Summer Allergies?
It is difficult to write about allergies because there is so much reference material and so many therapies available that I don’t want to get lost in all the information. For the layperson, an allergy happens when “something” is taken into the body via the skin, respiratory tract, or digestive tract. The body, recognizing this “something” as a being unfriendly or foreign, sends out antibodies to devour the invader. In the process of eliminating and/or neutralizing the invader, histamines are released. Histamines are responsible for all allergic reactions that involve swelling, itching, fluid production and retention, etc. The liver must then supply antihistamines to neutralize the histamines.
An allergy in the Random House Dictionary is defined as an abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances, such as pollens, foods, or microorganisms. Common indications of allergy may include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes. Many doctors define allergies as “any body reaction that cannot be explained by infection or injury…” This is topic very near to me as most of my life I have had allergies to many things, and also Hay Fever and Asthma. In fact when I was a teenager my mother took me down to have one of those tests where they poke your back with all sorts of grasses and allergens to see what you are allergic to. My whole back inflamed – and fortunately for me they lost the test so I never had to take allergy shots. My parents were nice enough to not make me go back and take the test again. However, today they can often do this with a blood test. The problem I have with allergy testing is; what is it really testing? Our bodies have reactions to things for a reason. When we sneeze – it is our respiratory’s systems way of cleaning things out. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we are “allergic” to that item – in fact; that item may be working to remove something bad out of us, via the skin, respiratory or other elimination system. I don’t think anyone really knows the answer on this today –but I do know that we have options other than drugs and shots.
More than often in allergy situations health practitioners see weakened adrenals, an overworked and under nourished liver, poor digestion, and Candida (Yeast/Fungus), or parasite overgrowth. Natural health professionals like myself find that working with the cause instead of just the symptoms provides much better long lasting results.
For many allergies, one analogy that people seem to relate to is; your body is like a large container – like a garbage can. If you keep your garbage can clean with the food you eat, the water you drink the air you breath and keep your 4 elimination systems (respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, intestinal) flushing toxins at optimum levels – you may not ever experience allergies. If however, any or worse more than one of your elimination systems is not working up to par, and the food, water and air going in your body is not the healthiest – when you are exposed to additional toxins from pollens or specific foods, your body or garbage container overflows with excess mucous, rashes, etc.
What you can do?
Watch what goes in your body – what type of food do you eat? When you “burn” food, there is a chemical reaction that goes on in your stomach – from the food you eat, your body produces energy as a by product and also toxins are produced as a by product that your body then has to flush out in some manner. Similarly when you “burn” wood this produces heat or energy as a byproduct and also toxins. When you “burn” plastic it produces very little energy – and LOTS of toxins! If you eat organic food, it is like burning the wood – if you eat non-organic food it is like burning the plastic (often they contain antibiotics, hormones, synthetic ingredients, etc.)– You don’t get much energy but you end up with a lot of toxins that you body then has to expel somehow. And the more of this bad food you eat, the more toxic your body gets. If you have allergies, it is best to avoid foods such as milk products, wheat, sugar and vinegar products.
The more toxic your body gets, the more the liver and adrenals are on the look out to protect you from harmful substances – if your body is toxic it tends to attract organisms just like garbage attracts bugs.
The same is true with the liquids you put in your body – if you put pure clean water in your body, your body can utilize that more than sodas, coffee, juice or even tap water. I think of good clean water as a nice clean white wash cloth – when you use a clean wash cloth to wipe off a dirty counter, you can pick up more dirt –but if you use a dirty wash cloth, you can’t pick up as much dirt. If you drink good water, your body now has a nice clean washcloth to use to absorb toxins and carry them out of your body easily. If you drink sodas all the time, now you body doesn’t have what it needs to clean things up, but instead is being given more toxins – which only keeps things dirty inside.
As in all things, there is not cure-all for everyone. However, if you make sure that your elimination systems are flushing properly – see box – this can often help reduce your allergies.
Are your elimination systems working properly – do you even know what they are?
Below are the 4 elimination systems in our body starting with the largest one and some tips to help your systems work optimally.
In addition – your liver performs a minimum of 25 different and important functions in the body, such as cleaning blood, balancing hormones, neutralizing toxins in the body. It is important to make sure that your liver is supported properly with the correct amount of building and flushing – rotating programs every few weeks. Work with your health professional to find the best combination of herbs to keep your liver working optimum.
Once you know these systems in your body are working as efficiently as possible, you may not even have allergies any more – that is what happened to me. If you do – or if you want some quick relief while you are working on improving your systems, here are some herbs that may help you.
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus Benedictus)
The term “blessed” was applied centuries ago to this plant because of its reputation as a cure all, a remedy even for the Black Plague of the Middle Ages. Blessed thistle is useful for allergies because of its action on the liver and the kidneys. I have seen many people have quick results using blessed thistle by itself or in formulas for allergies.
Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum)
Another popular herb for allergies is Yerba santa, also known as holy herb, which was the name the Spanish priests gave to this aromatic shrub. Yerba Santa has a distinct odor and flavor that have been incorporated into many bitter pharmaceutical preparations both as an expectorant and to mask other bitter flavors. I have found it very useful and safe to clear the head of stuffiness. It is especially useful during seasonal changes.
Senaga (Polygala Senega)
Senega, also known as Mountain Flax or Senega Snakeroot. Usually I see senega within herbal formulas for allergies or clearing the head and supporting the lungs and respiratory system, not so much by itself. The Senega Indians used the dried roots to actively promote salivation, desirable in croup, bronchitis, asthma, and lung disorders. It has since been used for Hay Fever, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Whooping cough and Sneezing fits.
Pleurisy root (Asclepias Tuberosa)
This nice perennial herb is common in dry, gravelly and sandy soils. Pleurisy root is used for the condition, which the name comes from. Used in formulas or extracts for the purpose of promoting perspiration and expectoration in illnesses of the respiratory system. It mitigates the pain and relieves the difficulty of breathing without being a stimulant. The root is also used for any bronchial congestions, acute rheumatism and dysentery.
I have a found that all 4 of these herbs are very effective mixed together for many people with allergies. With everything from itchy eyes, dry cough, sneezing, runny nose and shallow breathing, you may want to give it try this year to stop your allergies without the harsh side effects of drugs – and to make your spring and summer more enjoyable. All of these herbs are safe for children as well, especially Pleurisy root which was documented by Dr. Lloyd Feller “It is especially a child’s remedy.”
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Finally there is nettle, also known as stinging nettle, which many of us have in our backyards, it is especially good for many allergic and inflammatory issues.
If you are looking to try an herbal remedy for your allergies, make sure you know the ingredients and the company you are purchasing from so you will only have good results.
Happy summer!