Pollen: the invisible invader

 

Allergy season is here! To many, this is a time where strangers everywhere offer their generous blessings. It is a time where the tissue box becomes a daily accessory, and great deliberation is carried out as to which cheesy tissue box design to choose. Our noses become red and raw, and tearing for no reason is a regular occurrence. If this sounds familiar you’re going to want to read on.


WHAT ARE SEASONAL ALLERGIES?


Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is characterized by sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip. Normally, the body’s immune system acts like the border police and only allows residents (our own cells) to live freely. When there is an invader, the immune system responds by making antibodies, or in the case of hay fever, histamines.  Normally this is a good thing because we don’t want infectious organisms, dusts, molds and other harmfuls entering our body. But, when we become hypersensitive to these substances, our immune system overreacts and causes an inflammatory reaction.


ARE THERE ANY NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HAY FEVER?


Luckily there are some great natural remedies that help with the symptoms and can actually prevent seasonal allergies from happening in the first place.


  1. 1.Quercetin - I have found this one to be one of the best natural antihistamines. It works by stabilizing the membrane of histamine-releasing cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. (Up to six, 500mg capsules a day, may be needed)

  2. 2.Vitamin C - a natural antihistamine and immune booster.

  3. 3.Nettles (Stinging Nettle) - an herb that has been shown to alleviate allergic rhinitis.

  4. 4.Sabalia - a homeopathic remedy effective for seasonal allergies.

  5. 5.Echinacea and/or Astragalus - herbs that boosts the immune system. (Don’t use for more than 3 weeks at a time)

  6. 6.Vitamin B5 - it helps strengthen adrenal function, which is intimately involved in the immune response.


Try one, or try ‘em all! Sometimes it takes a little trial and error but its well worth the effort.


Gesundheit!

Josh



Try a Neti Pot ....... to help you breath again!

Nasal irrigation using a neti pot has been practiced for centuries in India as a natural way of clearing the sinus cavity of mucous and debris. Watch the video for a demo...


 
 

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