Relieve Your Allergies Naturally
by
Jenny Boice
Spring
has finally arrived. The days are
becoming longer, the flowers are in bloom, and everyone wants to be outside.
That is everyone except the people who suffer from allergies.
Allergy sufferers may have a difficult time enjoying the nice weather due
to the sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes that come with allergy season. Luckily,
there are many natural ways of dealing with allergies that are safe and
effective without the side effects and drowsiness of over the counter
antihistamines.
So what are allergies anyway? Allergies
are described as the immune system’s inappropriate response to a foreign
substance; a reaction to a substance that would normally be harmless.
Substances that cause allergies are called allergens. Common allergens
are pollen, pet dander, dust, and perfume. When
our body comes in contact with an allergen, our immune system creates antibodies
to attack and destroy the threat. Histamines
create allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and congestion.
Allergies can stem from having a weakened immune
system, a nutrient deficiency or from bombardment of environmental toxins.
Therefore, the best line of defense against seasonal allergies is to
strengthen your immune system. You can start by reducing stress, eating a
balanced diet, and getting plenty of rest. It
may also help to remove common allergens from your environment.
Rid your home of dust, smoke, pet hair, scented cleaning products, and
perfumes. Be sure to dust and vacuum
regularly.
There are also herbs you can take to give your
immune system a little boost. The
two most important herbs for enhancing your immune system are Astragalus and
Echinacea. Echinacea works to
increase our white blood cell levels which help the body fight off foreign
toxins. Astragalus stimulates the immune system which helps build resistance to
environmental toxins.
Another defense is to eat local raw honey.
Locally raised honey contains pollen grains of various plants you come in
contact with in your area. Consuming
local raw honey can help your body adapt to these pollens. The principle is
similar to that of vaccinations. Your immune system is exposed to small amounts
of the pollens which creates an initial immune response. The
more you are exposed to small amounts of the pollens the more your body creates
antibodies to protect itself from the pollen.
Eventually, when you are exposed to these pollens in your environment,
your body remembers the allergen and has antibodies in place so you are not as
susceptible to them. For some people
just adding a teaspoon of honey in your morning tea can greatly reduce allergy
symptoms.
The most effective herbs to control
allergy symptoms are Nettles and Eyebright. Nettle works as a natural
antihistamine. Nettle also has anti-inflammatory properties to dry the sinuses.
Eyebright works as an anti-inflammatory and astringent for the eyes. These two
herbs work together to relieve runny nose, sneezing, congestion and watery eyes.
These herbs are more effective when taken 10-20 days before the onset of
potential allergies.
The best way to take these herbs is
either in tincture form or to make an herbal infusion. There are instructions
for making herbal infusions on our website.
Ideally, you would start building your immune system and taking
preventative herbs 2-3 months prior to allergy season.
So, add a teaspoon of locally raised honey to your Nettle infusion and
get out and enjoy the sunshine!
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only.
You should consult your health care provider before taking herbal
formulas.
Jenny
is the owner of Divine Creationz. She
is a Clinical Master Herbalist. She
provides personal health consultations. She
specializes in making individualized herbal formulas.
Jenny is also a certified Reconnective Healing practitioner.
Jenny has been doing energy work for 3.5 years.
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