The 10 best cedar fever remedies for allergy relief

If you live in Central Texas, you know there’s no winter break from seasonal allergies–winter is the cedar season! One in five Texans suffer from “cedar fever,” and with 2020 shaping up to be one of the worst cedar fever seasons in history, chances are you or someone you love is struggling. But not to worry, I’ve got you covered!

The Juniperus ashei tree (also known as mountain cedar or Ashe juniper or blueberry juniper) is found from Missouri to Oklahoma, with the largest and densest concentration in Central Texas. And if it wasn’t bad enough, cedar season often makes its dramatic entrance each winter with thick clouds of pollen bursting into the air, further increasing the panic of local residents.

According to Texas MedClinic, symptoms for cedar fever are similar to other seasonal allergies, including runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, nasal blockage and sneezing. Some sufferers also complain of fatigue, mild headache, sinus pressure, sore throat, partial loss of smell, and ear discomfort. All of these have definitely plagued me!

Enjoying a rare low-pollen moment after rain among the juniper “cedar” trees.

While Mother Nature can provide some relief on windy days that dissipate the pollen or rainy days that help settle it, the season isn’t over until late February/early March, so it’s worth preparing yourself as early as possible.

Whether cedar allergies are new to you or they’ve plagued you for years, these are the best things you can do to alleviate your cedar suffering.

1. Use high-quality air filters.

Change your HVAC air filter often and consider getting high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA filters) to use at least during your allergy seasons. I highly recommend getting an air purifier for the bedrooms as well, as it’s most effective when used while you sleep.

My favorite: This affordable Honeywell air purifier is a great value, and after five years it’s still going strong in our home.

2. Keep the outdoors outdoors.

Keep your doors and windows shut. Resist the urge to open windows when pollen levels are high. And make sure you don’t leave your garage open longer than necessary as that pollen will make its way into your home via that opening, too.

3. Wash clothes and bathe more frequently.

After spending extended time outdoors, change your clothes when you get home and wash after wearing if possible. Showering and washing your hair can also help if you’re feeling like the pollen is bothering you. And pets that go outdoors should get more frequent baths.

4. Dust and vacuum more frequently.

Pollen will come into your house from clothes, shoes, bags, pets, and even just opening the door, so if you can stay on top of the cleaning this can make a huge difference. Experts recommend vacuuming twice a week during peak pollen season. I can barely manage a full vacuuming once a week (LOL!) but I’m trying to make more of an effort this year because it really makes a difference.

5. Use nasal irrigation to flush out the pollen.

Nasal irrigation physically flushes out allergens and bacteria from your sinuses with just a squeeze bottle/pot and sterile saline water. Why use medications to do this when this is cheaper, more effective, and has zero side effects?

I know some of you cringe at trying this, but please trust me and thousands of doctors, pharmacists, and health professionals when they share how effective nasal irrigation really is. Once you try it and see the benefits, you’ll wonder what took you so long!

My favorites: Neilmed SinuRinse and NeilMed SinuRinse, Pediatric.

The “blueberry juniper” trees produce small blue berries that my toddler was convinced belonged in his mouth. They are edible but not particularly tasty or advisable in large quantities.

6. Take “cedar drops” to build up immunity.

Homeopathic allergy drops might seem mysterious, but it’s actually quite simple! You’ve heard of exposing your kids to peanut butter as babies in small does to help build up immunity? Well homeopathic allergy drops work the same way. You build immunity by exposing your body in small doses to whatever you’re allergic to. The body becomes safely conditioned to tolerate the allergens that previously brought on allergic reactions, and this ultimately reduces allergy symptoms.

Many of those who are usually homeopathy skeptics swear by these drops, so keep that in mind if homeopathy usually isn’t your thing. There’s proof in the pudding that these make a true difference and without any side effects.

My favorites:

7. Use homeopathic allergy eye drops and nose sprays.

Homeopathic allergy eye drops and nose sprays are incredibly effective without any of the side effects of conventional allergy drops or sprays. And most if not all are safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you don’t have to worry about safety concerns for medical conditions.

Conventional eye drops such as Zatidor (more on those in #10) are contraindicated for pregnancy, and since using the homeopathic ones while pregnant, I haven’t bought conventional since. That was 5 years ago and I have three seasonal allergy seasons per year!

I also find that I can use a natural nose spray for extra allergy relief most of the time before needing to turn to a conventional antihistamine spray, so it’s definitely worth trying and much more affordable, too.

My favorites:

8. Take supplements for healthy sinuses and histamine levels.

My favorite allergy-support supplement for adults and kids (my toddler loves them) is D-Hist. It includes quercetin, a powerful flavonoid that supports healthy histamine levels and respiratory health; bromelain (found in pineapple) which enhances the absorption of quercetin and supports mucosal tissue health; stinging nettles balances hyper-immune response; and N-acetyl cysteine clears the airways by promoting normal mucus production. I notice an immediate difference and my self and my kids after taking this. I think it’s hands down the most effective sinus and respiratory support you can find during allergy season.

My favorites:

For more supplements and ideas to support your immune health, check out my guide to natural cold and flu remedies for kids and my favorite natural cold and allergy remedies (safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas).

9. Take care of yourself.

Drinks lots of water, get more sleep, and eat cleanly. While your white blood cells are working hard to fight off allergens, additional stressors on your body can divert energy and germ-fighting power away and leave you more susceptible to catching a full-blown cold.

Also look to healing foods in your self care during allergy season. For example, blueberries and oranges are natural antihistamines. And chicken soup and bone broth help clear congestion, thin mucus, and are anti-inflammatory. Garlic and onion added to soup or cooking have some antimicrobial power and might help ward off bacteria and viruses.

10. Take over-the-counter antihistamines and medications.

And of course last but not least, we have the items you can find at any pharmacy. Your first and best option of over-the-counter medications for allergies are antihistamines. For more severe congestion, you can add in a decongestant (the “D” in formulations such as Zyrtec-D) but it is contraindicated for pregnancy, breastfeeding, heart conditions and more, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it’s safe for you. These are my recommendations:

Flonase– This nose spray is the most effective place to start. The medication has very few side effects, is even safe in RX form for babies, and is so effective. This is also often approved for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.

Zatidor– Very effective for itchy and irritated eyes. When the homeopathic drops don’t work, these might. But they are contraindicated for pregnancy as I mentioned earlier,

Oral antihistamines– For runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes, antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra can be a huge help. I’ve found Zyrtec to be most effective with the fewest side effects. Benadryl is recommended for more severe reactions, not for daily use as it can make you very drowsy and can have neurological side effects for some (which is why it’s not recommended under age 2).

A word of caution:

Antihistamines are number #10 instead of #1 on my list because like any medication, they have side effects. Some short term and some long with extended use.

Short term can include dry mouth and dehydration (even after just one dose!), which can be a huge problem for women who are pregnant or nursing, leading to decreased milk production, constipation, and more. Long term effects I’ve seen in my own life. Extended antihistamine use gave me chronic dry mouth, which means reduced saliva, which is what protects your teeth and gums from bacteria and decay. My frequent 24-hr antihistamine use led to years of frequent (and heartbreakingly expensive) cavities, root canals, and more until I rooted out the cause (pun intended) and have since been cavity free.

In the end, there’s so many natural and household changes you can make as your first course of action to alleviate you cedar fever allergies! And then if you still can’t find relief, then try out more conventional medications.

I hope these remedies keep you free of cedar fever this winter season and free to enjoy the beauty of the cooler weather with your loved ones. <3

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