When allergies attack
In the fall, many people experience allergies to ragweed. According to Cornell University’s Allergy Foundation, pollen from ragweed can cause hay fever and is considered to be the greatest allergen of all pollens. What about the ragweed is so terrible? Ragweed pollen travels by air, and with the help of Illinois gusts can travel up to 400 miles away! Even worse, a single plant can produce up to a billion grains of pollen. Is relief in sight? As long as the temperatures stay this nice, then we will be needing our Claritin (remember, it must stay at a constant level to be active, so take it every day!). Pollen count is the highest in the mornings, but rain or low morning temperatures will help slow pollen release. When will it end? After the first frost, because the frost will kill the plant. What if you don’t want to try medication? Go to the local farmer’s market and pick up some honey. Local honey comes from local flowers. Consuming small amounts of local pollen will help in...