Allergy to ambrosia affects 10 to 30% of the population in continental Croatia each year, starting in late August and early September. Depending on its spread or concentration, it is most active in mid to late summer and lasts until early autumn, or until the first frosts when the plant freezes and its concentration weakens. An allergic reaction in people, or the onset of allergic rhinitis, occurs when the plant releases pollen into the air, which can travel several dozen kilometers.
Some of the most common symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, itching in the throat, nose, and eyes, sore throat, and generally irritated throat. In cases of more severe symptoms, headaches, insomnia, and asthma attacks may also occur.
An allergy is an excessive reaction of the immune system to a substance known as an allergen. The body recognizes the allergen as harmful and produces antibodies, which are elevated in biochemical blood tests. Allergens can be various substances from nature, with pollen from plants being among the most common, starting from early spring to late autumn.
One of the most common pollen allergies is to ambrosia. Ambrosia is an annual plant that grows like a weed in continental regions and is considered one of the strongest natural allergens.
It typically grows in meadows, fields, along forests, and generally in rural areas. It can also be found in urban environments on abandoned sites. 
Ambrosia flowering begins in July, reaching its peak and highest pollen concentrations in the air by the end of summer. The flowers start releasing pollen in mid-August when the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. Humidity and heat combined with wind favor the growth, flowering, and pollen release of ambrosia. The wind carries the pollen, which travels towards the plant, ultimately fertilizing the seeds and leading to the plant’s renewal for the following year. Pollen can travel more than 40 kilometers, with its highest concentration occurring between 10 AM and 3 PM. During periods of rain, bad weather, and lower temperatures, less pollen is released, which can alleviate the symptoms of ambrosia allergy. A single plant can release up to a billion pollen particles, causing significant problems for many people and severely affecting their daily functioning, especially when outdoors. When pollen from the air comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, it releases a large number of compounds that trigger allergic reactions in individuals with weakened immune systems. 
Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate the plant, its concentrations remain exceptionally high, with the highest levels usually recorded in Slavonia. The widespread presence of ambrosia is evident from the fact that pollen is frequently found reaching even the coast, where it was not previously present.
In recent years, intensive work has been carried out to remove the plant by pulling it out from the roots. There is an Order in place mandating the compulsory removal of ambrosia, which must be adhered to by all who have it growing as a weed on their property. This recommendation is also supported by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. Mechanical removal of the plant should be done before flowering begins. Since ambrosia allergy is one of the most common pollen allergies, reducing the amount of pollen in the air each year provides relief and alleviation of symptoms for those allergic to ambrosia. Statistics show that among individuals allergic to pollen, 70% have developed an allergy to ambrosia.
An ambrosia allergy occurs in individuals with a weakened immune system. In these cases, pollen causes severe reactions when inhaled. Allergens enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune system response and resulting in symptoms of ambrosia allergy.
Symptoms of ambrosia allergy are usually similar to those of a cold. The key difference is that these symptoms are not caused by infection—bacteria or viruses. An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance it perceives as a foreign invader, leading to the onset of allergy symptoms and inflammation. 
The symptoms of ambrosia allergy are similar to those of other pollen allergies (allergic rhinitis) and manifest as:
Ambrosia allergy is diagnosed through skin testing, where a small amount of allergen is applied under the skin and the body’s reaction is observed. This testing method is quite accurate and painless. In some cases, testing can also be done through blood tests, which measure antibodies specific to the allergen. If the skin becomes red and swelling occurs, it indicates an allergic reaction. The severity of the reaction is determined by the size of the affected area.
If you experience mild or severe symptoms of ambrosia allergy, it is important to follow steps that will help alleviate and manage them. 
To start with, avoid contact with the plant as much as possible. Since it is often not feasible during its season due to the high concentration in the air, you can help yourself in the following ways:
Allergy symptoms often affect the quality of life, and if you want to alleviate or prevent them, it is important to act in time and generally strengthen your immune system. By doing so, you will support your immune system in the coming years, alleviating or almost completely preventing ambrosia allergy symptoms. How to Strengthen the Immune System? To keep ambrosia allergy symptoms under control and reduce them, it is crucial to support the immune system in fighting, strengthening, and preventing the recurrence of allergies. You can strengthen your immune system by leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity, and, if necessary, taking natural dietary supplements. By carefully selecting dietary supplements, you can achieve a generally positive effect on overall health and thereby prevent the occurrence of allergies.
Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a plant whose underground part (rhizome) is used for medicinal purposes and as a spice. Traditionally used in Southeast Asia and India, its popularity has grown in recent years in our region as well.
It has been traditionally used for years in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is recognized as a plant of exceptional value. Those who use it appreciate its benefits for the body and its mild, distinctive flavor that can enhance dishes. 
Turmeric owes its distinctive color to curcumin, a polyphenol belonging to the curcuminoid group, which is also the most valuable part of the plant. Numerous beneficial properties of curcuminoids have been documented to date. These include powerful anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of cardiovascular, autoimmune, neurological, and other diseases and disorders, as well as general immune system support, which helps in preventing allergies. Curcuminoids can stimulate the immune system and help it activate and defend against external stimuli. The process works by improving the function of antibodies and providing mild effects on inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
When selecting natural dietary supplements in the form of curcumin, it’s important to choose an extract with a high percentage of curcuminoids (95% curcuminoids), as this ensures a much higher concentration of the plant and better efficacy. Turmeric extracts can have up to several dozen times greater bioavailability compared to the spice or the plant itself. It’s also beneficial to combine curcuminoids with vitamin D3 from natural sources, as it is almost impossible to obtain enough through diet alone, except in some fortified forms, and it contributes to immune system strengthening. Additionally, curcuminoid supplements work well with B vitamins and the mineral selenium. Vitamins B6, B12, and D3, along with the mineral selenium, support the normal function of the immune system, while vitamins B6 and B12 also contribute to normal energy metabolism. The mineral selenium helps protect cells from oxidative stress. During ambrosia allergy season, use the above short-term and long-term tips to help yourself. Focus on natural immune system strengthening so you can face the next year with a strengthened immune system and enjoy outdoor activities and nature without worry and without a handkerchief in your pocket.
Foto: Canva
