Well, spring is in the air, noses are sneezing and it's allergy season. The trees are starting to sprout new leaves and with the new leaves and spring flowers comes the dreaded allergy season. My worst allergy enemy is pollen. In fact, this morning I had to hose down my car because it had yellow layer of pollen on it...despite it being kept in a closed garage.
I've had a few natural remedies that have really worked wonders against seasonal allergies. Ordinarily I would be sneezing, stuffed up and very tired. Instead, I can get the paper without a full on allergy attack all without the use of conventional pharmaceutical drugs.
An allergy is the result of your immune system's over-reaction to pollens, grass, airborne fungi and even certain foods and cosmetics. When an allergen is introduced, the body fights back by producing an excess of inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine, from mast cells. This attempt to seek-and-destroy the allergen brings on the familiar symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.
OTC antihistamines merely block the action of histamine at receptor sites. They only suppress the appearance of physical symptoms but do nothing to redirect the underlying cause. Antihistamines also often produce undesirable side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and even depression. Therefore treating allergies naturally gets to the root cause of the symptoms and side effects we detest.
During serious bouts with allergies, you may want to assume an all vegan diet, or at least consider reducing your consumption of meat and dairy products.
ESSENTIAL HERBS TO FIGHT ALLERGIES
Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle has enjoyed a long history as a treatment for seasonal allergies. Dr. Andrew Weil, author of Natural Health, Natural Medicine (Houghton Mifflin, 1998) reports success with this herb to treat his own allergies. Be careful not to confuse this herb with another species, U. Urens, which contains high levels of leukotrienes and histamine.
Ephedra (Ephedra sinicia): Also known as mahuang, the generic name of this herb may be familiar since a synthetic version of its primary alkaloid, ephedrine, can be found in many conventional remedies as pseudoephedrine. This herb has been used to treat bronchial and inflammatory disorders in Chinese medicine for more than 5,000 years. In fact, ephedra is often used to treat asthma. Note: Ephedra can raise both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and can cause excitability in some individuals.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Also known as purple coneflower, this Native American herb is one of the best immune enhancing supplements you can take. Echinacea has been the subject of more than 50 years worth of study and has clearly demonstrated an ability to increase the production of a number of T-cells and their distribution in the blood.
Garlic (Allium sativum): The antiviral properties of garlic have been well examined for many years. In Russia, the herb is known as "Russian penicillin" where it was once used to treat respiratory disorders in hospitals. Recent Japanese studies have found that aged garlic extract stimulates NK activity and a potent antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeasts. Garlic owes its efficacy to allicin, a byproduct derived from the amino acid alliin reacting with the enzyme alliinase. The biosynthesis of these constituents however, can be unstable in their natural state. Raw garlic is certainly good for you and has several health benefits to offer otherwise, but the enzyme necessary to produce allicin is usually destroyed in the stomach before the conversion can take place. For this reason, enteric-coated tablets of dried or powdered garlic tablets is the best form of supplementation to take advantage of this herb's immune-boosting qualities. Note: Garlic, and other alliums can raise or lower blood sugar levels. Consult your health care practitioner if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic.
Honey helps your body build antibodies to the allergens themselves. Using honey in teas or on bread daily can help ward off allergies. The key is to use locally grown, organic honey. The sames bees populating the plants near you will help you build up an immunity to the allergens in your area. (For more info about honey - read our article about the benefits of honey.)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Allergies Treatment
Millions of people have it or have most likely experienced its symptoms at one point of their lives. Runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing are just some of the most common symptoms of an allergy attack.
Other more serious symptoms may include the sudden appearance of hives, dizzy spells, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Some even experience behavioral changes as a reaction to an allergy attack. Allergies should not be taken lightly. There are instances when an allergy attack triggers severe reactions, which can ultimately lead to death.
The symptoms of an allergy attack can sometimes be very hard to differentiate from those of other ailments. Its symptoms can be erroneously diagnosed as those from the common cold or a food intolerance, to name a few. For these reasons, most doctors advocate that allergies be properly diagnosed by an experienced allergist to avoid taking in the wrong medication. Don't even try to self-medicate since it is known to cause more harm than good.
You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain in going to the doctor, so why wouldn't you? Not only will you get the correct diagnosis for your ailment but you will also be prescribed with the appropriate medications to ease and eliminate the discomforting symptoms as well.
Mild Allergies and Antihistamines
Taking antihistamines can be an economical and effective means to relieve the symptoms of the allergy attack and end your woes.
For most mild allergies such as hay fever or an allergy to animal hair, the symptoms can be successfully controlled by taking non-prescription (over-the-counter) antihistamines. But as diligent consumers, it is best to secure your doctor's approval and/or recommendation before taking the medication (or any other medication) to avoid the possibility of any medical complications.
However, it is sad to note that most people misunderstand the actions of these medications and think of them as an instant solution or a quick fix from allergy attacks. They think that once the symptoms start showing, they can just pop a pill and the symptoms will be gone in a moment! Antihistamines, unfortunately, do not work that way.
Antihistamines are most effective when taken well before the onset of the allergy season. For example, a person suffering from hay fever may benefit greatly from the medication when taken at least a week or two before the allergy season begins.
In choosing the appropriate antihistamine for this kind of allergies, look for one with chlorpheniramine maleate as its main active ingredient. Chlorpheniramine maleate has the benefit of being certified as the oldest and safest allergy drugs ever to hit the market. It can effectively control classical hay fever symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Antihistamine Regimen to Prevent Allergy Attacks
Doctors agree that allergy attacks can be prevented by adopting an antihistamine regimen before the onset of the allergy season. Prevent those discomforting allergy attacks by following the steps outlined below.
. Start off your routine by taking at least one-fourth of the recommended dosage as indicated in the package labels. Since antihistamines can cause drowsiness, it is advisable to start taking the medication in the evenings.
. Gradually increase the dosage as you begin to tolerate the effects of the medication. This will eventually come at approximately a week or two after you started your routine. By then, you can up the dosage by taking in two 12 milligram doses of antihistamine daily (one in the morning and another one during the evening). Studies show that significant relief from allergy symptoms can be achieved by taking this much dosage of antihistamine.
By following these recommendations, you can say goodbye to your allergy attacks forever!
Other more serious symptoms may include the sudden appearance of hives, dizzy spells, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Some even experience behavioral changes as a reaction to an allergy attack. Allergies should not be taken lightly. There are instances when an allergy attack triggers severe reactions, which can ultimately lead to death.
The symptoms of an allergy attack can sometimes be very hard to differentiate from those of other ailments. Its symptoms can be erroneously diagnosed as those from the common cold or a food intolerance, to name a few. For these reasons, most doctors advocate that allergies be properly diagnosed by an experienced allergist to avoid taking in the wrong medication. Don't even try to self-medicate since it is known to cause more harm than good.
You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain in going to the doctor, so why wouldn't you? Not only will you get the correct diagnosis for your ailment but you will also be prescribed with the appropriate medications to ease and eliminate the discomforting symptoms as well.
Mild Allergies and Antihistamines
Taking antihistamines can be an economical and effective means to relieve the symptoms of the allergy attack and end your woes.
For most mild allergies such as hay fever or an allergy to animal hair, the symptoms can be successfully controlled by taking non-prescription (over-the-counter) antihistamines. But as diligent consumers, it is best to secure your doctor's approval and/or recommendation before taking the medication (or any other medication) to avoid the possibility of any medical complications.
However, it is sad to note that most people misunderstand the actions of these medications and think of them as an instant solution or a quick fix from allergy attacks. They think that once the symptoms start showing, they can just pop a pill and the symptoms will be gone in a moment! Antihistamines, unfortunately, do not work that way.
Antihistamines are most effective when taken well before the onset of the allergy season. For example, a person suffering from hay fever may benefit greatly from the medication when taken at least a week or two before the allergy season begins.
In choosing the appropriate antihistamine for this kind of allergies, look for one with chlorpheniramine maleate as its main active ingredient. Chlorpheniramine maleate has the benefit of being certified as the oldest and safest allergy drugs ever to hit the market. It can effectively control classical hay fever symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Antihistamine Regimen to Prevent Allergy Attacks
Doctors agree that allergy attacks can be prevented by adopting an antihistamine regimen before the onset of the allergy season. Prevent those discomforting allergy attacks by following the steps outlined below.
. Start off your routine by taking at least one-fourth of the recommended dosage as indicated in the package labels. Since antihistamines can cause drowsiness, it is advisable to start taking the medication in the evenings.
. Gradually increase the dosage as you begin to tolerate the effects of the medication. This will eventually come at approximately a week or two after you started your routine. By then, you can up the dosage by taking in two 12 milligram doses of antihistamine daily (one in the morning and another one during the evening). Studies show that significant relief from allergy symptoms can be achieved by taking this much dosage of antihistamine.
By following these recommendations, you can say goodbye to your allergy attacks forever!
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