Everything’s bigger in Texas, and unfortunately that also seems to include “big” allergens. If you are susceptible to seasonal allergies, such as the pollen produced by mountain cedar, then you know that this allergy can be quite miserable.

The more you know about how your “cedar fever” allergy is triggered, the better your chances of controlling the response. Let’s talk about what mountain cedar is and what you can do to control your allergic reaction to it:

What Is Mountain Cedar?

The name “mountain cedar” is deceiving, because the tree is not a cedar at all. In fact, it is an Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) and it is a relentless foe to North Texas allergy sufferers. The Ashe juniper is also known as rock cedar, and the tree looks more like a large bush or shrub than like a tree.

The pollen that emanates from mountain cedar is produced by the tons, and is especially bothersome from December through February. With the briefest and lightest of winds, the pollen is shaken from Ashe juniper trees and distributed throughout the air. The pollen actually creates large clouds that can be so thick that they look like smoke in the air. Released pollen from a tree can reach up to 100 miles away.

Mountain cedar branches extend out from the base of the tree, and it has cones at the tips of the branches. When the cones fruit, small blue berries appear on female trees, while male trees cause pollination.

There are multiple symptoms that can accompany cedar fever, including a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, headache, sore and itchy throat, sneezing, and extreme fatigue. The exhaustion can be somewhat crippling, as it leaves sufferers with very little energy. However, there is no fever involved.

In severe cases of cedar fever, emergency room doctors may order steroids to address the allergic reaction.

Those who are susceptible to a mountain cedar allergy can prevent an allergic reaction by taking a nutraceutical supplement in advance of and during allergy season. This will address the symptoms before they have a chance to occur. Once your doctor has diagnosed you as being allergic to mountain cedar (Ashe juniper), a treatment plan can go into effect.

Cedar Fever Treatment that Works

Take charge of your allergies this season and avoid resorting to steroids for a change. Dr. Catherine Oseni has developed an effective, all-natural treatment that is histamine-free. Alpha-hist is available for both adults and children, and it is designed to provide support against seasonal allergies such as cedar fever.

AlphaCare Wellness Center provides a personalized and integrative approach to treatment of allergies and other conditions. Treating the whole person with integrative and functional medicine is a complementary approach to supplement traditional medication, since it permits the doctor to treat the client and not simply his or her symptoms.

You may schedule a consultation with Dr. Catherine Oseni by contacting us today. Call (817) 550-6332 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you tackle your allergies so you never have to suffer from them again.