http://www.care2.com/greenliving/say-goodbye-to-allergies.html
Say Goodbye to Allergies
Sneezing, stuffy, itchy? These drug-free remedies can help stop the symptoms of seasonal allergies–without the side effects associated with over-the-counter medications.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C seems to act as a natural antihistamine, and its antioxidant power may be just as important. Preliminary research shows pollen-triggered oxidative stress, or damage from free radicals, may contribute to severe respiratory inflammation. “As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps with this part of the allergy response,” says Paul Anderson, ND, associate professor at the School of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. Start with 500 mg vitamin C with meals three times a day during allergy season and increase to 2,000 mg total per day as tolerated by your digestive tract.
Quercetin
This antioxidant bioflavonoid, a plant pigment responsible for the darker colors of fruits and vegetables, is plentiful in apples, and concentrated in supplements. Quercetin inhibits the production and release of histamine. Because bioflavonoids work a little more slowly than prescription antihistamines, take them at the start of allergy season (which depends upon your location and personal triggers), before symptoms progress. Take 1 to 3 250-mg capsules with meals, three times daily until the hay-fever days pass.
Pulsatilla
Recent research shows that the homeopathic remedy Pulsatilla may help alleviate breathing problems and reduce phlegm in lungs and sinuses. Follow label directions for an appropriate dose, and take all homeopathic remedies between meals. Coffee (even decaf) interferes with homeopathic remedies, as can other strong flavors such as mint. Consider consulting a homeopath for your specific needs.
Honey
The honey of local bees can work like homeopathy on allergies. “It contains small residues of pollen,” says Ronald Hoffman, MD, medical director of the Hoffman Center in New York City and author of Alternative Cures That Really Work (Rodale, 2007). “You get a little bit of what bothers you and then build up a resistance to that allergen.” Take a teaspoon a day of local, raw honey per day. Children under age 2 shouldn’t partake; honey may contain the deadly bacterium Chlostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism in those with weakened or immature immune systems. Some people can have moderate to severe allergic reactions to bee pollen.
Eucalyptus
Aromatic oils, such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial eucalyptus, have been used to unstuff clogged noses and ease labored breathing for centuries. Today, studies show that eucalyptus-based capsules containing the plant oil’s active cineole compound can help relieve sinusitis — and asthma-related inflammation — which may be similar to allergy-induced swelling. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a sink full of hot water, lean over the steam, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the lung-liberating vapor.
Pollen
Nasal washing may be more effective than nasal spray at unblocking frequently stopped-up noses, according to recent research. Each day, fill a neti pot with salt water (a teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water), tilt your head to one side, place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril, and lean over the sink. The salt water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side. Saline irrigation flushes out mucus and rinses away pollen hanging around in your nose.
Delicious Living is the go-to resource for the natural and organic lifestyle, helping readers eat well, live green, and stay healthy. Visit deliciouslivingmag.com for more articles and free recipes.
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28 comments
add your comment »Cleaning up my diet of food I am sensitive to (went to a Naturopath for this) has calmed my allergic reactions significantly. Still, have some asthma though. Not sure why.
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Just please note though that those with serious allergies should not just stop taking any prescribed medicines. Very dangerous. I thought that moving to a better climate in Calgary, from England - clearer, purer mountain air would help my allergies - unfortunately I found out I was allergic to the mould under snow and had my most serious asthma attack ever.
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Find someone who does Bio-Set...no pain, no drugs, no problems. My kids and my self all suffered from enviromental and food alergies...not any more. My son was severly alergic to cows milk, one short visit and that night he could have ice cream with no problems what so ever! Best treatment in the world!
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Thanks, everyone!! I'll try to find the products you suggest! And yes, dairy is a definite "no-no", to my great sorrow. Aw, well...
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I had this mystery itch I couldn't seem to get rid of. Finally after trial & error I found a cream from a local Bath & Body Works store. The ingredient that helps me is eucalyptus - they also have a stress free cream with eucalyptus, that I use at night. No more itching for me.
Shirley H.
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"PEOPLE... TRUST ME... THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN CONSTANT ITCHING AND UNCONTROLABLE URGES TO SCRATCH . ASK ANYONE WITH THIS CONDITION!!"
I actually did suffer from this. Had absolulutely NO idea what was going on, but it was the most miserable experience. This was off and on for 10 years or so with the longest bout being almost a year. Turned out to be from deficiencies in certain B vitamins. I have issues with absorption in my G.I. tract, but didn't know it. The itching put me over the edge and I HAD to seek help. I finally found a wholistic dr & had a comprehensive analysis (blood & urine) done. The results were pretty shocking. I've been on intensive vitamin therapy for the past few months and the itching (& various other symtoms) is finally gone!
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The thing I swear by is Shaklee Products but the one in particular is Formula I.
Look up on Shaklee.com and see for yourself.
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Great reply Deborah! Our attitude contributes so much to our health. For the eyes I will occasionally use a herbal mixture in a tablet and it soothes my eyes. The product was created for better vision but I'm not going to take pills every day for that. It's kind of expensive for daily use but for occasional dryness or very long days under fluorescent lights like at trade shows I will take it. You can't buy it in stores but probably anything containing lutein will be helpful for you.
Make sure you also drink enough alkaline water. You can also rinse your eyes with filtered alkaline water (or bottle Figi water) and it is soothing too.
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