The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports that allergic disorders affect at least 50 million people in the US Type 1 allergies and symptoms include asthma, eczema, hay fever, headaches, swelling, fatigue, chills, sensitivity to light and loss of appetite. Type 2 allergies can begin in infancy or childhood due to inherited tendencies and exposure to pollen, dust, and environmental toxins, including all the chemicals we breathe and eat. It all starts with your immune system not handling what’s coming!
Nature’s Way has the popular Sambucol Immune System, which is a combination of liquid elderberry, echinacea, zinc, vitamin C, and propolis (comes from bees, a natural antibiotic). Elderberry was used by gypsies in Europe to make their wine. Many of the severe symptoms of allergy are caused by inhalation of certain functions of the immune T and B cells, important for all cell-mediated immunity. Health Concerns Astra 8 Defense Builder is a Chinese herbal formula, which has been designed as a response to what goes on inside. Contains (Astragalus for throat and cough), Ganoderma (Reishi) Ginseng, Codonopsis (for breathing), Schizandra (for liver) and Licorice (soothing anti-inflammatory Lungs, Spleen and Kidney). Our intelligent immune system is designed to differentiate between healthy compounds and harmful substances.
However, when he meets the bad guys, it turns into an allergic reaction. Chinese medicine calls it a pattern of imbalance and stagnation. Planetary Formulas with Mullein Lung Complex, (formerly known as Breeze Free), is an ancient botanical support for lungs, congested breath, and other similar conditions. It is a combo of Chinese Herbs (non-stimulant). As uncomfortable and unpleasant as these symptoms are, bloating and mood swings, of which any food can be an allergen, wheat, milk, eggs, corn, soy, yeast and food additives are some of the guilty. Type 2 is usually triggered by food and environmental factors, including hyperactivity and memory loss. Natures Herbs has an Old Fashioned Remedy CL-7 formula with respiratory support herbs including mullein (acorns), slippery elm bark (stomach), elecampane (cough), and hyssop.
Type 1 allergies are most commonly caused by histamines, best known for chemicals that trigger the action of an enzyme in mast cells. Histamines are released by specialized cells, mast cells, which make small blood cells more adaptable to fluids (no wonder we swell!). The results are swelling, hives, nasal congestion, and tearing. Simufix Caps and Sinumist from Natural Care are 2 aids that will relieve dry, irritated nasal passages and promote a healthy immune response for sinus and allergy symptoms. They contain Oregano Extract 4 to 1, Nettle, Quercetin (which strengthens the walls of Blood Vessels), Golden Seal (a natural Antibiotic) and Grapefruit Seed Extract (also a powerful Antibiotic). The Mist is to spray into your Nostrils. I presented this to a firefighter, who had worked mountain fires in southern California that year.
They had been completely overwhelmed by the disastrous smoke in their lungs and wreaked havoc on their sinuses as well. Dr. John W. Tintera, MD. discovered that poor function of the adrenal glands explained several types of allergies. Cited in his book “The Adrenal Syndrome,” a deficiency of the adrenal response can explain many types of allergens that have their origin in failures of the adrenal glands, part of your endocrine glands located near the kidneys. Now Foods has Adrenal Support that contains Cayenne, Ginseng (an adaptogenic herb), Astragalus, Gota Kola (Ayurvedic), and Licorice. Now Foods also has Air Defense with their Proprietary Paractin Extract with Andrographis (great for tummy and Immune), Elderberry, Echinacea, Astragalus and Olive Leaf (for immunity and infections). You can certainly combine this with Herb Pharm’s Adrenal Support Tonic Tincture. Add some Herb Pharm Proplis Drops for Allergies, Respiratory Fighters Big Time.
Histamine also causes contraction of the smooth muscles and walls of the lungs, blood vessels, and the intestinal tract and bladder, itching, pain in the ears, and blocked nasal congestion (no fun). Clear Products has Clear Sinus And Ear, formulated by Stash Oz, (Masters In Traditional Oriental Medicine). Go to my website to read all about our seminar. Stimulant-free, reduces swelling, ear pressure, and dampness with Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi Hua), Scutellaris (Huang Quin), Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye), and Angelica Root (Bai Zhi). Another TCM is DR. Shen’s Min Kan Wan for dust, pollen and animal hair allergens. Now, some allergy relief for those peepers (eyes) subject to all the environmental toxins and chemicals. King Bio has allergy/red eye relief for inflamed watery conjunctivitis and swollen closed eyes with granules stuck in the morning when you wake up. Bioforce USA, Dr. Vogel’s famous homeopathic formulas have options for watery, puffy eyes and swollen sinuses with congestion. Similar to Old Remedy Mustard Plaster, Dr. Singhas Mustard Bath opens all your portals, especially soothing a stuffed head and removing toxic buildups.
Allergies can also speed up your heart rate. Using a watch with a second hand, count your heartbeats for 60 seconds to find your average pulse rate. This is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Take this pulse test to find out which foods you might be allergic to. Take your pulse 5 minutes before you eat, after you’ve finished eating, if your pulse varies as much as 12 to 20 beats later, a suspicious food may be the answer. To give your digestive tract more ammunition, Food Science Of Vermont has Mega-Probiotic Nd with FOS (what’s that? Fructo Oligosaccharides: This promotes the good bacteria on vegetables and helps break down undigested food proteins, other cause of allergies). Another work in progress for foods that hold back and cause dysfunction is Planetary Formulas Three Spices Sinus Support. Hit this one with lots of vitamin C. Now Foods has pantothenic acid that taken throughout the day could satisfy those terrible sinus headaches. You have to take enough, but it works! Or I could try.
More American Indian herbs for cleansing. Bio-Allers-Natra Bio Homeopathics has seasonal and year-round relief formulas. Great options for all ages, stimulating the body’s natural defenses and inherited resistance to allergies. For airborne allergies, tree pollen. Mold, yeast and dust Allergies to dairy products, grain allergies, animal hair and dander, and pet allergies can be taken on an ongoing basis. In addition, it is also good for the relief of down or clothing that contains sheep or wool allergens. Conventional Medicine responds to disease with powerful drugs that never get to the root.
Over-the-counter antihistamines create toxicity and undesirable side effects. It may be true that at some point we need them in the short term. Heel has Euphorbium Nasal Sinus Relief Spray for viral and bacterial rhinitis. Natra-Bio has cold and sinus spray. Some of the herbal teas can help. King of Health with Head and Throat Lollipop (you can imagine what it does!) Longjiang River Teas has some unusual herbs in the teas, but tastes good. Handy Packs for travel, in case Nelson Homeopatics has the Sinus Packs. Food additives include antibiotics, food colors, sulfites, monosodium glutamate. All of these increase the allergic response. Stress, excessive intake of refined processed foods, and nutritional deficiencies all contribute. Allergies are now showing up in children of all ages. Hebron Naturals USA has Kids Goodypops Berry Buddies with Echinacea and Vitamin C. Allergy shots aren’t always a cure-all. Finding the right program that works for you, be it Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Chinese Herbology, it still comes down to finding Inner Well-Being.
