My Totally Effective Weapons Against Austin’s Seasonal Allergies

In a few weeks time, thousands of Austin City Limits festival goers will descend upon ATX. Wherever they come from, October’s blue skies, ACL’s exceptional music, and our unseasonably warm weather (unseasonable, that is, only if you’re not from Texas) will enchant. They’ll think, “This is heaven! I could live here.”

Think again, people.

One blissful fall weekend is not long enough to experience Austin’s true hell: seasonal allergies. Trust me–I’m a native who didn’t suffer until I was almost 40 years old. And then how I’ve suffered!

That annoying tickle in your throat? Pollen spores–right now, mold, cedar elm, and ragweed; soon to come, Ashe juniper–scratching away. You’re not sweating (well, maybe you are; “fall” is 90+ degrees here)–those are tears leaking from irritated, puffy slits for eyes. Feeling tired and run down? Thank all the coughing and sneezing. And that crackling background noise permeating every public place? People pulling out cough drops, throat lozenges, and small packets of tissues.

Gesundheit.

I returned from eleven glorious days in Ireland to 100+ temperatures and a giant wallop of Austin’s allergens. Not gonna lie–they laid me low. Thankfully, the last ten years have perfected my “tool kit” of seasonal allergy cures. And if you’re suffering right now, perhaps these will help.

*Disclaimer: None of the following statements have been remotely scientifically proven. I am not an allergist nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. Some side effects may occur, though who can predict exactly what? Good luck, sneezer!

How To Live Through Austin’s Seasonal Allergies

Hot water and candied ginger. That irritating throat tickle is the first sign all hell is fixing to break loose in your nasal passages. I self-medicate and over-hydrate with a nugget of candied ginger (a natural anti-inflammatory) steeped in a mug of hot water. That concoction, all day and whenever I’m up at night, is my constant companion. Pro Tip: Use a bright cheery mug.
Vicks VapoDrops. I cannot survive without these lozenges. Though Vicks VapoDrops are also available in cherry, only menthol will do. Menthol’s most of what makes these cough drops: 3.3 mg, to be exact. The rest of the ingredients–ascorbic acid, caramel, eucalyptus oil, liquid glucose, and sucrose–provide a refreshingly sinus-clearing delivery vehicle. Pro Tip: Carry these on long trail runs for a throat-soothing pick-me-up!
Frequent showers. I’m a horrible sick person. I’m sad to say there’s often a lot of moaning. Bad seasonal allergies feel a lot like the flu, so anything to relieve the misery is welcome. Soothe swollen sinus passages, enlarged lymph nodes, and irritated nasal tissues with a warm shower. Get under the spray as often as you can, especially before bed, to wash away accumulated pollen on your skin and hair. Pro Tip: Spritz eucalyptus oil in the bottom of the shower for an additional decongestant .
Homemade soup. Everybody in central Texas can recommend an allergy-busting chicken soup. Whether you lean Tex-Mex or classic Campbell’s from the can, some science backs up that bowl. Studies have found common nutrients in chicken soup increase mucus movement (drain that snot!), improve cilia function (you know, those little nose hairs), and inhibit neutrophils (white infection-fighting blood cells), reducing their migration and thus containing symptoms. My homemade go-to: Mexican Chicken Chowder from Danielle Walker’s Against All Grain cookbook (simple, delicious, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly).
Pro Tip: Use Central Market’s pre-made roasted tomatillo salsa to save preparation time.

Walker’s updated her recipe for Instant Pot, though I go old-school, per the original, on the stove. Pro Tip: Make a big pot–it’s tasty and you’re probably not the only one suffering. Plus, leftovers freeze well for future use.
A Good Book. My beloved running coach, Andreas Soeffker, pushed rest. When we were sick, he always said one day back too soon was five days off later on. I’ve embraced that mindset. And when the air quality is really bad, my allergies begin raging, and I feel like hell, this outside-loving girl retreats inside. Naturally, I’m spending that forced downtime with a good book. This week, I read two: Chuck Wendig’s Wanderers and The Humans, by Matt Haig. Both took me to less mucus-filled plane of existence and forced contemplation of big topics: What makes us human? Does God exist? Should I have studied more math in school? These books kept me still, occupied, and inside–plus took my mind off my misery. Pro Tip: Difficulty focusing on a computer screen is a red flag. Use drops to rinse and soothe allergy-irritated eyes.
Drugs. You know I take OTC allergy medication. Because I suffer from exercise-induced food-dependent anaphylaxis (oh, now THAT’s a story: “Catching My Breath After Diagnosis” gives those details), I take Zyrtec daily. About two weeks before the bad stuff hits, I start a daily nasal spray (Flonase). Yes, I have some emergency prescription stuff I’ve never, ever used–fingers crossed, knock wood. And let’s keep it that way. Pro Tip: Consult an allergist, the real pros.