Alder (Alnus Glutinosa)

Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a tree found in damp areas. Its pollen and bark can trigger environmental sensitivities or cross-reactions.

You may be sensitive to Alder due to how your immune system reacts to its pollen, bark, or leaf compounds. Here's why:

Allergenic pollen – Alder releases pollen in early spring, which can irritate the respiratory system in sensitive individuals
Immune cross-reactivity – Proteins in alder pollen may resemble those in certain fruits (like apples or hazelnuts), triggering similar reactions
Environmental overload – If you're already exposed to other trees, molds, or pollutants, your system may become more reactive to alder
Weakened immune balance – An imbalanced immune response can overreact to harmless environmental exposures like tree pollen or bark
Histamine sensitivity – Alder exposure may trigger histamine release, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, or fatigue

🚫 Avoid exposure for at least 8 weeks—limit time outdoors during alder pollen season
🌬️ Use air purifiers and keep windows closed during high pollen times
🛡️ Support immune balance with nutrients like quercetin, vitamin C, and omega-3s
🚿 Shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen
🌀 Rinse nasal passages with a saline spray to clear allergens
🍎 Watch for cross-reactive foods like apples, hazelnuts, or cherries if symptoms worsen
🍋 Support detox pathways to help your body clear allergens more easily

Quercetin – A natural antihistamine that calms allergic responses to pollen.
Vitamin C – Reduces histamine levels and supports immune balance.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – Thins mucus and helps reduce respiratory irritation.
Butterbur – A plant-based antihistamine alternative for pollen sensitivities.
Probiotics – Help regulate immune responses and reduce allergic inflammation over time.

You might react specifically to Alder because of its unique pollen proteins and how your immune system recognizes them. Here’s why:

Distinct allergenic proteins – Alder pollen has specific proteins that may trigger reactions even if other tree pollens don't
Cross-reactivity with certain foods – Alder shares protein structures with fruits like apples and hazelnuts, making your immune system more likely to react
Stronger seasonal exposure – Alder releases a high amount of pollen in early spring, possibly overwhelming your system at that time
Pre-existing immune imbalance – Your body may already be primed to overreact to certain environmental triggers
Different particle size or stickiness – Alder pollen may be more easily inhaled or stick to surfaces compared to other trees, increasing exposure

Alder pollen may trigger respiratory or immune symptoms, especially in spring. Avoid for 8 weeks, support immunity, and monitor symptoms to reduce reactivity.