food and it’s all provided in your 5 day kit! The main mechanism at play during fasting mimicking is the speeding up of “autophagy” or cellular clean-up. The more cellular clean-up occurring in your body the better. Getting rid of “bad” cells promotes healthy aging and disease prevention. ProLon has been through rigorous scientific research and continues to be part of multiple ongoing studies. Fasting Mimicking provides most if not all of the same benefits of the more traditional intermittent fasting, without the side effects (fatigue, muscle loss, headaches).
Benefits Include:
Promotes Cellular Renewal – Rejuvenation
Supports Metabolic Health – Maintain Healthy Systolic Blood Pressure
Enhances Clarity and Performance – Greater Focus and Energy
Fat Focused Weight Loss – Lose an average of 5 lbs.
Want to go more in depth? Check out this great article!
Order your ProLon Kit today!
Want to receive 20% of ProLon + Free Water Bottle + Free Fast Bars + Online Coaching? We’ll even enter you in a drawing to win extra fast bars!
Click on the link below and use promo code “ProLon10“
Questions? Call us today at 360-834-2732
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Did you know that taking nettles can be a great adjunct treatment for your seasonal allergies? Consuming nettles whether in tea, tincture, or pill form is great way to benefit from it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, and anti-allergenic properties. Many patients report that taking nettles daily during allergy season resolves their symptoms better than traditional allergy medications. Want to learn more about the science behind nettles and their effects on allergies? Check out the following article.
https://edu.emersonecologics.com/2017/07/19/nettle-addressing-allergies-through-inflammation/
Ready to try some DIY Nettle Preparations?
For the best information on harvesting and preparing different forms of nettle we recommend checking out Mountain Rose Herbs. Find out information on safety, when to harvest and how to harvest ethically. If worrying about harvesting isn’t your thing, Mountain Rose can provide you with many forms of nettle to work with. And bonus, they only provide ethically and safely harvested herbs. Check out their incredible blog post about nettles below!
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/stinging-nettle-identification-benefits-and-recipes?hs_amp=true
DIY not your thing? Check out our Allergy Bundle!
We are currently offering our Allergy Bundle for 15% off. It includes AllerDHQ, RhinAllergy and Xlear Nasal Spray. AllerDHQ is a powerful allergy fighter and includes 200mg of stinging nettle extact.
More questions about how to treat seasonal allergies? Call Blossom today and make an appt. 360-834-2732.
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First off, we’d like to share a recipe that is decidedly spring! This recipe comes from local Seattle cookbook author Mickey Trescott. Dandelion greens are a lovely spring detox herb. You can find your own by foraging, or if you’re short on time check your local grocery store. As always if you are foraging for your own herbs, make sure you’ve correctly identified your plant! Make sure you have true Dandelion and not Hairy Cat’s Ear.
| Dandelion Pesto |
| Author: Mickey Trescott Serves: ½ cup INGREDIENTS 1 large bunch dandelion greens 1 handful cilantro or mint leaves ½ cup olive oil (with an extra ¼ cup optional) 3 cloves garlic, peeled ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ lemon, juiced INSTRUCTIONS 1. Wash the dandelion greens in a colander, removing any leaves or stems that are expired or wilted. 2. Place in a food processor with the herbs, olive oil, garlic, sea salt and lemon. Process until desired consistency is reached, adding additional olive oil if the mixture is too thick. 3. Use stirred into soups, eaten on plantain crackers, or mixed with stir-fried vegetables. |
For more of Mickey Trescott’s recipes please check out her website by clicking the button below or come on in to Blossom for a copy of her amazing cookbook, The Nutrient Dense Kitchen. Happy cooking!
Did you try out this Recipe? Share a pic of your finished pesto on our Facebook or Instagram Pages. Click the links below.
So you are ready to get all culinary or medicinary with Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale). Most of us grew up with a plethora of them around and we’re pretty sure we know what one is. But did you know that they are often mistaken with another plant named Hairy Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris radicata)? So how do we tell these two plants apart? How do we know we have true Dandelion?
Dandelion Characteristics
-Flower stocks form from a basal rosette
-One flower head per stock
-Stock is hollow and exudes a milky white substance
-Leaves are shallowly lobed or jaggedly toothed, smooth, and are NOT hairy
-Bloom earlier in in the year (Spring Months)
-Large light to dark brown taproot
Hairy Cat’s Ear Characteristics
-Flower stocks form from a basal rosette
-Often multiple flowers heads per stock (branched)
-Stock is solid and exudes a more brownish milky substance
-Leaves have rounded lobes and are thicker and HAIRY
-Bloom later in the year (Summer Months)
-Similar to but not a true taproot, fleshy
Need to read more? The very best book for plant identification in our area is Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, Polar/MacKinnon
Vote for Us in Best of Clark County!
| Nominate your Favorite Clark County Businesses Now! |
| Nominations: April 4th – 24th Voting: June 1st – 14th Winners Announced: August 7th – 8th |
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Join Herbalist Brianna Gallardo at Blossom for a fun evening making herbal crafts and gifts.
-Tuesday, December 10th
-6:00 – 7:30 PM
-Blossom Natural Health and Wellness
-Cost for one child and accompanying adult is $30. Adults who don’t have a child are welcome to come craft too if they want!
-Payment can be made ahead of time by calling or stopping in to Blossom. It can also be made at the time of class, but please give us a heads up if you are coming so we can be sure to have enough supplies.
We will most likely be making apple cider mulling sachets and pomanders. This will be just a fun craft night with not a whole lot of major info presented. If you need to come later than 6:00 PM that’s no problem at all, as we will just be crafting at our own pace. We look forward to another fun night with everyone!
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