allergy relief

allergy relief

 The best natural remedies for the relief of seasonal allergies (and how to use them)
When spring pollen makes itself felt, it is when more people approach pharmacies to buy eye drops, pills or nasal sprays for allergy relief. Some, even, need prescription medications.

The number of those suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever is increasing rapidly, with the current rate being one in four, almost double what it was in the 1980s. Experts predict that by the year 2030, half of the population will suffer hay fever having annoying symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes with increasing pollution and changing weather which makes things even worse.

The interesting thing is, that 200 years ago, hay fever was practically nonexistent! No one knows exactly what combination of factors is the cause of the constant increase in the symptoms of hay fever in humans and even pets as well. Most do not seem to agree that it probably has a lot to do with the modern obsession with cleanliness, combined with the fact that children are no longer raised on farms, so regular healthy exposure to beneficial microbes in their environment is very rare to stimulate the development of a normal and healthy immune system.

With seasonal allergies being so predictable and so annoying, it is surprising that more people do not take advantage of the power of herbal medicines for quick relief and without needing medication. Here I leave some herbs for those who want to give it a try next season.


What causes seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are the result of a compromised immune system. Every spring and summer, the plants when they bloom release tiny grains known as pollen. These small particles, which are about one millionth of an inch wide, are released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds for the purpose of fertilizing and propagating their species.

Only 50 pollen grains per cubic yard is considered a large amount of pollen. When these grains are inhaled through the nose of a person with hay fever, the immune system is disrupted. The layer of protein in each grain of pollen is what causes the allergic reaction, and in some people, it can be extremely violent since the organism responds as if it is being invaded by pathogenic bacteria or a deadly virus.

The natural substances known as histamines are released into the bloodstream while the immune system creates a response. This is what causes inflammation of the sinuses, eyes and respiratory tract. Histamines stimulate the immune system by increasing the permeability of tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, to white blood cells and some proteins. This provides access to the tissues where they are needed.


Are pollen counts really increasing?

People who suffer from seasonal allergies or who simply tend to sneeze a lot on the days when pollen is abundant often complain year after year that "pollen is very heavy this year, right?" I know people who do it. But is this really true?

In fact, pollen levels were in decline until 1999 with a reduction in the amount of pastures in recent decades. Since then, pollen levels have again increased possibly due to strange weather patterns combined with milder spring temperatures.

Even with the increase in recent years, pollen levels are not yet where they were in the 1970s, so pollen is not completely to blame for the doubling of hay fever levels since the 1980s with levels predicted to double again by 2030. The hygiene hypothesis, plus poor intestinal health in general, and increased pollution appear to be the most likely culprits and not pollen.


Guilty of seasonal allergies

According to WebMD, among the trees and herbs that produce allergies are:

    Trees: Alder, ash, aspen, beech, elderberry, cedar, poplar of virginia, cypress, elm, hickory, juniper, maple, blackberry, oak, olive, palm, pine, poplar, sycamore, and wicker.
    Pastures and weeds: Bermuda, fescue, Johnson, June, orchard, perennial rye, saltgrass, spring sweet, and timothy.

The windy days may worsen the symptoms because the wind blows the pollen of the plant and stirs them in the air increasing the chances that each breath contains part. The rainy days temporarily improve the situation since the rain makes it fall to the ground and cleans the pollen from the air.


The best herbs pAlthough most people automatically take refuge in prescription and over-the-counter cold medications, herbs can provide allergy relief in the same effective way, without unpleasant or dangerous side effects or toxins.

The only drawback with the use of herbs for allergy relief is that it needs to be maintained faithfully throughout the pollen season and ideally start using them a week or more before the pollen gets worse.

Can I start using herbs once the symptoms have started? If you can. Although you will have to be patient until all the power of the herbs come into action. The reason is that it takes a few days to accumulate the necessary levels of anti-inflammatory properties in the blood and tissues, relief immediately as well as what would happen if you take a medication, usually not experienced, although you may feel a slight improvement immediately in the symptoms.

If you decide to try herbs for allergy relief this year instead of medicines, here are the first four, you can consume them alone or in combination.
Cinnamon cassia and Spanish needles (combined)

The extract of cinnamon and Spanish needles (Bidens pilosa) work very well as a combined botanical product and the benefits are scientifically proven. Keep in mind, however, that the type of cinnamon for cooking, baking, or controlling insulin will depend on your preference, but cinnamon cassia is better than ceylon for allergy relief according to the scientific literature.

In 2008, the Nutrition Journal published the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included 20 subjects. The subjects were given an extract of cinnamon cassia and combined Spanish needles. This was compared to the effects of a placebo or the drug loratadine antihistamine, which is sold under the brand names Claritin, Alavert, Select, and Fad.

The scientists concluded that the extract of the combination of cinnamon cassia and Spanish needles significantly reduced the symptoms and inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis in a manner comparable to loratadine.
Preparation mode

    Mix 1 teaspoon of cassia cinnamon (freshly grated, by far, more potent!) In a small cup and mix it with 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
    It is preferable for bees that obtained the nectar of the flowers in the same season in which you have the allergy.
    Honey mixed with cinnamon is delicious to eat and will provide temporary relief from itchy eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Nettle for allergy relief

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the best herbs for allergy relief, as it is a potent antihistamine. Therefore, nettle is able to effectively counteract the inflammation induced by the release of histamine that a person with hay fever experiences in response to exposure to pollen.

According to the international journal Phytotherapy Research, nettle extract inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways related to allergic rhinitis by antagonizing histamine 1 receptors and inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins. This reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and general severity.

In the Alternative Medicine review journal, a prospective, double-blind, comparative study studied 69 patients with allergic arthritis, the researchers noted significant benefits with the use of nettle extract compared to placebo.

The best way to use nettle for the relief of allergy symptoms is through a concentrated nettle supplement or preparing an herbal infusion. Obviously, the supplement is faster and easier for most people.

But, if you want to prepare an infusion of nettle instead of the supplement you can use 1 ounce of dried nettle leaves (preferably organic) per liter of filtered water. You can also use three ounces of green / fresh nettles if you have a place to buy it.
Preparation mode

    Place the nettle dry or fresh in a one liter container with lid and fill it to the top with boiling water.
    Close the lid tightly and leave at room temperature for 4 hours.
    Once the nettle leaves have been soaked for the right amount of time, strain the leaves.
    The dose is 2 cups per day if you weigh between 125 - 150 pounds (57 - 68 kilograms).Add an extra half cup per day for every 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg) of additional weight. Similarly, if you weigh less than 125 pounds (57 kg), reduce the dose by one-quarter cup per 15-20 lbs.

Take into account that herbal infusions should be used as soon as possible and store unused portions in the refrigerator for no more than one day. Discard the stored remains for more than a day and prepare a new one.
Turmeric: powerful anti-inflammatory for the relief of allergy

Turmeric longa, a perennial plant that belongs to the ginger family. Native to the tropical regions of South Asia, as many as 133 species of turmeric have been identified throughout the world!

Turmeric is known as the golden spice because of its bright yellow color and seemingly endless safe, non-toxic medical applications, including its use as a natural antibiotic. Modern medicine has begun to recognize its importance, as indicated by the more than 3000 scientific publications of turmeric that have come out in the last 25 years!

Dr. Kelly Brogan MD, who extensively uses turmeric in her holistic practice. He says,

    This wonderful spice is one of the anti-inflammatory pillars of my work with patients where I use liposomal preparations of curcumin, the natural phenols responsible for the yellow color of turmeric, when they suspect that their symptoms are due to a compromised immune system.

To defend yourself from the symptoms of seasonal allergies, consume pure, organic turmeric, either a spoonful directly,mixed with water, in a drink or food (like raw honey), or in the form of capsules. Doses of 400 to 600 mg three timesa day is a good start.