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Allergies can affect almost any area of the body. Substances that irritate the skin, allergic reactions
to drugs, detergents, and other chemicals are all culprits. Also, grass, cow products, house dust, pets, wheat, colorants,
additives and preservatives are all possibilities.
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Dust Mites. The dust mite is an almost-microscopic relative of ticks and spiders. But the living mite
is not the problem. It's the fecal material they expel in their wanderings about our carpets and furniture, their primary
residences and the bodies of dead mites that cause reactions. Mold. Mold grows wherever it's dark
and humid�under your carpet, in the basement. It just doesn't matter which one you encounter. Inhale
any one of them, and if you are allergic, you'll start sneezing. Hay fever is an allergic condition
triggered by inhalant substances (frequently pollens), which leads to sneezing and inflammation of the nose and conjunctiva
of the eyes. Any skin inflammation may be considered Dermatitis. Redness, scaling, and thickening
of the skin may occur with dermatitis. Pinpointing the cause of the problem is the first step toward alleviating the symptoms.
Eczema is a type of dermatitis that is allergy related. It appears as dry, cracking, crusting and red patches on the
skin. Often there are swelling, weeping blisters. The skin can become inflamed and itchy. Many factors can contribute to eczema.
Stress is a major factor. Exposure to cleaning compounds, perfumes, detergents, household chemicals, soaps,
food allergies, as well as, nutrient deficiencies. Hives are lumps or weals that are very itchy. They
can appear all of a sudden. They can be related to a particular food or as another complication from allergies; stress. Anaphylactic
shock. This is the most serious of allergic reactions. It can kill by suffocation, the result of swelling of the
larynx and obstruction of the airway. Anaphylactic shock can occur in response to insect stings, ingestion of allergenic foods
in sensitive individuals, and injected or swallowed doses of medication. It is a medical emergency, but it can be treated
effectively. An injection of adrenalin (administered under medical supervision) will usually end the reaction promptly. It
is known that white blood cells (also known as lymphocytes) are a fundamental component of the immune system that
protects our bodies from invaders. When they make a mistake, an allergic response can occur. When a lymphocyte encounters
a particle or cell and identifies it as a foreign invader, it produces antibodies specifically engineered to fight that particular
threat. There are five basic types of antibodies, called immunoglobulins, or Igs. Each is classified by type with a letter
suffix: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. The Ig known to be responsible for most allergic reactions to food is IgE, although IgG
is also commonly mentioned. IgE allergies occur when the immune system, in an effort to reject a certain
food or other substance, creates an antibody to that food, immunoglobulin E. In other words, the blood cells of an allergic
person are "misinformed' at the genetic level and cause the production of large quantities of IgE antibodies. The antibody
becomes attached on one side to the food/substance molecule and on the other side to a mast cell (mast cells are a type of
cell containing histamine and other allergy mediators instrumental in the allergic response). When this happens, histamines
and other chemicals are released from the mast cells, causing such immediate responses as runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes
and indigestion. IgE can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme, sometimes even life-threatening response in which the airways swell,
sometimes to the point where the person cannot breathe. The most common tests for food allergies are IgE skin
tests, where the skin is scratched or pricked and allergens such as wheat, eggs and milk are applied. Within 15 to
30 minutes, local reaction may occur. Other types of tests include blood tests and patch skin tests. However, there are reports
that blood testing for food allergies provides more reliable results than skin testing. The latter are problematic because
of their tendency to yield false positives. This means that people may show a positive result but are still able to eat a
certain food. To summarize this difficult and confusing field, it appears that the efficacy of all allergy testing is under
suspicion.
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The Allergy Elimination Dietby Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac. By removing specific foods
from our diet, we have a better sense of what the culprit is and what it is that is triggering the reaction. Excessive
protein may irritate the immune system and keep it in a state of overreactivity. The protein in cow's milk, specifically,
is a frequent offender, and for people with a genetic predisposition to allergy it may be a hidden cause. One general treatment
strategy, therefore, is to follow a low-protein diet and try to eliminate milk and milk products. Food
allergies can play a major role during childhood. They are related before age 6. You can manipulate an infant's diet and do
well in helping their skin. Eggs, orange juice, peanuts, corn and milk have been implicated as aggravators
in children. Parents should consult with their physicians about trying elimination diets. In general, these are foods that
should not be eliminated. It is only after testing them by, first eliminating them and then re-introducing
them back into the diet. Such diets seem to work best in infants less than 2 years old. After age 6, it is believed by experts
that food plays a minimal role in most people. For adults, diet manipulation should be undergone by each individual.
If you think there's any food you eat that has an adverse effect on your body, avoid it and see what happens, If your problem
clears up,you may have a food allergy. First, eliminate the food you feel is causing trouble for a
two week period. Second, re-introduce the food (one at a time only) back into your diet for a week.
If symptoms start to recur (itchy throat, phlegm, digestive upset, nasal congestion...) you are most likely allergic or have
some type of sensitivity to that particular food. Natural, accurate ways to test for food allergies
and food sensitivities that are non-invasive. 1. Take your resting pulse rate for a full 60 seconds. 2. Hold
a bit of food that you are testing in your mouth. Do not chew or swallow it, just hold it there. 3. While you have
the food in your mouth, take your pulse rate again. If it remains the same, you are most likely not allergic or sensitive
to it. If it goes up 3 beats or more, you most likely are either sensitive and/or allergic.and you should follow up with your
healthcare provider. |
Managing Your AllergiesTree
and Plant Pollen are one of the biggest culprits. When you come in from the outdoors, take off your clothes and through
them in the washer. Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes. We trek pollen into the house from the outdoors
and this is one of the biggest, yet unseen problems with people who suffer from allergies. Antihistamines
interfere with brain activity, causing drowsiness and depression. Never use antihistamines if you have a tendency to depression
or mental dullness. Even when these drugs do not depress mental activity, they merely suppress allergy rather than cure
it. As a result the pattern of immune over responsiveness is strengthened rather than weakened, meaning that more treatment
will be required in the future. This is even more so with steroid drugs (cortisone and related compounds).
Never use cortisone, prednisone, or other steroid drugs to treat allergic reactions unless they are very severe or life-threatening.
If you must take these powerful hormones, limit your use of them to two weeks. Steroids perpetuate allergy through their
suppressive action. They also lower immunity. Air-conditioning your house is probably the single most
important thing you can do to alleviate pollen problems, and it can help with two other chief inhalants�molds
and dust mites. Vitamin C has antihistamine activity. Vitamin C supplementation has been reported
to help people with hay fever in preliminary research. Consider 3,000 - 6,000 mg of Vitamin C in divided
doses, per day. Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin, might act synergistically with Vitamin C as both
have antihistaminic activity. Although some doctors of natural medicine advise people with hay fever to take 400 mg
of Quercetin two to three times per day, only limited preliminary clinical research has yet suggested that Quercetin
benefits people with this condition. Proteins in food can cross-react with pollen we bring in from
the outdoors. Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them, and don't forget to wash yourself if you just came in from
the outside when picking these fruits and vegetables.
Click on this link for moore on herbal teas
Herbal RemediesHerbs that are beneficial for allergies (if you are not allergic to them) are Burdock
Root, Dandelion, and Echinacea. These herbs help to purify the blood, boost the immune system and improves organ
function. Bee Pollen can strengthen the immune system. Start with a few drops at a time and work up to a
dropper 2-3 times a day. Coenzyme Q10 improves oxygenation and immunity. 30 mgs, twice daily. In traditional
medicine, some herbs whose pollen can cause symptoms of hay fever have been used as a way to reduce symptoms of hay fever,
which is the homeopathic theory of "like cures like". The most important of these are Goldenrod
and Ragweed (Ambrosia ambrosioides). Eyebright and Elder also have a reputation for use as hay fever
remedies. However, an individual allergic to one of these plants should avoid them unless under the care of a doctor of natural
medicine. Bee Pollen - has been used to build up the immune system to to fight colds and to counteract depression.
Bee pollen has also been used internally to increase antiallergenic properties to enhance the immune system against allergies
to pollen. Burdock Root - Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing
effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of burdock to
improve digestion. It also contains polyacetylenes that have been shown to have antimicrobial activity. Dandelion -
Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney.
Dandelion may be used for a wide range of conditions requiring mild diuretic treatment such as poor digestion, liver disorders,
and high blood pressure. Echinacea - Echinacea is another herb useful for the relief of allergy symptoms. With a rich
history of use in Native American traditions, echinacea possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea also helps
relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and is useful for sore throats and even acne. Green drinks
- green drinks are filled with antioxidants and other nutrients, which help to detox the body. Detoxification can calm allergy
symptoms by helping to flush out toxic build up in the system. Made from spirulina, wheat and barley grasses, these drinks
are one of the best allergy medicines. Nettle Leaf - Nettle leaf can help in the reduction in symptoms of hay fever,
including sneezing and itchy eyes. For help with hay fever symptoms, consider taking 450 mg of Nettle Leaf capsules or tablets
two to three times per day, or a 2�4 ml tincture, three times per day. Do not take this herb
if you have high blood pressure. Horseradish - The �heating� qualities
of horseradish are a clue to its most popular therapeutic use: clearing up nasal and chest congestion. As well as helping
to clear the respiratory passages and eliminate excess mucus, this herb is effective for the relief of cough symptoms and
sinusitis. Garlic - One of the oldest recorded culinary spices, garlic (Allium sativum) is mentioned as a food in the
Bible, and is known to have been part of the diet of Egyptian workers as long ago as 2600 BC. It is the dominant flavour in
much of Mediterranean cuisine, but is also a more subtle addition to many Asian dishes. But alongside its popularity in food,
garlic has a long history of medicinal use a traditional history that has gained increasing recognition from science. Garlic
preparations have long been used to relieve the congestion of colds and hayfever. Reishi Mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum,
(Ling Zhi) is documented to have great medicinal value. The reishi extract has been shown to be effective in clearing up a
large variety of skin allergic conditions either due to food or airborne allergens. Ganoderma extract has been found to be
useful in detoxifying the kidneys and improving its overall function.
Herbal Combinations and FormulasHerbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the
medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture
and extract are often used interchangeably. Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement,
place 1 to 3 droppers under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day. Immunity Tincture - Astragalus,
Pau D'Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw, Kelp. BreathEasy Tincture - Lobelia, Pleurisy, Marshmallow, Mullien, Coltsfoot,
Licorice. Cough Calm Tincture - Horehound, Elecampane, Comphrey root, Wild Cherry Bark, Eucalyptus, Chickweed, Slippery
Elm, Licorice.
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Strengthening the immune system is critical to overcoming allergies
Herbal TeasIn a stainless
steel pot, boil desired amount of water. The moment it boils turn the heat off. Add the following herbs in an infuser,
muslin bag or tea ball for a single cup or add one-three teaspoons of herbs per cup for larger amounts. Allow the
herbs to infuse for up to 5 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups a day. For flavor-add lemon and sweeten with Stevia or organic
honey. These herbs are helpful for gently cleanses, purifying, detoxing, anti-inflammatory. This powerful formula will help
remove accumulated toxins in the body. Strong antioxidant, cleanses the colon and stimulates circulation. Allergy Tea-
Helps clear up allergy symptoms and relieves asthma related problems. Clears congestion and helps to open sinuses. Mullen,
Echinacea, Burdock, Nettle, Licorice, Fo-To, Astragalus. Immune Builder Tea- When taken on a regular basis, this tea
helps to build and strengthen the immune system. Astrugalus, Echinacea, Hawthorne, Peppermint, Spearmint. Lemon Tea-
This tea helps fight infection, cools fever, tones tissue, softens and soothes skin. Promotes bowel movements and increases
urination. Lowers both blood sugar and blood pressure. Stimulates immunity. Lemon peel, Lemon Grass, Ginger Oil, Shavegrass,
Osawatamie, Sweetleaf. Essiac Tea- Stimulates the immune system and purifies the blood. Helps with many skin disorders.
Helps to sooth inflammed mucous membranes of the bowels, stomach, and urinary tract. Burdock Root, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery
Elm Bark, Turkey Rhubarb Root.
Aromatherapy RemediesAromatherapy can help with hives, eczema,
dermatitis, bee stings inflammation, and dryness. Essential oils that benefit pollen allergies by strengthening the immune
system, reducing phlegm, and clearing sinuses, especially in a steam include Cedarwood, Cypress, Roman Chamomile, Lavender,
Geranium, Pine, Tea Tree, Lemon, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang . Cedarwood oil is deeply relaxing to the bronchial area, slows
down rapid breathing in asthma, calms allergy reactions and helps the chest muscles relax to open the lungs for more air.
Chamomile Oil Chamomile essential oil is an analgesic, anti-anemic, antineuralgic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal,
carminative and works on the digestive tract. Tea Tree Oil speeds the healing of minor cuts and scrapes. It is good
for all kinds of infections, For topical treatment of allergies, the oil may be used at a dilution of 5�15%
or used in steam vapor therapy. Eucalyptus Essential Oil Eucalyptus Oil is a strong antiseptic. Eucalyptus
Oil is used as an inhalant for asthma, diphtheria, sore throats, sinus and respiratory problems. It is also useful as a chest
rub for coughs and excess phlegm and for skin ulcers and rashes. Lavender Essential Oil kills germs and stimulates
new cell growth. Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria
and nervous exhaustion in general. In vapor therapy, Lavender oil can be useful for allergies.
3 times a day,
morning, noon and night, utilize these blends of essential oils:
HydrotherapyThe mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water
cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall.
Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes
in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of
a large percent of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can heal us. Hydrotherapy is the use of water
in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease. Hydrotherapy was used by the ancient Greek physicians. The use of baths
for such purposes as well as for religious purification, personal cleanliness, and private or social relaxation dates from
at least the time of ancient Greece. A German, Vincenz Priessnitz, popularized the use of spas in Germany and elsewhere in
Europe, where they are still popular today. Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax
spasm; thus, hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, and
backache. Heat is often used in conjunction with massage or other manipulative or stimulative treatments, such as the whirlpool
bath. Sitz baths (sitting in hot water) are effective in the treatment of many disorders. Water is also useful in physical
therapy because patients who exercise in a buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without contending with the
strong force of gravity. Steam treatments and hot baths have a cleansing effect on allergies. Instructions
for a warm bath: Fill your bathtub with water slightly warmer than body temperature, around 97� to 101�F
(You can check the temperature of the water with a regular thermometer.) As the tub fills with water add 2 spoons of Angel's
Mist Deep Soak Sea Salts to the bath water for a soothing, skin cleansing soak. Submerging as much of your body as
possible, stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes, adding water as needed to maintain the temperature of the bath.
Steam Inhalation First, boiling water. Remove the pot from the stove. Add a few drops of lavender,
eucalyptus and tea tree oil or the other oils listed above to the water and then with a towel, make a tent over your head
and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. Add just a few drops of one - three oils only. Consider cleansing the
nasal passages with a Neti Pot. This Ayurvedic solution has been used for centuries to keep the nasal passages clear
of mucus and congestion. Consider a relaxing bath with the cleansing anti-bacterial effects of Angel's
Mist Anti-Bacterial Soap -A cleansing blend of Lavender, Tea Tree essential oil makes this soap wonderful for creating clean
and bacterial-free skin.
 Nutritional AdviseWater is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight
ounces glasses per day. Be sure to include these anti-inflammatory foods in your diet such as avacados,
extra virgin olive oil, ginger, omega fatty acids and tumeric. Diet can greatly influence allergic
responsiveness or lack of it, as can exposure to potentially irritating substances at critical times in one's development.
Excessive protein may irritate the immune system and keep it in a state of over reactivity. The protein in cow's milk, specifically,
is a frequent offender, and for people with a genetic predisposition to allergy it may be a hidden cause of problems. One
general treatment strategy, therefore, is to follow a low-protein diet and try to eliminate milk and milk products. Food
allergies can play a major role during childhood. They are related before age 6. You can manipulate an infant's diet
and do well in helping their skin. Eggs, orange juice, and milk have been implicated as aggravators in children. Parents should
consult with their physicians about trying elimination diets. In general, these are foods that should not be eliminated. It
is only after testing them out by, by first eliminating them and then re-introducing them back into the diet. Such diets seem
to work best in infants less than 2 years old. After age 6, it is believed by experts that food plays a minimal role in most
people. Garlic rich in sulfur and antioxidants make it a great choice for reducing allergies and asthma
symptoms by naturally boosting the immune system. Try one gram or a clove of garlic daily. For adults,
diet manipulation should be undergone by each individual. If you think there's any food you eat that has an adverse effect
on your body, avoid it and see what happens, If your problem clears up, you may have a food allergy.
HomeopathyThis medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to stimulate
a person's immune system and body's natural defenses. Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients they
are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due
to its individual and "wholistic" approach. This often leads to a complete recovery from the dis-ease,
as well as, providing an improved understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes it easier and possible
to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system
by reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.
HypnotherapyAllergies
have multiple roots. One is inherited, since these conditions are more frequent in children of parents with allergic
histories. Another is in the mind and nervous system. Emotional Stress can trigger allergic reactions, and relaxation techniques
can moderate them. A person who is strongly allergic to daisies may react to the sight of a plastic daisy, demonstrating the
involvement of mind over body in the learned aspect of these inappropriate immune responses. Allergies cross-over
the mind/body border. There is no question about its physical reality, since you can die from an allergic reaction,
but you can also make it vanish by changing your mental and emotional state. It is a fact that severe cases disappear when
people switched jobs, left a spouse, or eliminated sources of stress. One way to take advantage of the mind/body connection
in search of allergy relief, is to experiment with hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can lessen or completely prevent allergic reactions
and can facilitate the immune system's unlearning of its pointless habits.
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