Abacus Austin / Alan's Blog

The original article appears on Austin.com » 

Allergy sufferers beware! It’s no secret that allergy season is here. As you probably know, pollen levels are creeping higher for ash, oak and mold and the recent rains could be increasing those pollen counts. Luckily, we found some ways to help you fight the good fight!

Simple Ways to Fight Allergies in Austin

Go Homeopathic

As a founding member of the vocal trio Keeper, Austin singer Erin Jantzen spoke to us years ago about how she ensure that her voice doesn’t suffer due to allergens. Her go-to remedy is Allergena, a homeopathic remedy that creates remedies based specifically around regional allergy zones. For Central Texas, Allergena has a tincture for Texas Cedar Fever and for Texas Trees. Jantzen picks hers up at HEB, but it’s also available at Central Market, Whole Foods, and Wheatsville Co-Op, among others. Of course, it’s not always a cure-all. “When the cedar is really high, I’ll still use Flonase, but if you build up on the drops it helps a lot,” Jantzen said.

Get Spa Quality Relief

Relax and enjoy a staycation or just pop into the spa for a bit of help with your allergies at one of the best spas in Austin. Many local spas and wellness centers offer treatments to fight allergy symptoms. The Four Seasons offers an herbal apothecary allergy relief massage. This specially focused massage will help you breathe better by using the ancient science of aromatherapy. Herbal and floral essences – many indigenous to Texas – combine with a targeted upper body massage to alleviate built-up tension in your head, neck and shoulders, while hot towel compresses gently open your airways, allowing you to breathe easy again.

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be a great way to try to address ongoing allergy problems. Consultations with your acupuncturist will likely lead to a series of treatments, as well as recommendations for herbal accompaniments. Many local acupuncturists can treat allergy issues (a simple Google search of “Austin acupuncture for allergies” returns plenty of results of practitioners addressing this issue specifically). Our favorite spot is Evolve Cryo and Wellness. Tell them Austin.com sent ya!

Eliminate Pullutants In Your Home

Our pals at Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electrical can provide easy tips for things that you can do at home to reduce air pollutants. Your HVAC system should be inspected and serviced at least twice a year and filters be replaced to maintain efficiency, reduce repair costs and prevent circulation of dust, pollen and other allergens. Note that the filter in your HVAC system only has a limited ability to remove airborne bacteria and dust. The best way to eliminate virtually all of these harmful particles is to have a UV air sanitizer professionally installed. These devices use ultraviolet light to incinerate bacteria and dust particles, giving you clean, healthy air in your home that is virtually free of dust and germs.

“Texans are very familiar with allergy symptoms, but many don’t take the steps needed to prevent them at home,” says Vic Fredlund, HVAC Manager of Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electrical. “Abacus wants to make sure that the public is aware of the simple steps they can implement in their homes.”

Allergies are no joke, though sometimes you do have to find the humor in the challenges of being a Texan.