Fight Seasonal Allergies With This Integrative-Doctor-Approved Tonic

Each of these ingredients plays a powerful role in affecting the key physiological issues that cause spring allergies—poor digestive health, high histamine response, weak immune system function, and a sluggish liver. Here, I explain how each of these ingredients works to create a tasty tonic that's seriously effective (scroll down for the full recipe).

Out of all foods, pineapple has the highest levels of bromelain, a compound known to fight allergies thanks to its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain is also an enzyme that helps digest protein and improve the overall digestive process—which is important, as most research shows that inflammation begins in the gut and then spreads to the rest of the body. It can also help reduce nasal inflammation, providing big relief for allergy sufferers.

Apple cider vinegar helps fight allergies through its ability to reduce candida, or excessive yeast in the gut. Higher levels of candida are bad for a number of reasons, including the fact that they increase levels of histamine, which makes allergies worse and increases sensitivity to a variety of allergens. ACV can also help clear congestion and support the lymphatic system.

Bees carry pollen from local foliage and then make honey, which then contains these irritants in small quantities. So, local honey almost acts like a mini vaccine, desensitizing us to environmental allergy triggers. Manuka honey is also great and has been shown to possess higher levels of antioxidants and microbial-fighting compounds. I also find that honey helps reduce nasal congestion.

Dandelion greens tackle the final culprit behind a heightened allergy response—a sluggish liver. The liver is our powerhouse detoxifier, responsible for cleaning out metabolites of hormones, environmental toxins, and other compounds that worsen inflammation and exacerbate allergies. The liver is also considered a part of the digestive system in Chinese medicine, so liver "cleaning" was a common traditional Chinese medicine concept. Adding a quarter cup of dandelion greens to this tonic or your favorite smoothie is a way to help detoxify the liver and support the gut, ultimately improving immune function and strengthening the liver. If you can't find dandelion greens at your local grocery store, you should be able to find them at your local farmers market this spring and summer.

Serves 1

Combine these powerhouse ingredients in a blender and sip on this tonic throughout the day. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and lower your sugar intake, too, and you'll be well on your way to beating spring allergies.