Hay Fever Natural Remedies
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, means that your immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances in the air, resulting in symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, headache, watery eyes, sore throat, and an itchy nose. Hay fever is an indication that the immune system is out of balance. Hyper-reactive, in fact. (If needed, review the previous newsletter on digestion because poor digestive health is often the initial culprit.) Poorly digested food proteins eaten frequently can heighten the immune antibody and histamine reactions thereby causing overreaction to environmental triggers like pollens and grasses. The milk protein, casein, seems to be the biggest trigger for immune cells to over produce inflammation in the mucous membranes lining our nasal, sinus, and lung passages. This is exactly where environmental proteins from the air come in contact with the body thus promoting more reaction by hyper-sensitized immune cells. One of the goals with a natural approach to allergy treatment is to improve your threshold of sensitivity by doing what you can to calm the immune system down. Since it is really a multi-factorial contribution to create the problem, address the things you can control so you have a better tolerance to those you can’t.
Cut out cow dairy products from your diet especially milk, cheese, and ice cream. Organic butter does not contain the casein protein. Alternatives include goat milk, sheep and goat cheese, and almond or rice milk. Avoid soy. Raw milk and raw milk cheese are also often better tolerated but may be more difficult to find and digestive health and immunity should be strong when using raw milk products.
Reduce exposure to the allergens that cause your hay fever:
Pollens – install or change air filters, close windows, and keep windows closed while driving.
Pet dander – avoid animals, do not pet animals and, if needed, shower after being exposed to an animal.
Dust – dust frequently, avoid very dusty places, clean air filters or add an air HEPA filter to your bedroom or workspace.
Reducing the load of exposures will help your threshold be higher when outdoors.
Avoid other foods that can stimulate over production of mucous such as eggs, white flour products, sugar, and processed foods with additives and chemicals. Enjoy more vegetables to provide the body with nutrients to fuel the organs that clean the blood of pollutants and chemicals.
Limit sugar which weakens the immune system and leads to susceptibility to secondary sinus and bronchial/lung infections. Over growth of yeast or Candida is also promoted by sugar and is very common in people with chronic allergies.
Since hay fever is caused by allergens breathed into the nose, rinsing those allergens out of your nose a few times a day can again help to decrease the load of exposure to the immune system. A Neti pot or some other type of irrigation (even a teaspoon can be used) to pour saline water though the nasal passages. The rinse helps reduce mucous that traps the pollutants as well as provides some antibacterial protection. ¼ teaspoon of sea salt in 4 oz of warm water and a pinch of baking soda will make a good douche.
Now that you have decreased irritants as much as possible consider other supports:
Consider eating 1 tsp of local raw honey per day as it may ease hay fever symptoms, clear sinuses, and help control puffy itchy eyes. Experts believe that honey works because it contains traces of pollen which encourages the body to build up a natural immunity.
Quercetin, bromelain, vitamin C and nettles work as natural antihistamine support without the side effects of drowsiness. They help stabilize cells so they are less reactive to the histamine release, eat up some of the fluid production, and help balance immune reaction. These are commonly found together in allergy products.
Pancreatic enzymes can be used between meals to help resolve products of inflammation useful for allergy mucous production as well as swelling from injury. Homeopathics are also useful for allergies working to stimulate the body’s ability to find balance and reduce reactivity to allergens.
There is a specific homeopathic to help desensitize against Pacific Northwest common grasses and pollens. Liquid drops taken daily have been quite successful in reducing allergy symptoms. Ask about Allergena Zone 8.
There are several helpful remedies available. Other homeopathics to consider are:
Arsenicum. Take the potency 6c if there is constant sneezing, anxious, inflammation eyes.
Euphrasia. Potency 6c is helpful for itchy eyes with hay fever
Sabadilla. Potency 6c reduces sore throat with hay fever
Ferrum phos. Potency 30c taken first sign of inflammation, slow or stop episode.
Nat Mur. Potency 30c Profuse watery or white runny nose, repeated sneezing.
Nux Vomica. Potency 30c Irritable, bad reaction to anti histamines, better with nap.
Sulphur. Potency 30c Thick discharge accompanied by rash or itching of the body.
Diet cannot be overstressed: Vegetables, protein and fruit in that order are all very supportive and should be the focus during allergy season for quick response to natural supports and to improve digestive health and immune balance.
I will help find the best remedy for you!
Addressing the underlying cause as well as symptom relief is the best approach for improving your tolerance for allergenic irritants as well as for enjoying these beautiful Spring and Summer days ahead!
Excerpts from a talk I heard by Reverend Gloria Burges:
She asked us to consider what is our personal legacy or myth. She said we all have one whether we think about it or not. Our personal myth is the commitment we make with our future and life yet unlived. She says we stand on the backs of our parents and their legacy . . . our past. What stories are to be let go of and what story do we dream of stepping into?
She says one of the most important tasks on our life path is to listen to God’s calling to us . . . and to make a commitment. Not for the faint of heart, commitment requires vision, faith, and courage. It demands that we put our feet where our heart is.
Dream out loud, change the family story and create a shining legacy for our children and the children’s children for generations to come!
http://www.gloriaburgess.com/index.html