|
My father used to joke
I needed to be raised in a glass sterile bubble. I’m hardly alone, and
with our collective immune systems going down the tubes,
understanding how to control your allergies becomes more
difficult each year.
How are allergies triggered?
Certain proteins in the
body, called immunoglobulins, or Ig for short, are
specifically designed soldiers that are part of the immune
system. In the case of allergies to antigens, or unknown
foreign invaders, the immunoglobulin type E, or IgE, goes on a
full assault. IgE then triggers mast cells which in return
release histamine the chemical responsible for all of our
symptoms. The release of histamine is the basis for most
pharmaceutical drugs we use to deal with
allergies—antihistamines.
What are medical
remedies against allergies?
The primary form of
medical therapy for allergies include both sedating and
non-sedating antihistamines. Popular variations of these meds
include the over the counter drugs such as Benadryl®,
Dimetapp®, Triaminic®,
etc. Non-sedating versions of these drugs are also available,
alongside with prescription drugs such as Allegra®,
and the now off-patent Claritin®.
TOP
For individuals with
recurrent allergies that won’t go away, physicians will also
sometimes recommend nasal sprays, and steroidal sprays, which
may decrease the inflammatory component that is so annoying.
Nasal sprays though powerful, may cause problems with rebound
congestion, causing even worse problems.
What are natural remedies for allergies?
1.
First, learn about what triggers your allergies.
Carefully note your environment, both at home, your leisure
areas, and the workplace. Commonly, pets, plants, mold,
carpet, and bedding are all responsible.
TOP
2.
Avoid humid environments.
Mold notoriously survives in humid environments, so getting a
dehumidifier or high efficiency particulate air filter may be
helpful.
3.
Natural nasal rinses: According to Dr. Andrew
Weil, author of “Spontaneous Healing”, obtaining a neti pot
(found in yoga/holistic health stores) and filling it with
warm water combined with 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt should
be used. Rinsing it into each nostril to keep a moist nasal
passage should be combined with gargling.
4. According
to the Clinical Allergies Journal, Quercetin, a
bioflavenoid found in yellow plants such as onions, garlic,
and citrus fruits contains natural antihistamines. A good
health store should carry it, and 400 mg twice a day is the
recommended dosage.
5.
Stinging Nettle is a plant that is highly
affective for sneezing and itchy eyes. Dr. Andrew Weil, author
of “Spontaneous Healing” recommends a dose of one to two
capsules two to four times a day.
TOP
6.
The British Medical Journal published a study
showing that the Butterbur herb was just as effective
as Zyrtec® in the
treatment of hay fever symptoms. As both an anti-inflammatory
agent and mast cell stabilizer, it acts at the cellular level
to stop the nasty cascade of actions that lead to a full
histamine attack.
7.
Antioxidants especially from tea green is excellent in
halting the histamine attack.
8.
Last but not least, treatment from a qualified
acupuncturist is an excellent adjunct. Treatment six weeks
before the attack would be ideal, however getting your qi
flowing can help you at any time during an allergy attack.
-
Benadryl® is a registered
trademark of Warner-Lambert Company
-
Zyrtec®
is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc.
Dimetapp is a registered trademark of
Wyeth
Consumer Healthcare
-
Triaminic®
is a registered trademark of
Novartis Consumer Health
-
Allegra®
is a registered trademark of
Aventis
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
-
Claritin®
is a registered trademark of
Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc
|
