Local Honey

This year I have noticed that my daughter and I have had really bad allergies. I believe it is related to the tree pollen in the area around our house. Here are a couple of things that I have done to help us to overcome the itchy eyes and sniffles this year.

1. I got saline drops to put in our eyes 2-3 times a day. This helped alleviate the itchy eyes

2. At night we used breath-right strips to help open our nose and allow us to get a good nights sleep.

3. We bought some honey from a local bee keeper. Local honey is great for helping build up an immunity to pollen and allergens in the area. Another thing we are going to do is go back to the bee keeper and getting some honeycomb to chew on. Even with local/natural honey if heated during the bottling process it may kill of some of the pollen but the honeycomb is not heated or processed and there for the pollen/allergens in the honeycomb are preserved.

One thing that we didn't do and should of done that would have helped is that shortly after the trees in the area started to bloom pollen was all over the cars. We took our time in washing our car to get the pollen off. in doing so some of the pollen got into the ventilation system in the car. Every time my daughter or I would be in the car for a long period of time our symptoms would come back. If we would have took the time to wash our car promptly we could have avoided some of the suffering.

A great salad

A good salad needs to have lost of fresh vegetables and herbs, as well as different types of leafy greens (not just iceberg lettuces) and even some beans for protein. Below is the recipe for a great salad that is quick and easy to make. (this recipe is taken from the book Superfoods Rx by Steven Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews)

(makes on serving)

1 cup spinach torn into bite-size pieces

1 cup chopped romaine

1/4 cup shredded red cabbage

1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper

1/2 tomato chopped

1/4 cup chickpeas; if canned, rinse well

1/2 cup grated carrot

1/4 avocado, cubed

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar.

Combine the above ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix the olive oil and vinegar and whisk together. toss the salad and dressing just before serving.

Spring is a great time to experiment and find health good foods and snacks. Take advantage of fruits and vegetables that are in season to find great healthy snacks for you and your family.