For the first time in my life, I’m experiencing seasonal allergies. I blame it in on my Covid from January. For the record, anything new that is either inflammatory or immunity related I will be attributing to my covid for an indeterminate amount of time. 😊

It appears to be classic rhinitis. My nose is running, eyes are watering and I’m sneezing like crazy. Out of desperation I took one Claritin. It worked ok but left me with dry mouth, super thirsty and I didn’t sleep well. So, I started searching for something more natural to ease the symptoms.

I was really surprised to learn that spirulina has shown very impressive results controlling seasonal allergies.

In 2020, it actually beat Zyrtec in a randomized clinical trial!

Knowing how common seasonal allergies are, I had to share.💕

What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that has been used as a food or supplement going as far back as Aztec times. Because of its continued use and consumption we know that it is safe and well tolerated.

One important caveat! Because it is harvested in oceans and salt lakes it contaminated with metals and other toxic substances known as microcystins. So, please make sure you purchase from a reputable source. I like Pacific Botanicals, Mountain Rose Herbs, and Nutrex.

How does it work against seasonal allergies?

One unique aspect to spirulina is that it helps to modulate the immune response with anti-inflammatory effects that inhibit release of histamine from mast cells. Less histamine and immune overreaction to pollen means less symptoms of sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes.

Spirulina is also able to reduce other inflammatory cytokines. In another, randomized clinical trial subjects were given 2 g of spirulina per day for 12 weeks for allergic rhinitis and found that it significantly reduced (by 32%) interleukin (IL)-4 levels; this is a marker for inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis. Pretty impressive!

Other potential benefits:

Because of spirulina's effect on the immune system, it has been study for many uses. Including, potential to mitigate the most serious Covid symptoms that lead to millions of deaths.

A study published in Feb 2021, scientist found that an extract of photosynthetically enhanced Spirulina reduces by 70 percent the release of an immune-system protein that can cause a cytokine storm in the lungs leading to acute respiratory distress and organ damage. It’s really important to note that this finding was in the lab. I have not seen any clinical research on humans for this specific indication but if the mechanism of action was reproducable in humans, it would be a major breakthrough. So many illnesses are caused by our immune system over reacting.

How to use it:

IMHO, it does not taste great. However, like most things, it can easily be hidden in a smoothie. 😊

You can also take in pill form. The recommended dose based on the clinical studies is 2 g/day which is roughly a teaspoon. I’ve ordered mine and will keep you posted. Fingers crossed!

Would love to know any of your remedies or if you’ve tried spirulina. With all the benefits, I think I’m keeping this one in the rotation.

Happy Easter to those that celebrate!

Love and gratitude,

Anna