Allergy, allergy asthma symptoms and seasonal allergy symptoms can all be helped with some common sense natural allergy relief precautions  and good housekeeping/hygiene standards.

1.  Avoid going outside, especially on dry, windy days.

2.   Use air conditioner at home and in car.  Avoid open windows and doors.

3.   Remove houseplants to reduce mold.  If you can’t make yourself get rid of them, at least remove them from the bedroom.

4.   Reduce mold with frequent cleaning of shower curtains, bathroom windows, damp walls, dry rot areas and indoor trash cans.  Use a mixture of chlorine bleach and water to kill mold.

5.   Don’t carpet damp rooms such as bathrooms.   Use mold-proof paint in these areas instead of wallpaper.

6.  Reduce the humidity in your home to below 35  percent with a dehumidifier to help prevent the growth of mold and mites.

7.  Replace small-particle filters in your central air conditioning system.

8.   Take a shower and change your clothes immediately after spending time outdoors.

9.   Avoid yard work like cutting the grass.

10.   Don’t hang your clothes outdoors on a clothesline where they can get covered in allergens.

11.   Pollen levels are highest in the morning.  Schedule outdoor activities for afternoons or evenings.

12.  Wash your hands after petting an animal that’s been outside or if it is known that you have dog allergy symptoms or cat allergies.   Keep pets out of the bedroom if you are known to be allergic to them.   Bathe your pet frequently.

13.   Dust mites occur in anyone’s home no matter how clean. Symptoms of dust mite allergy include itchy and running eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, wheezing, coughing and dry, itchy skin.

To combat dust mite allergy, remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft plush toys.   Replace carpets with wood or linoleum flooring.  Vacuum often with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA).  Vacuum soft furniture and curtains.  (You’re better off using blinds which can be wiped off than curtains.) Wash all bedding in water hotter than 130 degrees every 7 to 10 days.   Place an dust mite encasing around the mattress, box spring and pillow.  Tape over the zippers on these with masking tape for extra insurance.  Products such as benzyl benzoate or tannic acid are useful if there is wall-to-wall carpeting and it can’t be removed.

Leading allergists claim these  dust mite prevention techniques are much more effective than using HEPA air filter purifiers.

14.   Wear a disposable face masks (available at most drug and hardware stores) when cleaning, gardening,  or even just being outdoors when the pollen count is high and mold spores are being blown about on a windy day.   One ragweed plant can produce up to one billion pollen grains.  Each grain can travel more than 100 miles from its source.

15.  Children with allergy asthma should get a flu vaccine at the end of October before the onset of cold weather.

16.  Contact your family physician or allergist for proper evaluation and treatment of allergy symptoms.

Related posts:

1. Indoor Allergens – What they are and how to get rid of them
2. Get rid of indoor allergens
3. Natural Allergy Relief With Herbs and Home Remedies

1.  MYTH:  Mold allergies can’t affect you if you stay away from “moldy” places like basements, cellars and other dark, damp places.

FACT:  Mold spores are carried by the wind.  People who are allergic to mold suffer most in the summer and early fall with seasonal allergies.   In warm climates, they thrive year round.   Walking through tall vegetation or even cutting the grass can set off mold allergies.

2. MYTH:  Food intolerances and food allergies are the same thing.

FACT:  Someone with a food intolerance is unable to digest and process the food due to a lack of a certain enzyme or enzymes.  A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to the ingested food.

3.  MYTH:  Children usually outgrow food allergies.

FACT:  Children are ten times more likely than adults to have food allergies–peanut allergies, wheat allergies, gluten allergies, etc.    Some researchers believe that as the gastrointenstinal system develops, it gets better at blocking the absorption of foods that trigger food allergies.  Over time, children usually outgrow allergies to cow’s milk, eggs, wheat and soybean products.  But allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish can be lifelong.  And, too, some children outgrow one or two allergies, only to develop others.

4.  MYTH: People who suffer from cat or dog allergy symptoms are allergic to their fur.

FACT:  Ten to 15% of the population suffers from cat and dog allergy symptoms.  The allergen is a specific protein produced not in the animal’s fur, but mostly in its skin, and to a lesser extent, in its urine and saliva.   When the animal is petted or brushed, or even as it rubs against people or furniture, microscopic flakes of skin called dander become airborne.  All cats and dogs have skin, and so there are no non-allergic breeds.   However, short-haired pets have less hair to shed and send less dander into the air, making them preferable pets for people with allergies.  Dogs are half as likely to cause allergic reactions as cats.

5.   MYTH:  Moving to the Southwestern states will cure allergies.

FACT:  There is no safe place beyond allergy symptoms.  Desert regions have no ragweed, but they do have plenty of other plants that produce pollen including sagebrush, cottonwood, ash and olive trees.  Relocating may help for the initial first months, but a new group of allergies to local plants will most likely develop after that.

6.  MYTH:  Eating raw local honey will help prevent and alleviate allergy and allergy asthma symptoms, as it builds up a tolerance to the area’s pollens.

FACT:  A University of Connecticut 2002 study showed that local and nationally produced honey did not relieve or prevent symptoms better than a placebo.  Most studies have shown it not be effective as an allergy treatment  or in preventing allergy symptoms.

7.  MYTH:  Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, almonds and flax seeds are worthless against seasonal allergies and allergy symptoms in general.

FACT:  A study from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, as well as other studies, found that foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may help decrease respiratory symptoms by lessening inflammation.

Related posts:

1. The Facts About Allergies and What You Can Do About Them

One out of six Americans suffers from allergic disease.  Millions of dollars are spent on medications, physician services and missed days from work and school.

What Exactly Is An Allergy?

You are well aware of what allergy symptoms an allergy produces in your body, but do you understand what an allergy is?  It is an abnormal over-reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen.  When an allergen such as dust mites allergy, pollen (especially in seasonal allergies), or latex, is absorbed into the body of an allergic person, the person’s body views it as an invader.  This institutes a chain reaction of events.  The immune system’s white blood cells produce IgE antibodies.  These attach themselves to special cells called mast cells.  This causes a release of histamine which are potent chemicals.  It is the histamines which cause the runny nose, watery eyes, itching and sneezing.

What are some common allergies?

You can be allergic to one substance or several.  The most common allergens are mold, pollens, dust mites, animal dander with dog and cat allergy symptoms, food allergies such as wheat, gluten and peanut allergies,   medications, cockroach droppings and insect stings.

Is there only one type of allergic reaction?

You probably know the answer to this one from trading allergy stories with friends and acquaintances.  A variety of allergic reactions are possible depending on the allergen and how it gets into the body.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a non-contagious rash that itches.  It most often occurs on the hands, arms, legs and neck, but it can cover the entire body.  This condition is frequently related to allergies.

A reaction affecting areas of the skin which become red, itchy and inflamed after contact with allergens or irritants such as plants, cosmetics, medications, metals and chemicals is called contact dermatitis.

Approximately 25 percent of the people in the U.S. will have an experience of having hives at least once.  Uticaria or hives are red, itchy, swollen areas of the skin.  They can vary in size and appear anywhere on the body.  The most common hive reaction is where the cause is identifiable as a reaction to a viral infection, medication, food or latex.  Some unfortunate people have chronic hives almost daily for months or years without an identifiable trigger.

Angioedema is a swelling of the deep layers of the skin.  It is not red or itchy.  It most often occurs in soft tissue such as eyelids or mouth.  Hives and angioedema may occur together or separately.

What exactly is an allergist?

An allergist/clinical immunologist is a pediatrician or internist who has spent two to three years of specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and immunologic disease.   A first office visit with this type of doctor usually consists of giving a personal history including a detailed record of the illness, family history, a description of home and work or school environments.  Then the doctor will start allergy testing you by injecting minute amounts of allergens into your skin.   An allergist can help you create a safe management plan so that you might better control your environment.  Proper medication and perhaps immunotherapy may be included in this plan.

It is worthwhile to get screened by an allergist even if you have decided to forego conventional treatments and pursue natural allergy relief because he or she can provide suggestions for better managing your environment and your allergies.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy or “allergy shots” is recommended for patients who have symptoms for most of the year that are moderate to severe.  These are usually patients who do not respond sufficiently to medications, and whose symptoms are set off by allergens that are hard to avoid such as pollens or house dust mites (no matter how clean you keep your house).

Immunotherapy is used to treat patients who are sensitive to inhaled allergens such as pollens, molds, animal dander and house dust.  It also works well for those with insect allergies such as bee stings.  It is not recommended for food allergies because food allergies can be life threatening and there is a chance of a severe allergy reaction to the injection.

Can I ever be cured of my allergies?

The allergy tendency is genetically inherited.  Don’t look for a cure, but do work towards keeping your allergies under control.  Early detection, proper usage of medications and simple allergen avoidance techniques will keep allergies under control.

Related posts:

1. Myths and Facts About Allergies That Might Surprise You
2. Coping with Seasonal Allergies in Traditional and Alternative Ways
3. Indoor Allergens – What they are and how to get rid of them

Many allergy sufferers do not like the physical side effects associated with the regular use of antihistamines and decongestants. These drugs tend to make the user feel sleepy, foggy and groggy. With this reduced alert state the individual’s ability to concentrate and to operate machinery is compromised. Both agents also tend to dry out the body and to cause dehydration. Natural remedies can often be as effective as prescriptions without the unwanted side effects these medications cause.  They are far more inexpensive.  They offer less wear and tear on the body for those who frankly dislike taking prescription or even over-the-counter pills and medicines.

The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology did a recent study which showed that one out of every six Americans suffers from allergy symptoms of some kind.  Millions of people are afflicted with seasonal allergies such as hayfever due to ragweed allergy.  Millions have food allergies such as peanut allergy, wheat allergy and gluten allergy.  Millions have allergy asthma due to allergic reactions.  Millions have dust mite allergy,  And countless people have cat and dog allergy symptoms.   Trees, weeds, grasses, pollens, dust, pet dander, chemicals found in cleaning products…  The list of possible allergens goes on and on.

Herbal medicine has been around thousands of years, far longer than Zyrtec or Claritin.   It’s medicine you can trust with few side effects, low cost, added benefits, and sometimes the allergy treatment of choice.

If you don’t want to live on constant medications for your allergies, there are good alternatives.  Herbs can block your body’s histamines which set off allergic reactions.  Some plants are antihistamines and some have decongestant properties and provide natural allergy relief.

The primary antihistamine herb is STINGING NETTLE, which is one of the most popular herbs among those seeking natural allergy relief.  One study found that it may offer relief to people with hayfever.  Sixty-nine patients completed the study.  Of these 58 percent rated the freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle effective.  Forty-eight percent said it worked as well or better than their conventional medications.  Typical dosage:  300 mgs. of freeze-dried nettle in capsules two or three times per day.

Were any of you blessed with a grandmother or mother who treated your chest congestion by having you bend your head over a steaming pan of water and eucalyptus with a towel over your head and the pan?  It still works today.    Get some eucalyptus oil and breathe in soothing relief that will open up those clogged passages and stop the wheezing and coughing  of allergy asthma.

Most natural allergy remedies loosen mucus and alleviate congestion and cough while they strengthen the body to ward off further allergic reactions.   Many are also anti-inflammatory agents that soothe mucus membranes.  Many also strengthen the immune system to help it to resist irritation from allergens.

Were any of you as children  blessed with a grandmother or mother who treated your chest congestion by having you bend your head over a steaming pan or sink full  of water and EUCALYPTUS with a towel over your head and the pan/sink?  It still works today.  Did you forget about that form of instant relief?  Get some eucalyptus oil and breathe in soothing relief that will open up those clogged passages and stop the wheezing and coughing  of allergy asthma.  Eucalyptus is both an antiseptic as well as a stimulant with expectorant and antibiotic properties.  It helps treat cough when given in lozenge form.  It is considered one of the best natural allergy relief remedies.

ALFALFA is one of the best allergy treatments for seasonal allergies like hayfever.  It is said to improve the runny nose, sneezing and itching that comes with that allergy to ragweed.  It nourishes the nervous system.  It calms the immune system and allows irritated mucus members to heal.  Unfortunately, some people have claimed allergic reactions to alfalfa.  Take it in small increments and monitor yourself for allergic reactions.  Take it in supplements or drink as a tea with honey to further sooth those mucus membranes.

An excellent cough remedy if you can find it is RED CLOVER wine.  Red clover is a traditional home remedy for allergy asthma and is most often taken in the form of tea.  It has even been used in “anti-asthma” cigarettes.  It has expectorant and antispasmodic qualities.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, as you probably know if you read natural health information, is a remedy for most everything.  Its healing properties are used to alleviate the symptoms of sinus infection that may develop along with allergy symptoms.  It can help with allergy reaction from exposure to pets, foods, and environmental agents.  It is rich in vitamins E, A, B1, B2 and B6 and contains potassium, calcium and magnesium.  It reduces the amount of mucus and soothes sore throats.

LICORICE ROOT in powdered form has been used since ancient times as a cough remedy.    It is anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy and has actions that are similar to cortisone drugs.  There are two kinds of licorice.  One is used to heal ulcers and is labeled DGL licorice.  For hayfever you want whole licorice and not the DGL type.  Do not use for longer than six weeks.  Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing, have high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, kidney, liver or heart disease.  If you are already taking corticosteroid allergy medications, consult a doctor before adding licorice to your treatment regimen.

Other supplements for people with hayfever and seasonal allergies:  VITAMIN C AND BIOFLAVONOIDS.  Antihistamine drugs inhibit histamine after its release.  These two supplements prevent its formation.    The recommended dose of vitamin C is 2,000 to 3,000 mgs. per day in divided doses.  For quercetin, an antioxidant and bioflavonoid,  it’s 500 mgs. two or three times a day.  It is found naturally in foods such as applies (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, garlic, cayenne peppers and black tea.

ROSEHIPS – Found in supplements usually with vitamin C, it is the dark red or purple fruit of the rose plant.  It is one of the richest plant forms of vitamin C, which enhances the immune system and wards off illness.  It is commonly found in herbal teas blended with hibiscus.  It can also be found in jams, jellies and marmalades.

ASTRAGALUS has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times to prevent and treat upper respiratory infections.  It has anti-viral properties and also stimulates the immune system by increasing T-cells.  It wards off invading agents and also increases the body’s ability to remove toxins.  Take as a supplement.

FEVERFEW, although best known for preventing migraines, possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve allergies.  Scientific studies have yet to confirm this, but many herbalists view it as an anti-allergy herb.  You can nibble one to two fresh leaves a day or make them into a tea, however, the bitter taste may cause you to switch to a liquid extract or capsule.  Typical dosage:  up to three 400- to 500 mgs. capsules per day or 15 to 30 drops of tincture per day.  Do not use during pregnancy.  People who are allergic to chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds and ragweed may be allergic to feverfew.

Related posts:

1. More Natural Allergy Relief Methods Proven and Unproven
2. Ways to Find Natural Allergy Relief, Prevention and Treatment
3. Even More Natural Allergy Treatments to Try After You’ve Tried Everything

Spring is here and so is the beginning of seasonal allergy symptoms.   Most seasonal allergies are caused by airborne pollens.  This comes in the form of a very fine powder that is released by trees, grasses and weeds.  Molds being airborne in outdoor air also contribute to seasonal allergies.

An allergy is an immune system over-reaction that causes the body to have a hypersensitive reaction to a normally benign substance.  An allergy test is needed to determine which allergens are causing the problems.

In warmer parts of the country outdoor allergens may be present year-round.  For the rest of us, it normally begins in late winter or early spring and continues through late summer or early fall, depending on the climate.   As the season progresses, varied pollens are present to trigger allergic reactions.

The Allergens That Cause Seasonal Allergies

The first to pollinate are usually trees, in late winter and early spring.  Trees are followed by the pollination of grasses in late spring and summer.  Weeds can pollinate at different times.  The infamous ragweed pollinates in late summer and
early fall.

Ragweed is the number one cause of seasonal allergy symptoms.  Allergic rhinitis can develop into other complications.  These complications may include ear infections, sinusitis, recurrent sore throats, cough, headaches, and it can trigger allergy asthma attacks.   This is why it is important that the allergy symptoms be well controlled.

Increasing amounts of ragweed pollen can trigger serious allergic asthma symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.  Children who are allergic to ragweed are especially at risk of developing asthma during peak pollen season.  A three-year study of children with seasonal allergies found that one in five experienced asthma symptoms during pollen season despite no previously reported history of asthma.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that more than 50 percent of current asthma cases can be attributed to allergies.  Of these, approximately 30 percent are attributed to cat allergy.  Asthma in the U.S. is one of the most common illnesses and affects more than 22 million people.

Outdoor molds usually reach their highest levels in late summer or early fall.  Some regions such as Florida  can have high outdoor mold counts throughout the year.

It sounds overwhelming, but you are not powerless against seasonal allergies.  There are traditional and natural allergy treatments that can provide relief of allergy symptoms.

Allergy Treatments

Traditional allergy treatment means taking over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin or Zyrtec.    You may opt to get a series of immunizations after your allergist tests you for specific allergy reactions.  These immunizations, or allergy immunotherapy, usually are given over a period of years, but many people do find some eventual relief of respiratory allergies to pollen, dust mite allergy, and outdoor molds after completing the series.

Nasal sprays, another traditional allergy treatment, can reduce or block seasonal allergy symptoms.  They help reduce inflammation and counteract the allergic response.

Non-traditional or natural methods of coping with seasonal allergies  are varied.  Research studies have found some of these natural allergy relief treatments to be as effective as prescription and over-the-counter drug remedies but without the side effects usually experienced such as fatigue, grogginess, drowsiness, etc.  They are for the most part cheaper.  They also provide relief without having to be dependent on an artificial chemical(s) for those who dislike taking drugs of any kind.

Quercetin, an antioxidant, belongs to a class of water-soluable plant substances called flavonoids.  It has yet to be proven by research that it is effective against hay fever.  However, it is thought to prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine from immune cells called mast cells.  Sneezing and itching involve histamines.

Quercetin can be found in certain foods such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea.  It is also available as a diet supplement.  The typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 milligrams three times a day.

Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments.  The most popular of these is beta-carotene.  No controlled studies show that carotenoids are effective against hay fever, but a lack of them in the diet is thought to promote inflammation of the airways.

There are no guidelines to suggest a recommended daily intake against hay fever.  But many people don’t eat even one serving of carotenoid-rich foods a day.  Those with seasonal allergies should try to digest at least two servings per day.

Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash and collard greens.

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.  One German study involving 568 people found that a high content of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet was associated with decreased risk of hay fever.

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil capsules, flaxseed oil (1 tablespoon two to three times a day) and walnuts (1 ounce or 14 halves a day).

The herb butterbur (see article on this website) has been proven to block the action of histamine and leukotrienes, the inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions.   It is available as a supplement.  Be sure the label says “P.A. free.”

Mangosteen, a tropical fruit, (see article on this website) is in a powerful class of antioxidants called Xanthones that have proven to be a great source of natural allergy relief.   Mangosteen juice is available at health food stores.

Herbal relief – (See accompanying article on this website.)

Acupuncture and accupressure may also provide relief of seasonal allergy symptoms, although not enough research has been done to prove this absolutely

Seasonal allergies can be debilitating, but today there are a host of effective treatments that will not cure them, but greatly reduce their  symptoms. .  It’s up to you as to whether you want to go with traditional therapies, alternative/natural treatments, or a combination of the two.

Related posts:

1. Ways to Find Natural Allergy Relief, Prevention and Treatment
2. Myths and Facts About Allergies That Might Surprise You
3. New Research Studies Prove Effectiveness of Butterbur in Allergy Treatment

Almost 40 percent of Americans try some form of alternative medicine, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says. Doctors say a growing number of the 35.9 million Americans who have seasonal allergies are inquiring about or already dabbling with alternative treatments as diverse as herbal teas laced with local honey, acupuncture and biofeedback.

There has only been scientific validation for mind-body medicine for the last quarter century.  The idea that physical health can be influenced by thoughts, emotions and beliefs is just now catching on.  Many practitioners of psychoneuroimmunology, the medical term for mind-body medicine, relate case studies that are amazing, particularly in the treatment of chronic illnesses like sinusitis, allergies, arthritis and back pain.  Modern Western medicine has no cure for these.  Allergies can’t be cured, but there are many traditional and natural methods of treating the symptoms.

Homeopathic Medicine:   A Proven Remedy

Something new on the horizon in natural allergy relief is a new homeopathic product that is safe and effective in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis (runny, irritated nose).  MucoAd is a mucoadhesive molecule (hypromellose) that prolongs contact with the nasal surface.  This means that the nasal spray last longer and re-dosing isn’t needed as much.

Another exciting new product is based on a herb that is a long-time remedy for allergic asthma and allergies, capsium.  Capsaicin nasal spray reduced all symptoms and relief was achieved in a study using Sinol-M.  Testing revealed that Sinol-M might promote a better night’s sleep free from nasal symptoms.

Homeopathy is based on the idea that diseases can be cured by giving the substance that causes the disease back to a person in extremely small amounts. This is a similar to the principle used in immunotherapy, except in much smaller doses that have proven to be beneficial with using allergy shots.

Homeopaths prescribe “constitutional medicine”–a remedy that is chosen personally for the individual based on the totality of symptoms they have and not just the allergy symptoms.

Solid research has proven the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in the treatment of hay fever.

Another good study on homeopathic treatment of allergic asthma was published in the Lancet.   The people in this study who were given the homeopathic medicine experienced significant improvement in their asthma symptoms.

Some of the specific remedies used for allergy and asthma symptoms are Allium cepa (the common onion), Euphrasia, Arsenicum album (arsenic, the mineral), Nux vomica, Pulsatilla (windflower, an herb), Histaminium, Kali bic, Natrum mur, Sabadilla, Solidago and Wyethia.

To learn when and how to use these remedies, consult a homeopathic guidebook such as “Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines” or “Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants”, or Dr. M. Panos and Jane Heimlich’s “Homeopathic Medicine at Home.”

You also can learn more about homeopathy by contacting:

Homeopathic Educational Services
2124B Kittredge St.
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 649-0294

Acupuncture Might Help

Acupuncture originated as a healing practice in China over 5,000 years ago.   The treatment involves inserting needles into the skin at certain points in the body to restore the balance of “vital flows.”   There are too few studies in regard to acupuncture and hay fever to decide if its effective.  It’s bound to help something.  What do you really have to lose but possibly your allergy symptoms?

In a German study published in the journal Allergy 52 people with hay fever received acupuncture treatments once a week as well as a Chinese herbal tea that was thought to be effective in treating allergic symptoms three times per day, or sham acupuncture and regular herbal tea.  After six weeks people who received the real acupuncture and herbal treatment noticed an 85 percent improvement.

In another study 72 children with hay fever received either real acupuncture treatments twice a week or sham treatments.  After eight weeks, improved symptoms and more symptom-free days were found in the patients who received real acupuncture as compared to those who received sham acupuncture.

The Importance of Drinking Water

Fluids help clear airways by hydrating mucous membranes: The wetter the membrane, the thinner the mucus and the more easily it can drain.  When you are having allergy asthma or allergy symptoms, be sure to drink that eight glasses of water we all hear so much about.

Vitamin Supplements Always a Good Idea

Food sensitivities or food allergy sufferers can benefit from taking a rich daily multivitamin with adequate essential fatty acids.  Sometimes this addition alone can correct any imbalance and soothe diet-related inflammation.

Another possible effective asthma and allergy natural relief treatment is a gentle detox program that includes a colon cleanse.  The purging of your GI system will help soothe inflammation.  It should be undertaken with the guidance of a health-care practitioner.

Chemical Sensitivities and NAET

If you are becoming increasingly sensitive to noxious fumes, air fresheners, perfumes, chemical odors and other synthetic fumes, it’s a good indication that your system is going into overload.  Chemical sensitivity symptoms include headaches, dry mouth, sore throat, coughing and rashes.

The recommended treatment for this condition is holistic and it is called Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques or NAET.  NAET is a non-invasive yet effective way of eliminating many sensitivities and allergies.  It uses a combination of therapies including nutrition, acupuncture/acupressure, allopathy (homeopathic), chiropraction (Chiropractic medicine), and kinesiology (the study of human movement).   Patients have been successfully desensitized so that they can even tolerate formerly offending substances without symptoms.

Finally, do consider taking up yoga or some other stress-relieving program.  Your allergies are connected to your emotions.  Less stress can go a long way in feeling better.

Related posts:

1. Natural Allergy Relief With Herbs and Home Remedies
2. Even More Natural Allergy Treatments to Try After You’ve Tried Everything
3. Ways to Find Natural Allergy Relief, Prevention and Treatment

The Misery and Prison of Allergies/Asthma

Having allergies can be imprisoning.  You can’t go for walks in the country, woods  or even parks in some cases because of allergy symptoms.   You would just as soon stay indoors than go outside on a beautiful day to prevent the allergy suffering that  being outside would set off.  Many food allergy sufferers have to give up their favorite foods.  Some victims with cat and dog allergy symptoms can’t even go visit their friends who have dogs or cats.  And dating is difficult because you don’t feel all that attractive with your nose constantly running or when you are having sneezing attacks. How sexy is the “allergic salute” really?  The allergic salute, in case you haven’t heard the term, is the hand movement a sufferer makes as though attempting to move their nose into their forehead.  It’s definitely an upwards motion.  Part of it might be to attempt to stop all the constant drips, drips, drips.  Irritated bright red noses aren’t much in style either.  It’s a tough road to hoe all around.

And allergy sufferers are caught in a vicious cycle.  The enjoyment and benefits of exercise are hard to experience for reasons such as that their nose runs more than they can.  A runny or stuff nose leads to mouth breathing which leads to dry mouth and then to less efficient breathing which leads to less efficient overall functioning.  In other words, it’s hard to attempt to change your life or get healthy with exercise  when you feel like hell every day.  And, in a sad irony, when the weather is good for outdoor exercise, it is at the same time horrible for those with seasonal allergies to trees, grasses and pollens.

Keeping in mind how much allergy sufferers don’t deserve to live in this allergy prison, here are some suggestions for things to try after you’ve tried everything else for natural allergy relief.  Some are well-researched to be effective and others are known by their word-of-mouth testimonials which may or may not be accurate for you.  It’s all worth a try as long as it doesn’t hurt you or make your condition worse.

Learn How to Breathe

Speaking of mouth breathing, it is very important that you learn to breathe fully.  Correct breathing can change your life according to some doctors and most yogis.  Most people, let alone allergy victims and those with allergic asthma, breath shallowly through their mouths.  The rib cage has a natural squeezing effect to help get out that deeply drawn air.  Add stress to the picture and the rib cage squeezes our heart and lungs, forcing us to breathe like rabbits–little, shallow, upper-chest breaths, 28,000 times a day.

Here is an exercise to measure whether you have sufficient respiratory capacity:  Go for a walk while breathing deeply in through your nose.  Count how many steps you take for one full inhalation and exhalation.  Respiratory efficiency may be measured to be at least 21 steps per breath through your nose.   If you attempt a moderate run, you should not have to open your mouth to breathe.

Breathing techniques and yoga can be beneficial in terms of mental well-being and improvement in quality of life scores for people with allergy asthma. However, studies on techniques such as Buteyko breathing, Sahaja, Hatha and Pranayama yoga fail to show any consistent improvement in asthma symptoms or definite improvement in lung function testing. No studies are available for allergic rhinitis.

Other Alternative Treatments to Consider

We have discussed homeopathy and herbal medicine among other natural treatments for allergy symptoms, and, of course, it is a treatment system that has been practiced for hundreds of years.  There are some other natural allergy relief treatments that are newer (in some cases) but may be well worth looking into when you are desperate for improvement.  Other forms of natural remedies are:

Apitherapy

The medical use of honey bee products.  These can include the use of honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom.

Applied Kinesiology

Chiropractic diagnostic method using manual muscle-strength testing for medical diagnosis and a subsequent  determination of prescribed therapy.  According to followers of the theory, it  gives feedback on the functional status of the body.

Aromatherapy

A type of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic componds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person’s mood or health.

Ayurveda

Indian alternative medical system.

Biofeedback

A non-medical process that involves measuring a patient’s specific and quantifiable bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, sweat gland activity and musicle tension, and conveys the information to the patient.  This raises his awareness and gives the possibility of conscious control of those functions.

Buteyko

Complementary type of medical treatment that focuses on breathing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Also known as TCM is considered an alternative medical system in the Western world, although considered mainstream medicine throughout East Asia.  Includes such practices as herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and both Tui na and Shiatsu massage.

Color Therapy

Also known as chromotherapy or colorology, it is an alternative medicine method that uses color and light to balance energy in whatever areas the body may be lacking, whether it is physical, emotional, spiritual or mental.

Flower Essences

Also known as Bach flower remedies, are dilutions of flower material developed by Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath in the 1930′s.  The remedies are primarily used for emotional and spiritual conditions.  Remedies are mostly taken orally.

Gemstone Therapy

It is based on the belief that gemstones contain life force which is the divine energy that sustains, nourishes and enlivens all living things.  The flow of this light force may become blocked and create dark clouds in a person.  Gemstones are used for their power to radiate the life force.

Herbology

Iridology

An alternative medicine technique whose proponents believe that patterns, colors and other characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about a patient’s systemic health.

Macrobiotics

Meditation

Music Therapy

Naturopathy

Also known as naturopathic or natural medicine.  It is an eclectic alternative medical system that focuses on natural remedies and the body’s vital ability to heal and maintain itself.

Look into some of these alternative and complementary types of medicine treatment.  Miracles happen all the time and you just might find yours.

Related posts:

1. More Natural Allergy Relief Methods Proven and Unproven
2. Natural Allergy Relief With Herbs and Home Remedies
3. Ways to Find Natural Allergy Relief, Prevention and Treatment

Mangosteens are a tropical fruit that is helping people who suffer from allergy symptoms. It is in the powerful class of antioxidants called xanthones. Doctors are recommending it and there are a large number of testimonials as to its success in helping allergy sufferers.

Mangosteen, often called “the queen of fruit,” has been used for centuries by the people of Southeast Asia to relieve pain from inflammation and to control diarrhea and dysentery. Researches thought that if it could control intestinal inflammation, it should be able to control inflammation in other parts of the body as well.

Mangostin, one of the mangosteen’s xanthones, was found to be as effective as vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic. Xanthones are found in every part of the fruit. The highest concentration of them are found in the pericarp, or rind.

Many allergy sufferers have found natural allergy relief in this juice, which is supposedly great tasting. Of course, if you have peanut allergy, wheat allergy, gluten allergy or some other type of food allergy, you need to continue to avoid these substances.

Aloe vera once created a sensation when people found out about its healing properties for cuts, scrapes and burns. It truly is a remarkable plant, but aloe vera has only one xanthone. Mangosteen has 43 xanthones. It also has a 20 to 30 times greater ability to neutralize free radicals than most fruits and vegetables.

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1. Coping with Seasonal Allergies in Traditional and Alternative Ways

Spring is here and for some 26 million Americans that means hello to ragweed, pollen, mold and other triggers of the seasonal allergies that make the seasons hard, if not impossible, to enjoy.   Television commercials are shown practically on top of one another telling viewers which products supposedly work the fastest on allergy symptoms, but none are fast enough for the poor  allergy sufferer who wants relief yesterday.

Increasingly, more allergy, allergic asthma,  and hay fever victims want relief without the side effects of prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.   How can you go to work on a medication that warns you not to drive when you take it?  Why must  you endure another sluggish, foggy day because the only alternative, as far as you know, is to spend the day sneezing and blowing your nose?

The pills, sprays and other drugs have mixed results.  Allergy sufferers complain of fatigue to begin with, and the drowsiness of even the most “non-drowsy” formula of antihistamine takes its toll.  These medications are expensive.  You may not like taking medication, especially if you already have to take medicine regularly for some other condition.   You grow tolerant to them and they lose their initial effectiveness.  Or maybe you just don’t trust an artificial rather than natural solution to your health problems.  You think Mother Nature must have some resources in her natural medicine chest for your allergy woes.

Natural Allergy Relief

The news on that front is good and getting better all the time.  There are new research studies showing promising findings with herbs like butterbur, antioxidants like quercetin, fatty acids such as omega-3 fish oils,  ancient medical techniques such as accupuncture and more.   This article will look in depth at butterbur research.

The Herb Butterbur Proven In Studies

The herb butterbur has shown impressive results in control group research studies as a method natural allergy relief.  One drawback with this herb is that it is in the same plant family as ragweed, and so people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy or marigold should not use it.

It is not exactly understood how it works, but it is thought to work in a similar way as allergy medications:  It blocks the action of histamine and leukotrienes, which are the inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions.

One study had 186 hay fever sufferers.  Some of these took a higher dose of butterbur, some a lower dose and some a placebo.  After two weeks, there were significantly greater benefits seen with the higher dose.

Another study had 330 people with hay fever take butterbur, Allegra (the antihistamine) or a placebo.  Butterbur was as effective as Allegra in relieving nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing and other hay fever symptoms.

Teas, extracts and capsules made from the raw herb, and the raw herb itself, should not be taken because of substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may be toxic to the liver and kidneys and can cause cancer.    When purchasing butterbur, which has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, look for the label to read “P.A. free.”

Related posts:

1. Ways to Find Natural Allergy Relief, Prevention and Treatment
2. More Natural Allergy Relief Methods Proven and Unproven
3. Natural Allergy Relief With Herbs and Home Remedies

Allergy symptoms are debilitating. They affect every aspect of your life. It’s difficult and stressful to get through another day of sneezing, and having a runny nose, watering eyes, itchy throat and all the other allergy symptoms.

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, 26 million of whom are seasonal allergy sufferers. One basic, frequent suggestion for allergy treatment is found in conventional and alternative medicine: nasal irrigation.

Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage is also known as the ancient yogic cleansing technique of jala neti, which simply means “nasal cleansing with water” in Sanskirt. It has been used by practitioners of Ayurveda (medical system) for thousands of years. In yoga, Neti is a purification rite performed prior to practicing yoga. This practice is as routinely done in Southeast Asia and India as brushing your teeth.

Today this form of hygiene is done worldwide by the health conscious who purchase neti pots in health food stores and drug stores for about $10.95. It will cleanses the sinuses and soothes nasal passages. It reduces the swelling in nasal passages. It will help prevent sinus conditions from occurring. The gentle stream of salt water is the same substance as your tears. It flows through the mucus membranes and removes pollens, mucus, viruses and bacteria. And it is simple to do.

You can buy an irrigation kit, a neti pot or make one yourself from a nasal bulb syringe. All you need in addition is water and salt.

Directions:

1. Fill the neti pot with lukewarm water.
2. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until thoroughly dissolved.
3. Place your head over basin with neck down.
4. Place the spout of neti pot inside right nostril. Form a seal to avoid leakage.
5. Open mouth slightly and breathe through it so water will not drain behind your nose into your mouth.
6. Tilt head sideways. Right nostril should be directly above left nostril. Tip pot, allowing the water solution to pour into your right nostril. After a few seconds, the water will drain from your left nostril into sink or basin.
7. When pot is empty, remove spout from your right nostril. Exhale through both nostrils. Gently blow nose into a tissue.
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 using your left nostril.

This can be performed first thing in the morning, as well as before bed if you feel the need. May repeat up to four times per day if necessary.

Be sure to clean pot after each use. You can place it in dishwasher.

You might want to begin with the smaller portion of salt until you are used to it.

Improved breathing, smell and taste may occur very soon after frequent use.

To keep mucus membranes moist when you are out or it is otherwise inconvenient to use neti pot, use one of the nasal sprays available at the drug store. These are just pure saline, non-medicated and non-habit forming. They can be used with whatever medications you may be taking. They are also alcohol-free. They help clear nasal passages and soothe dry, irritated nasal passages.

Related posts:

1. Natural Allergy Relief With Herbs and Home Remedies
2. More Natural Allergy Relief Methods Proven and Unproven