Allergy Help

Allergies

 Allergies are intimately related to the  strength of the immune system. Here are a few things you can do to naturally lessen allergy symptoms:

 A folk remedy cure for hay  fever is to eat honey made by honeybees in the area.   Honey must be raw, non-irradiated and  unfiltered. A spoon of honey and some apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm  water is said to prevent allergies.  Also some people feel that eating Bee Pollen granules or capsules throughout the year gradually builds the body's resistance to allergies.  Beginning with chewing just a few grains at a time and working up on the dose helps the body realize Bee Pollen is a food and not another allergen.  Research shows that Bee Pollen does not have to be from a local source to be beneficial.

 Aromatherapy for Allergies -  Lavender  essential oil, in a light carrier oil, can be massaged into the chest to reduce  spasms. Lavender has properties useful in treating allergies and is a  decongestant that is also effective against colds and flu.  Also consider Nature's Sunshine's Tei Fu oil, a reigning favorite at Herbs 'n' Whey.

 Stay Hydrated - Be sure to drink plenty of  pure water during the day. Some hay fever sufferers experience relief almost as  soon as they drink 2 or  more glasses of water.

 Strengthen Your Immune System - Build the immune system by eliminating a junk food, sugar-laden diet. Help the immune  system by eating simple  meals in as natural a state as possible.   Increase intake of magnesium (beans and nuts), B vitamins, vitamin A (fish,  yellow and green vegetables), iron (sesame seeds and preservative free dried fruit) and vitamin C (fresh citrus fruit and vegetables).Chew food thoroughly  and slowly while eating in a calm, relaxing environment.

 Nasal Irrigation with a Neti Pot - Some people have found  relief using nasal flushing  with a weak salt water solution  to restore tone to the nasal passages  and reduce inflammation.   Used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, nasal irrigation can relieve  chronic sinus problems as well as provide  acute allergy relief.

 Nutritional Advice for Allergy Relief - Nutritionally,  Pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, is thought to help reduce allergy actions, along  with other natural  anti-inflammatories, such as quercetin or L-glutamine.   Pantothenic acid stimulates production of antibodies. Fruits high in citric acid, like lemons and  oranges, can help break up mucus. Omega-3 fatty acids also help
by reducing inflammation in the body. Vitamin C helps your body to produce  adrenal  hormones to fight stress and reduce the  histamine response that causes allergy flare-ups.  Specific herbal formulas have  also been found to be beneficial. (See below)

 Homeopathy - Some of the common remedies are  Allium cepa, Euphrasia, Arsenicum, Pulsatilla, Nux vomica, Sabadilla and  Dulcamara. Homeopathic eye drops are also available.


It is recommended to avoid contact with known  allergens and to bathe before sleep to limit re-exposing yourself all night.   Avoid exposure during allergy season, and work on building a strong immune  system and vital force the rest of the year. That way, you can avoid or reduce  your allergies the coming season.
 
The Nature's Sunshine Products we have found very helpful and popular at Herbs 'n' Whey are: ALJ, HistaBlock, Fenugreek & Thyme, Sinus  Support and  Bee Pollen. 

  Jeanette Barcus, CHC, Herbs 'n' Whey Owner,
  www.herbsnwheystore.com

Resources: www.naturalnews.com ; The Comprehensive Guide to Nature's Sunshine Products, Tree of Light Publishing