Allergies,
cross-reactivity
and seasons.

Texts / Thoughts.
Where I live, there is pollen season from the end of january until september. It starts with trees like hazel, alder, ash, birch, hornbeam, oak, then with march arise the grasses and finally the mugwort and ragweed (ambrosia) are in full bloom. Like a potpourri of irritation, breathlessness, eczema and burning eyes. 
Not enough of that, some people including me, do also develop cross-reactions. Which means, that certain foods do have similar proteins like the allergens in the air and the already sick immune system reacts to them with symptoms.

During certain times even the healthy apple, nut or carrot might cause problems. The horror show goes on and turns life upside down. The well meant chamomile, coriander tea, propagating a better digestion and calmer mind, causes the body itching swelling, stress and shortness of breath. Isn't that unfair?

So it might be that during winter, one might be fine with a hint of ginger or a cooked carrot, but then later during pollen season they have to be avoided. It needs a lot of time, distinction, self–testing and alertness to find out, what, when, and how much of it is accepted. 

I found out that routine helps. And that it helps to cook at home for oneself. So if symptoms occur, one always knows, what exactly was inside. It also helps, to establish some menus, that will always work. And to keep experiments small and rarely. But not to loose joy in eating.
Nose cleaning
What also helps me against pollen, is something called neti–pot. It is a ceramic, looking like an aladdin wonderlamp, which is daily filled with fresh salt water and then used to clean the nose and sinuses. They can be found in herbal, yogic or ayurvedic stores.
Physical exercises
Since being outside is a torture most of the year, I do practice asanas. Depending on the style, it is or isn't that strenuous and is paying great attention to breathing. So one detects better, if attention to food or a pause is needed. The very intelligent system of combining squeezing, expanding, bending and strengthening also does help to flush out toxins and cleans the body from within. It is really a beautiful art to use the body.